Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
A naturally occurring antioxidant present in every cell that declines significantly with age. In the skin, CoQ10 protects against oxidative damage from UV radiation and pollution, supports cellular energy production in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and reduces the depth of wrinkles. It is both an antioxidant and an energizer of the cellular processes that maintain skin health.
Concentration & Usage
Concentrations: 0.01-1% in cosmetic products. Higher penetration with oil-based or liposomal delivery systems. Apply morning and/or night. Pairs well with vitamin C and E. Ubiquinol (reduced form) is more active but less stable than ubiquinone in formulations.
Application
Topical (serum, cream, oil). Oil-soluble — better absorbed from oil-based or emulsion-based products.
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Mechanism of Action
CoQ10 (ubiquinone) exists in the mitochondrial inner membrane as part of the electron transport chain (Complexes I, II, and III), where it shuttles electrons for ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation—the fundamental cellular energy process. Skin CoQ10 levels decline approximately 1% per year after age 30. By maintaining mitochondrial function and ATP production in aging keratinocytes and fibroblasts, CoQ10 supports energy-dependent repair processes: DNA repair, protein synthesis, and cellular turnover. As a lipophilic antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals in membranes (including peroxyl radicals) and regenerates vitamin E (tocopherol) from its radical form. CoQ10 directly inhibits UVA-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1, interstitial collagenase), preventing photoaging-related collagen breakdown. It may also reduce IL-6 and other inflammatory mediators. Ubiquinol (the reduced form) is more potent but less stable in formulations. Oil-based or liposomal delivery enhances penetration through the stratum corneum.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. No prescription required.
Risks & Safety
Common
Essentially none at cosmetic concentrations. Orange-yellow color can stain light-colored products.
Serious
None.
Rare
Contact allergy (extremely rare).
Compare Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) With
Research Papers
10Published: July 22, 1999
AI Summary
CoQ10 was also able to significantly suppress the expression of collagenase in human dermal fibroblasts following UVA irradiation. These results indicate that CoQ10 has the efficacy to prevent many of the detrimental effects of photoaging.
Published: August 8, 2016
AI Summary
In this study, the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) on flap survival was investigated.
Published: January 22, 2009
AI Summary
However, it is widely distributed in nature, with reasonable amounts found in olive oil, palm oil, wheat-germ oil, amaranth oil, and rice bran oil. We summarize investigations performed in previous reports from both in vitro and in vivo models.
Published: July 28, 2000
AI Summary
The respiratory-chain deficiencies are a broad group of largely untreatable diseases. Among them, coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) deficiency constitutes a subclass that deserves early and accurate diagnosis.
Published: March 27, 2025
AI Summary
Coenzyme Q10, a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body, aids in energy production for cell repair and regeneration, while Resveratrol, found in grapes and berries, provides anti-ageing benefits by enhancing skin's resistance to oxidative stress.
Published: January 3, 2025
AI Summary
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is widely recognized for its powerful antioxidant properties, sparking considerable interest in its application within skincare treatments. However, its inherently poor water solubility has posed a major challenge in formulating effective skincare products.
Published: September 7, 2025
AI Summary
Results: The combination of EGCG + RET and EGCG + CoQ10 showed the most significant increase in both elastin and collagen type I synthesis, surpassing the effects of individual antioxidants. These findings suggest that antioxidant combinations can be developed for effective anti-aging skincare formulations.
Published: June 23, 2012
AI Summary
We demonstrated that CoQ(10) treatment promoted proliferation of fibroblasts, increased type IV collagen expression and reduced UVR-induced matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) level in embryonic and adult cells.
Published: August 31, 2007
AI Summary
L-ergothioneine (EGT) is a stable antioxidant found in food plants as well as in animal tissue undergoing relatively high levels of oxidative stress. All are potent antioxidants found in skincare products, but their relative potencies are not well described.
Published: October 1, 2023
AI Summary
The efficacy of topical application of the coenzyme to counteract this process is subject to several difficulties, due to its instability in the presence of light, low solubility in water and high lipophilicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) used for?
A naturally occurring antioxidant present in every cell that declines significantly with age. In the skin, CoQ10 protects against oxidative damage from UV radiation and pollution, supports cellular energy production in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and reduces the depth of wrinkles. It is both an antioxidant and an energizer of the cellular processes that maintain skin health.
What are the side effects of Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)?
Common: Essentially none at cosmetic concentrations. Orange-yellow color can stain light-colored products. Serious: None. Rare: Contact allergy (extremely rare).
How is Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) administered?
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) is administered via topical (serum, cream, oil). oil-soluble — better absorbed from oil-based or emulsion-based products..
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