CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) in Skin Care

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone, CoQ10) is one of the most common, versatile, and popular ingredients in skin care. It is used in cleansers, moisturizers, toners, sunscreens, serums, skin lightening products, and more.

CoQ10 is notable for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild tyrosinase inhibiting effects. It also has the unique ability to help the mitochondria in the cells make energy (ATP).

It is not a common allergen and has no notable topical side-effects. It is found naturally in the cells of organisms with mitochondria, as it is an essential compound in your body’s energy production cycle. (2)

Because CoQ10 only penetrates the first few layers into the skin on its own, it is best used in oil based products that help deliver it deeper into the skin.

Read below to find out all about how CoQ10 works to help you decide if its right for your custom skin care regimen!

Click here to see our full collection of Products with CoQ10!

What is CoQ10

CoQ10, (Coenzyme Q10 / Ubiquinone) is a “quinone” compound found in all cells of mitochondria containing organisms.

It is the only fat soluble antioxidant produced naturally within the body, and is not considered a vitamin like some other antioxidants (Vitamins C, & E). (2)

CoQ10 is essential in countless biological processes in living cells by contributing to the electron transfer chain (a key phase in your body’s energy production system). (4)

The chemical structure of CoQ10 was first determined by 1978 Nobel laureate in chemistry, Peter Mitchell, who described the many biochemical functions of CoQ10. (8)

Studies have found that CoQ10 is able to penetrate the skin and thereby impart benefits topically, meaning it is a good choice for skin care products. (21)

Products containing CoQ10 tend to have a yellow-tinted color; this is normal.

Even though it is in the “quinone” family of chemical compounds, it does not pose the same concerns or risks as hydroquinone.

Even though tons of research has been conducted on CoQ10, ingredients as ubiquitous as CoQ10 always need further research to support their regular use. (12,13)

To the benefit of CoQ10, it occurs naturally in basically all cells which means it is not a likely irritant for any skin type.

If you have wrinkles, sun damage, or dark spots, CoQ10 might be a great addition to your skin care routine.

Best Products with CoQ10

This antiaging serum pairs CoQ10 with probiotic lysates, and several forms of hyaluronic acid. This serum will hydrate skin and make other skin care products work better by increasing their absorption int the skin. The HA gives immediate improvement of fine lines while the CoQ10 helps skin cells repair themselves. This makes this serum good for the morning or at night.

This toner also has energizing CoQ10 and the humectant hyaluronic acid. It can be used before any antiaging serum to increase how well the antiaging serum works.

Benefits of CoQ10

CoQ10 is most commonly used in skin care products for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin lightening effects.

Studies on live patients have shown that using CoQ10 products can reduce the presence of crows feet wrinkles, (27) but does not have as much evidence to support its use to treat wrinkles as retinoids and ascorbic acid do.

CoQ10 is good for anti-aging regimens because it aids in the production of collagen, the compound in your skin that gives it’s strength.

Creating more collagen in the skin helps alleviate wrinkles.

Many clinical investigations have found correlations (though not a definitive causative relationship) between low CoQ10 presence and various cancers. (3,42)

That being said, more research into cancer treatments is always needed and no single ingredient cures cancer on its own as far as science is currently aware.

CoQ10 is stable in sunlight, and stops collagen from breaking down from UVA radiation. (5)

Tyrosinase inhibiting properties have also been recorded in CoQ10, meaning it can be used to treat many kinds of hyperpigmentation.

The antioxidant and and anti-inflammatory properties of CoQ10 are good for skin concerns like psoriasis.

CoQ10 effects on collagen

Collagen is one of the compounds that make up your skin that gives it strength.

When used properly in skin care products, CoQ10 aids in the production of collagen in the skin because it gives cells the energy they need to make collagen.

On top of simply aiding in production of collagen, it also inhibits various proteinases like collagenase (8) which break down already existing collagen in the skin.

CoQ10 is one of the most common ingredients used in products designed to prevent and treat skin aging.

More collagen in the skin can result in smoother, fewer wrinkles, and more resilient skin.

Effects on skin cell mitochondria

CoQ10 is a critically important component of the cells’ energy production process; specifically it facilitates the electron transport chain portion of ATP synthesis.

Because CoQ10 helps the body produce energy, applying it topically has two effects on mitochondria:

Keep the skin from using anaerobic energy production systems that usually results in oxidizing lactic acid

Helps increase ATP production

CoQ10 works quickly. Studies have suggested that CoQ10 (ubiquinone) starts expressing anti-aging functions very rapidly after application.(37)

Whether its featured in your skin care regimen or not, CoQ10 is always a part of your body’s constant biological functions.

