Antioxidants are often presented as individual hero ingredients. Vitamin C brightens. Carotenoids defend. CoQ10 supports cellular energy.

In skin, however, antioxidants work as a network.

Different antioxidants function in different environments and through different pathways. Some are most useful in water-rich areas, while others help protect lipid membranes and barrier oils. Some neutralize reactive molecules directly, while others help restore antioxidants that have already done their work.

This is why a longer ingredient list does not automatically make a better antioxidant formula. The ingredients must be thoughtfully selected, kept stable, and delivered in forms the skin can effectively use.

What is oxidative stress?

Skin naturally encounters reactive molecules through normal metabolism and everyday exposure to sunlight, pollution, heat, smoke, and other environmental stressors.

Oxidative stress occurs when these reactive molecules begin to overwhelm skin’s natural defenses. Over time, they can place pressure on collagen, cellular membranes, and the lipids that help maintain a healthy barrier.

Visible signs may include:

• Dullness and uneven tone
• Dehydration and sensitivity
• Rough texture
• Loss of firmness
• Fine lines

Antioxidants help skin manage this daily pressure. They do not eliminate every reactive molecule, nor should they. Their role is to help maintain balance and reinforce the defense systems skin already possesses.

Why an antioxidant network matters

No single antioxidant can support every part of the skin.

Water-soluble antioxidants work differently from oil-soluble ones. Vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, botanical extracts, and antioxidant enzymes each bring something distinct.

When thoughtfully combined, they can offer broader support than one celebrated ingredient working alone.

This network approach is central to the way we formulate at LINNÉ. Rather than asking one active to do everything, we combine complementary antioxidants with replenishing lipids, humectants, and barrier-supportive botanicals.

Why formulation matters

An impressive ingredient can still underperform in a poorly designed formula.

Its usefulness depends on:

Stability
Many antioxidants are sensitive to light, heat, air, or water. Packaging and manufacturing must help protect them from degradation.

Solubility
Some antioxidants prefer water, while others require oil or lipid-based carriers. They must be placed within a formula that suits their chemistry.

Delivery
The form of an ingredient and the system carrying it influence how evenly it disperses and how effectively it interacts with skin.

Compatibility
Antioxidants must coexist with one another and with the rest of the formula without becoming unstable or irritating.

The ingredient name matters, but so does everything surrounding it.

Astaxanthin: protection from microalgae

Astaxanthin is a vivid red-orange carotenoid produced by microalgae. In nature, it helps the organism withstand intense light and environmental stress.

Its structure allows it to associate with lipid membranes, making it especially interesting for both nutritional science and topical skincare.

In skin, astaxanthin may help:

• Reinforce antioxidant defenses
• Support resilience against environmental stress
• Preserve the appearance of smoothness and elasticity
• Complement other carotenoids and botanical antioxidants

Because astaxanthin is oil-soluble and sensitive to oxidation, its source and delivery format are especially important.

In RENEW, we use an oil-based astaxanthin oleoresin incorporated into the lipid phase of the formula. Its naturally vivid pigment contributes to RENEW’s color, alongside other carotenoids and phytonutrients.

The color is not added for effect. It comes from the ingredients themselves.

Coenzyme Q10: energy meets antioxidant defense

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a lipid-soluble compound naturally produced by the body.

It plays an essential role in mitochondrial energy production and also contributes antioxidant protection within lipid-rich environments, including cellular membranes.

This dual role makes CoQ10 especially compelling for skin, which requires energy to renew and repair itself while continuously managing environmental exposure.

Topically, CoQ10 may help:

• Support skin’s antioxidant defenses
• Reinforce cellular processes associated with healthy-looking skin
• Reduce the visible effects of environmental stress
• Promote a smoother, more resilient appearance

CoQ10 can be challenging to formulate because it is highly oil-soluble. In RENEW and REVIVE, we use ubiquinone in a phospholipid delivery system to help incorporate it effectively into the formula.

Why we use both

Astaxanthin and CoQ10 share antioxidant qualities, but they are not interchangeable.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with a distinctive relationship to environmental stress and lipid membranes. CoQ10 supports both antioxidant defense and mitochondrial energy production.

Together, they complement the broader network of vitamins, carotenoids, botanical extracts, and lipids found in RENEW.

That is the value of an antioxidant network: multiple ingredients, each contributing something different to a more complete system.

More than an ingredient list

Two products can contain the same antioxidant and perform very differently.

Species, sourcing, extraction, freshness, concentration, carrier system, manufacturing, packaging, and companion ingredients all influence the final result.

A formula is not simply a container for active ingredients. It is the system that protects them and determines how coherently they work together.

