SES Carbon 60: Anti-Aging Game Changer? 12 Facts To Know Before Buying

Updated 10/12/24 Carbon 60, also known as C60, C60 Fullerene, and buckyballs, is one of the most unique antioxidant /anti-aging compounds I've ever encountered.  This compound, which is not technically classified as a dietary supplement, is also known as ESS60, and My Vital C. SES Research is one of the major companies that make it, although other companies do too. It's fast becoming very popular in the world of anti-aging bio-hackers because research reports it has doubled mice's lifespan. Can Carbon 60 double our lifespans too? In this SES C60 review, you'll learn about what Carbon 60 is and the anti-aging research. Is C60 safe, and does it really work?  Is it a scam? Is Carbon 60 the super antioxidant everybody has been waiting for? Let's see…

 

1 What Is Carbon 60 Fullerene?

There are many different types of Fullerene molecules (also called buckyballs). Fullerene C60 is the smallest of them. It's composed of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a specific shape. That shape is similar to the geodesic dome, invented by Richard Buckminster Fuller. This is why C60 is also called “Fullerene C60.”

Tip: The geodesic dome looks like that big golf ball thingy at Epcot Center.

2 How Does Carbon C60 Work?

Carbon 60 has antioxidant properties. But, this molecule works differently than other antioxidants you may have heard of, such as vitamin C or glutathione.

Carbon 60 appears to act like superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant enzyme – at least, that's what researchers in 2008 noted in their mouse study. Not all studies show this, however.

3 Carbon 60 Lifespan & Longevity Research

So, can Carbon 60 dissolved in olive oil double your lifespan? So far, there have been two investigations on C60 for prolonging the lifespan. Both of them are mouse studies.

Study

Researchers in 2008 noted mice lived between 5% and 11% longer and had improved memory function after consuming carbon 60 in their drinking water.

Study

In 2012, other investigators reported carbon 60 doubled the lifespans of mice compared to those that did not get C60. Mice receiving carbon 60 in olive oil lived for about 42 months, while those receiving either water or olive oil lived an average of 22 months to 26 months. These researchers were specifically testing SES C60 in olive oil.

Study

Not all research shows the carbon 60 molecule prolongs life. In a study conducted in 2021, it was reported that male and female mice given carbon 60 in olive oil for seven months did not live any longer than mice given water. The C60-treated mice, however, did live longer than mice that were given only olive oil.

Any Other Research?

Given the implications, its odd that longevity research appears to have stalled. When this review was updated, no clinical trials looking at carbon 60 health benefits in humans could be located. True, it would be difficult to prove Carbon 60 doubles human lifespan. However, no research could be discovered to see the effects this molecule would have on anything. For example, does Carbon 60:

• lower blood pressure or resting heart rate
• reduce blood sugar or HbA1c
• lower cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides or raise HDL
• improve exercise performance and energy
• reduce depression or anxiety
• improve mental focus/reduce brain fog
• help people sleep better
• raise SOD levels in humans
• does absorption vary according to whether you take it with food or on an empty stomach

Since carbon 60 has been known since the 1980s, this lack of basic human research is troubling.

4 Who Makes SES Carbon 60 in Olive Oil?

The company is called SES Research Inc. Their website is SesRes.com.

The company is located at 5999 West 34th, Suite 106, Houston, TX 77092.

Contact Phone Numbers

• (800) 275-0082
• (713) 686-9662

I called the company on more than one occasion. Their customer service people were knowledgeable, honest, and friendly, and they quickly addressed my questions.

Since 1991, the co-owner of SES Research is Chris Burres. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has a BS in mechanical engineering. He is also the owner of EwebResults.com an SEO company that helps websites get ranked in search engines.

5  How Do You Take SES C60?

SES Research has put together a video on how to take Fullerene Carbon 60. Basically, you use the included syringe, pull out 5 ml of C60, and squirt it into your mouth.