Side effects of CoQ10

Side effects

Taking CoQ10 supplements poses similar risks of side-effects to caffeine; jitteriness, appetite loss, diarrhea, and mild nausea. (30)

For this reason, if you decide to take CoQ10 supplements- take them in the morning to prevent insomnia.

That being said, these side-effects are uncommon (besides jitteriness), and even at high doses there has been no evidence of contact allergies or toxicity via ingestion. (17,31)

A significant allergy to CoQ10 alone is not common, but cross exposure allergies can occur when it is used orally with other medications such asatovaquone (an antibiotic used to treat PCP pneumonia) . (52)

Talk to your doctor before taking oral CoQ10 to make sure it does not cross react with any of your medications.

Is it safe

Since no notable side effects have ever been described following topical use of CoQ10, it is considered very safe to use in skin care products.

The CIR review from 2020 is available as online (52)

It has an EWG safety rating of “1” meaning there are no common concerns associated with its use.

It is a clean, naturally occurring compound that does not irritate or damage skin.

To find out which CoQ10 products would be best for you, take the quiz below and shop by your Baumann Skin Type!

Take the Quiz

Uses of ubiquinone

Uses

Because of the particular composition and properties of CoQ10, it is not great at penetrating into deep layers of this skin on its own. (24,32) This means it is typically used in combination with fats which break down the CoQ10, allowing it to provide benefits deeper into the skin.

Products designed with CoQ10 in this way are used to treat many skin concerns that benefit from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, tyrosinase inhibiting, or collagen stimulating properties.

It does not express any antimicrobial properties, so it is not particularly effective for acne treatments, but it isn’t comedogenic, which means it can be used alongside acne regimens as long as it isn’t part of a product containing comedogenic oils like:

Coconut oil

Evening Primrose oil

Olive oil

Psoriasis

CoQ10 is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that make it a good ingredient to help manage psoriasis. (28)

It also has antioxidants that may help psoriasis by regulating stress imposed onto the skin by oxidized ions, binding free radicals and protecting from damage.

Hyperpigmentation

CoQ10 has expressed tyrosinase inhibiting ability approximately as potent as ascorbic acid. (40) This means it can be used in the treatment of many kinds of hyperpigmentation including melasma, PIH, or freckles, but it has weak results and should be combined with other skin lightening ingredients.

Skin lightening ingredients like this one stop the skin from producing melanin, the pigment of skin color that can create dark spots when not treated.

Since CoQ10 does not penetrate deeply into the skin on its own, it could be well utilized in oil based products made with tyrosinase inhibiting unsaturated oils.

CoQ10 dissolves in fats, meaning it can better penetrate the skin and impart benefits when used alongside them.

Some popular natural oils with tyrosinase inhibiting abilities are:

Almond oil

Argan oil

Grapeseed oil

Rose oil

Safflower oil

Sesame oil

Sunflower oil

Wrinkles

CoQ10 is one of the most interesting ingredients to use in anti-aging and wrinkle treatments in skin care.

CoQ10 is a crucial component in the body’s natural free radical scavenging defense system and in the electron transfer chain of the mitochondria. (1)

Because of its potency as an antioxidant, CoQ10 is commonly recommended for and used in skin aging products. (9,12)

Coenzyme Q10 for aging skin

Sun damage

CoQ10 can be used to treat sun damage because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also gives cells the energy they need to repair any damage to the skin that the sun has caused.

As well as the previous sections’ mentioned antioxidant benefits, CoQ10 also plays a role in vitamin E’s proliferation in the body. (6)

Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) is a known beneficial compound for sun damage treatments.

Some studies have found that the combined properties of CoQ10 and Vitamin E can protect from photoaging. (5,9)

When combined with ingredients that help CoQ10 penetrate deep into the skin, it can be an effective addition to many sunscreens and sun damage treatments. (23)

Dryness

Anti-inflammatories like ubiquinone are often good for dry skin concerns. (9)

Inflammation can result in damage to the skin barrier, which can result in further dryness and damage.

CoQ10 does not contain any moisturizing fatty acids and does not itself stimulate hydration in the skin, but it is a good addition to other products with moisturizing properties like:

Borage seed oil

Jojoba oil

Marula oil

Rosehip oil

Summary

CoQ10 is one of our very favorite skin care ingredients, and if you take the questionnaire (click the button below), you’ll be able to find CoQ10 products tailored to your specific skin type.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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