Why we love ubiquinone (aka CoQ10 or coenzyme Q10)

Most skin care fans know that CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant. And many likely know that CoQ10 is vital for energy production (on a cellular, mitochondrial level). But more importantly, in our area of focus, it is essential for helping the skin’s basic functions such as regeneration and repair. One of the functions of CoQ10 is as an antioxidant – where it mitigates oxidative damage or helps to repair existing stressed cells.

As we age, the body’s ability to generate CoQ10 decreases. Therefore, supplementing and topical application is important. CoQ10 has been studied and shown to help alleviate oxidative damage caused by UV rays, and helps to improve the appearance of the skin by decreasing the depth of wrinkles. It helps smooth the appearance of skin by supporting the production of collagen and elastin, while also promoting cell regeneration.

“Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) acts similar to vitamin E. It boosts skin repair and regeneration by various mechanisms.”
Ranjita Shegokar, in Nanobiomaterials in Galenic Formulations and Cosmetics, 2016

But it also appears to improve the radiance and overall skin tone by preventing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Research has shown it helps stop the production of tyrosine which is a precursor to melanin production. Its ability to aid in speeding up cell turnover is also beneficial for the complexion. And if you didn’t already think it was amazing, CoQ10 also seems to help other vitamins & antioxidants to function better, specifically Vitamin E.

The good news is, you’ll likely find CoQ10 in most of your skin care products. It’s common today as it’s often used to stabilize lipid-rich formulas and is sometimes a component used to protect ingredient solutions. Though when sold as a basic raw ingredient, it’s usually an orange powder that mixes well with fat-soluble compounds. Regardless of its source in your skin care formulations, you can be sure that it’s imparting its antioxidant benefits along with all of coenzyme Q10’s other skin benefits.

As an aside, CoQ10 also inspired its synthetic analogue idebenone which became an early 2000's anti-aging sensation. Idebenone, a natural identical, synthetic ingredient seems to have the same characteristics as CoQ10; but poses a few more challenges when formulating. For us, we'll always choose the proven, time-tested natural ingredient unless there's overwhelming evidence to provide a synthetic is efficacious and safe. And when compared to idebenone we choose coenzyme Q10 - and perhaps we'll add some other natural, proven antioxidants too - for good measure.