6 SES C60: Fine Grade vs. Original Grade

If you go to the SES website (SesRes.com), you'll see there are two different versions (grades) of this product:

1. Original Research Grade
2. Fine Grade

The difference is in the grade of olive oil used. Here's how they differ:

• Original Research Grade: the olive oil comes from different regions in Spain.
• Fine Grade: the olive oil comes from one specific area of Greece (the iLiada region).

Notice the difference? Fine grade uses olive oil from 1 specific region of Greece – the iLiada region. Research Grade uses olive oil which comes from different regions of Spain.

Another difference is the Fine Grade bottles contain 100 ml (3.3 oz) of Carbon60 while Research Grade bottles contain a wee bit more – 120 ml (4 oz). I have not tasted C60 but I was told some customers say the Research Grade tastes a little bit better.

Both grades of SES C60 are 99.99% pure C60 molecules.

7 How Much Does SES C 60 Cost?

The SES Research website has the following prices:

Original Research Grade

• 1 bottle (120ml): $54.95

Customers can opt for a monthly subscription at a discounted cost too.

Fine Grade

• 1 bottle (120 ml): $74.95

Discounts are available when subscribing to auto-shipments.

Can You Buy It In Stores?

You cannot purchase SES Carbon 60 at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Costco, Wegmans, or Rite Aid. However, you can purchase the product at the SES Research website (SesRes.com).

Here it is on Amazon

SES C60 Video Review

Here's a video I created on Carbon 60:

8 What Is ESS60 and My Vital C?

These are other names for the carbon 60 supplement. It's the same thing – C60 in olive oil  – except that it goes through additional processing to

make sure it's safe for humans. This is what you'd get if you purchased it at the My Vital C website.

9 SES C60 Versus

As I soon discovered, there is a LOT of carbon 60 products on Amazon. For example, as I researched this topic, I saw C 60 packaged with:

• Coconut oil
• MCT Oil
• Sunflower oil
• Hempseed oil
• Avocado oil

One company claimed their product to be “NASA Grade,” whatever that means. Another company claimed their carbon 60 was “Super.”

For the person looking for the best carbon60 product, this variety can make buying confusing – but it doesn't have to be. SES Research customer service told me they supply the C60 for most other companies. Remembering this fact should make purchasing decisions easier.

Something else to consider is the longevity studies I saw used C60 in olive oil – not the other oils. Whether or not olive oil makes a difference in the effectiveness of carbon60 results I cannot say. The product also comes in MCT oil, avocado oil too.

Bottom line: Because SES Research supplies carbon 60 to other companies and their product has been used in at least 1 anti-aging study, this gives them a leg up over other products in my opinion.

10 Fullerene C60 Side Effects

Is carbon 60 safe or toxic? Long-term side effects are not known. The FAQ page of the SES website (SES.RES.com) states that neither carbon 60 in powdered form or C60 in olive oil has been tested in humans. In addition, information on drug interactions or how carbon 60 interacts with health problems – diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, etc.-  is not known. So if you try it, start with less than recommended for at least the first week to see what happens. In one mouse study, it was reported that carbon 60 crossed the blood-brain barrier within 24 hours of use. What does this mean? That same investigation stated that carbon 60 was completely removed from the blood after 97 hours. But how long does it remain in brain tissue?

Until more is known, avoid carbon 60 products housed in clear bottles. Exposure to light appears to make carbon 60 toxic. In one report, mice died with in 2 weeks of being given C60 dissolved in extra virgin olive oil that was exposed to ambient light. It appears carbon 60 exposed to sunlight or other light sources generates toxic compounds that shorten lifespan. Only purchase C60 in dark bottles that you cannot see through.

Carbon 60 molecule is small – it's a nanoparticle. This brings up some interesting questions, such as:

1. What are the long-term health benefits /side effects of using a Carbon 60 product?
2. If we excrete the carbon 60 nano-particles, what is the environmental impact?