At LINNÉ, we formulate antioxidant networks rather than relying on a single hero ingredient.

Because the ingredient matters. And so does the formula.

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My Daily Supplement Routine

After recently sharing a picture of my morning and evening supplements, I received so many requests for the complete list. I have gathered what I currently take, when I take it, and why each supplement has earned a place in my routine.

I take most of these most days, but I forget often too. For me, health is less about rigid perfection and more about weaving supportive practices in and out of daily life. - Jenna, Founder

(Each underlined product name is linked for easy reference.)

Morning

Multivitamin
I continue taking this prenatal while nursing to support the increased nutritional demands of lactation, but honestly, it is simply a great multivitamin. It is formulated for pregnancy and postpartum, which means it is especially nutrient-dense, with broad coverage of choline, iodine, vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and more. I could easily see taking it as a regular daily supplement at any stage. Just note that it does not contain iron.

Cognitive Support
A formula I take to support focus, memory, mental stamina, and visual health. It combines Alpha-GPC and phosphatidylserine with bacopa, adaptogenic botanicals, mushrooms, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Daily Probiotic
I take Seed to support digestive regularity, gut-barrier health, and a balanced intestinal ecosystem. I take it in the morning for consistency, although it can be used at another time if preferred.

Afternoon, with a meal containing fat

I group these together because omega-3s, CoQ10, and astaxanthin are lipid-based or fat-soluble and are best taken with a substantial meal.

Omega-3
For DHA and EPA to support brain, eye, cardiovascular, and inflammatory health. DHA intake is also especially relevant while nursing because it contributes to breast-milk DHA.

CoQ10
CoQ10 supports mitochondrial energy production while also functioning as a fat-soluble antioxidant. I take it for cellular energy, cardiovascular support, and healthy aging.

Astaxanthin
A vivid red carotenoid produced by microalgae. I take it for antioxidant support and its potential benefits for skin, eye health, exercise recovery, and resilience to oxidative stress.

Omega-15
A source of C15:0, an odd-chain fatty acid being studied for its relationship to cellular membranes, metabolic health, and healthy aging.

Evening

Magnesium
Magnesium supports normal muscle and nerve function, relaxation, energy metabolism, and digestive regularity. Evening is simply the most convenient and consistent time for me to take it.

Botanical Foods and Tonic Powders I Enjoy as Desired

I do not take these every day or treat them like required supplements. I enjoy adding them to smoothies, warm drinks, or tonics depending on what sounds and feels good.

Yin Power
A broad herbal tonic combining reishi, he shou wu, ashwagandha, pearl, pine pollen, astragalus, tocos, and shatavari. I reach for it as a nourishing ritual associated with balance, resilience, radiance, and vitality.

Triphala
A traditional Ayurvedic blend of amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki. I enjoy it when I want gentle digestive and elimination support rather than as a fixed daily requirement.

Ashitaba
A caffeine-free Japanese botanical traditionally enjoyed for natural energy, digestion, circulation, and general vitality. It also contains naturally occurring chalcones and other antioxidant compounds. 

Anandamide
A cacao-based blend with tocos, ashwagandha, maca, reishi, mucuna, botanicals, and spices. I enjoy it as a comforting, mood-supportive elixir and add it to coffee when I'm not drinking matcha. For a simple, yet ceremonial cacao I love Keith's Cacao. 

Tocos
Creamy rice-bran solubles naturally rich in vitamin E compounds. I add them to smoothies and warm drinks for texture, flavor, and a little extra antioxidant-rich “skin food.”

Pearl
A finely levigated freshwater pearl powder traditionally used in Taoist herbalism as a beauty and spirit tonic. I enjoy adding it to elixirs/smoothies/matcha for its naturally occurring minerals and amino acids, and for the ritual of supporting radiance, calm, and overall nourishment from within. 

Pine Pollen
A cracked-cell, wildcrafted pine-pollen powder that I occasionally blend into tonics or food as a traditional vitality ingredient.

Supplements I’m Interested in Revisiting After Breastfeeding

Hormone Support
A menstrual-wellness formula combining L-theanine, 5-HTP, ashwagandha, borage oil, vitamins, and minerals. I am interested in it for mood, stress resilience, energy, and support through the hormonal transition that can accompany weaning and the return of a regular cycle. Looni does not recommend it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and 5-HTP may interact with antidepressants. My dear friend Chelsea Leyland is the founder of LOONI and I trust her and her research team, so Im excited to try this when appropriate.

This is my personal supplement routine, not individualized medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning or changing a supplement regimen, particularly while pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.