The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum Review

The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Squalane, Phospholipids, Lecithin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Carbomer, Polysorbate 60, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ubiquinone, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Review

Does The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.5 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Ubiquinone, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, and Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering The INKEY List Q10 Antioxidant Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Glycolipids
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
14.2
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.1
1.5
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 14.2 10
10.0
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.1 20
1.5
1.5
1.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 14.2 10
10
All humectants
14.2
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
1.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.1 20
1.5
All occlusives
3.1
1.5
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Propanediol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) ExtractExtracted from soybeans, this ingredient contains antioxidant and soothing phytochemicals and is especially suitable for aging skin.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Glycolipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycolipidsVarious lipids combined with one or more sugars. It can be used as an emulsifier or a very gentle cleanser.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) SterolsA mixture of phytosterols isolated from soybean oil. Phytosterols, when used in skincare products, have emollient properties and can make the skin feel softer and smoother.
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl HydroxythreonineA synthetically made peptide that was designed to target the dermo-epidermal junction, where it should stimulate the production of structural proteins. It has not been clinically tested yet.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.