While the preliminary anti-aging research is interesting, before you try it, talk to your doctor and pharmacist if:

• You are pregnant/breastfeeding.
• Have any health problems.
• Take any medications.
• Stop taking carbon 60 at least two weeks before having surgery.
• Talk to your veterinarian before giving it to your pets. Dogs and cats are not mice and rats.
• It's not known how Carbon 60 interacts with dietary supplements you may be taking.

11 SES Carbon 60 FAQ

How much do you take?

According to the SES Research website, the amount you should take is based on how much you weigh. The SES website has a dosage calculator to help you figure this out. Just enter your weight, and they tell you how much C 60 to take.

The dosage calculator tells you the amount based on milliliters (if you use the syringe) and teaspoons. Here's a quick breakdown based on body weights I entered:

• 140 pounds: 4.25 ml (1 teaspoon)
• 180 pounds: 5.25 ml (1  1/4 teaspoon)
• 200 pounds 6 ml (1  1/4 teaspoon)

Remember, these dosages are not based on actual human testing. Essentially, the company is doing mice-to-human dosage calculations. This is common in science, but it really should be backed up with human studies, in my opinion.

Does C60 need to be refrigerated?

No refrigeration is needed. You can store Carbon 60 just as you store olive oil. According to the “how do you take it” video above, you can store it in your medicine cabinet or kitchen pantry.

How long until you start seeing results?

This is unknown until human clinical trials are conducted. If C60 has health benefits, my guess is your results would vary according to what your condition is and its severity. Results might also differ from person to person.

Do You Take C60 with or without food?

As the company correctly states, olive oil is food (but C60 isn't). This reporter is not aware of human testing on taken with food vs. empty stomachs.

How long will a bottle of SES C60 last?

If you take 5 ml per day, a 100 ml bottle will last you 20 days. If you purchase a 120 ml bottle and take 5 ml per day, a bottle will last you 24 days.

What kind of olive oil does SES C 60 use?

The Fine Grade uses olive oil from the Iliada region of Greece. The Research Grade uses olive oil from different regions of Spain.

Are the bottles BPA-free?

SES C60 comes in BPA-free bottles.

Was C60 discovered or invented?

Carbon 60 Fullerene was discovered in 1985. The molecule was not invented. It is not patented, although a patent for producing fullerene nanostructures does exist.

How long does Carbon 60 stay in the body?

Studies involving rats have noted Carbon 60 nanoparticles could stay in the body for several months. It appears to be removed from the blood after 97 days. However, remember these claims involve rodents and not humans. While rat studies had not noted toxicity even when a very large amount was used (2000 mg per kilogram of body weight), the research only lasted a couple of weeks.

Is Carbon 60 a dietary supplement?

When I searched the SES Research website, I did not see the word “supplement” mentioned anywhere. When I called the company, I was told they do not refer to it as a dietary supplement. Most other companies selling Carbon 60 do not refer to it as a dietary supplement either. In addition, the compound is not referred to as a dietary supplement in the abovementioned rodent studies.

This says to me Carbon 60 Fullerene is not a dietary supplement. This is important because people still ask me about the “C60 supplements.”

Contrary to belief, dietary supplements are regulated, and they have a definition. Part of the definition is supplements have to be things we have been consuming regularly. Humans have not been consuming carbon 60 as a staple of the diet, so that's probably why companies shy away from calling it a dietary supplement.

See my FAQ page for the definition of supplements.

Is SES Carbon 60 a drug?

While bottles have a “pharmacy look,” carbon 60 fullerene is not a prescription drug.  You do not need a prescription to get it.

12 Does Carbon 60 Work?

There's no doubt C60 and SES C60, in particular, are popular. Some people on the web say it might be a life-extension game changer. But for now, the only proof it slows aging is a couple of mouse studies. This says to me that C60 is not ready for prime time. So far, no negative side effects have been reported, but I'd like to see more human testing to know if it's at least safe for long-term use.

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Any Questions Or Comments?