Anti-Aging DIY Serum with Vitamin C & CoQ10 [Easy to Make]

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Simple to make, DIY anti-aging serum recipe formulated with anti-aging ingredients proven by science.

I would like to start by saying that I am very proud of this recipe. I have a huge interest in anti-aging skincare ingredients, and I am always looking for ways to incorporate these ingredients into my DIY skincare products. When I research my ingredients, I want to make sure that they are not only effective and safe, but also easy to use in homemade products. I have quite a list of such ingredients in my notes, and I promise I will create recipes with all of them at some point.

Today, I will share with you an easy DIY anti-aging serum with ingredients that make me excited the most: Vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10.

These 2 ingredients are some of the most researched anti-aging skincare ingredients out there. Both have been proven to be effective by multiple studies.a

You may ask – Will a DIY newbie be able to use these ingredients? Coenzyme Q10 seem like serious stuff.

Yes, we are making serious stuff! And yes, you will easily be able to replicate this formula!

This recipe is as easy as making a body butter. Like I just mentioned, I have a not-so-small list of effective anti-aging ingredients. However, for this DIY facial serum, I chose only oil-soluble ingredients. No water-based ingredients that might spoil and no preservatives needed. Simple and effective. This recipe is a great example that with some proper research, anyone can make professional strength skincare products that are effective and safe.

I have no doubt that you will like this recipe as much as I do. But before we jump into making this DIY face serum, let me tell you a little bit more about the ingredients.

 

Ingredients aka why this DIY face serum has anti-aging properties?

 

What ages us?

One of the biggest culprits of aging skin are free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage our cells. As we age, and as free radicals take their toll on the collagen and elastin in our skin, the skin loses its strength and elasticity.

Unfortunately, free radicals exist naturally within our body as a waste product of our metabolism. However, it is very important to note that their concentrations are highly increased by our lifestyle and environmental factors such as UV radiation, pollution, smoking and poor diet.

To fight these free radicals our bodies use strong antioxidants. One of them is Coenzyme Q10, which can be found in every cell. CoQ10 neutralizes free radicals, reducing their concentrations and minimizing their effect on collagen and elastin in the skin.

An interesting fact is that our natural levels of CoQ10 start to gradually decline at the age of 20 even though our bodies need more and more of it as we age.

The good news is that CoQ10 can be replenished!

Using serums, moisturizers and lotions containing CoQ10 can significantly increase its concentration in the skin. This will help your skin fight free radicals and remain strong and elastic.

Here are some studies talking about CoQ10 anti-aging benefits when applied topically:

Coenzyme Q₁₀, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer

Mechanisms of inhibitory effects of CoQ₁₀ on UVB‐induced wrinkle formation in vitro and in vivo

Topical treatment with coenzyme Q10-containing formulas improves skin’s Q10 level and provides antioxidative effects

 

Vitamin C

The 2nd star ingredient in this DIY anti-aging serum recipe is vitamin C. Vitamin C is not just an active ingredient. It is a holy grail for many skincare enthusiasts around the world. Not only there are plenty of studies proving its efficacy for anti-aging but also many people online sharing their success stories using vitamin C based products.

I don’t want to make this article too long, so I won’t go into details about vitamin C. For a quick summary, see this quote from one study:

“RESULTS: As one of the most powerful antioxidants in the skin, vitamin C has been shown to protect against photoaging, ultraviolet-induced immunosuppression, and photocarcinogenesis. It also has an antiaging effect by increasing collagen synthesis, stabilizing collagen fibers, and decreasing collagen degradation. It decreases melanin formation, thereby reducing pigmentation. Vitamin C is the primary replenisher of vitamin E and works synergistically with vitamin E in the protection against oxidative damage.”

What Vitamin C to use

Before writing this post I had a look at other homemade anti-aging serum recipes online. Most recipes, as expected, use ascorbic acid, because it is the most well known form of vitamin C. 

The problem is that ascorbic acid is highly unstable. It is very effective but can oxidize quickly, loosing all its power. Even skin-care companies struggle with this, so what are the chances that we can make a stable, effective product at home using ascorbic acid? Very low, if you ask me. Some DIY beauty gurus address this issue by remaking the vitamin C serum weekly to ensure it is always fresh and delivers results.

But I have found a better solution – Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a more stable and gentler version of vitamin C. It is considered to be slightly weaker than ascorbic acid, but it is way more reliable and does not cause skin irritation (unlike ascorbic acid). Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is resistant to oxidation for up to 18 months. Also, it’s effective at pH levels 5.5-6.5 that are better for our skin. 

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate delivers skin benefits at usage rates as low as 0.5%.  It is also fully oil-soluble which makes it super easy to work with. You can just add it to your favorite oils and enjoy effective vitamin C skin benefits without irritation.

Here are some study results from Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate topical application:

Efficacy and tolerability of a novel antioxidant formulation containing 30 (w/w) % of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a lipid-soluble form of vitamin C

 

Rosehip oil

As a base for this recipe, I used Rosehip oil. If you have your favorite face oil, feel free to use it in this recipe instead. Jojoba oil is a very good alternative as it suits all skin types.

I chose Rosehip oil because it is one of few carrier oils that can offer effective anti-aging benefits. This is thanks to its high vitamin A content. You see, Vitamin A consists of several nutritional compounds, including retinoids. Retinoids are known for their ability to fade scars, reduce hyperpigmentation and other visible signs of aging when used regularly.

Another reason to choose Rosehip oil, is that it has a pretty good fatty acid profile. It has high levels of linoleic acid (omega 6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3) – the fatty acids that our skin craves the most.

Rosehip oil sinks into the skin pretty fast and does not feel too greasy, so most people enjoy using it on their faces.

 

Vitamin E oil

Vitamin E oil is a well known antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient. I try to add it to most of my oil-based formulations. Not only does it boosts the antioxidant levels of the product, but also extends shelf life of oils, so we can enjoy our serums for longer.

 

What results to expect from this facial serum?

Something to note is that aging does not happen overnight, so the results need some time to show as well.

Vitamin C should deliver visible results within a month (depending on your current skin condition). You should see your skin becoming brighter and more evenly toned.

Meanwhile, CoQ10 will help your skin to fight free radicals and maintain its youth long-term. Rosehip oil will provide anti-aging properties (through vitamin A) and will enrich your skin with essential fatty acids that are necessary for the skin to maintain a healthy protective barrier in order to retain moisture.

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How to use face serum with Vitamin C & CoQ10?

I like to use this face serum at night. I apply it on damp skin immediately after a shower. This way, the oil seals moisture inside the skin and creates a protective barrier. 

Of course, you can use it during the day too as Rosehip oil absorbs well. However, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on top as vitamin C can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

 

Anti-aging face serum recipe

 

88.5 % | 26.5 g – Rosehip Seed Oil

10% | 3 g – Vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate)

1% | 0.3 g – Q-MAX Coenzyme Q10

0.5% | 0.15 g – Vitamin E 

To make this DIY face serum you will also need the following equipment:

– 30 ml bottle with a dropper (comes with a mini funnel)

– Mini digital scale

 

Making DIY anti-aging serum

The process of making this DIY face serum is very simple because all the ingredients are oil-soluble. Simply measure all your ingredients, combine them in a bottle and shake to mix. 

It’s that simple! Despite how easy it is to make, the effectiveness of this DIY serum comes from the powerful ingredients used.

You can add couple drops of essential oils if you’d like some scent. Avoid adding more than couple as it may cause skin irritation.