Ubiquinone

Best

Antioxidant

Ubiquinone at a glance

  • Also known as coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10
  • Occurs naturally in the body
  • Has antioxidant, skin-soothing, and anti-ageing properties
  • Can impart a yellow colour to skin care products

Ubiquinone description

Ubiquinone is also (and perhaps more popularly) known as coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10. It is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance naturally present in the body. Applied to skin, it can have antioxidant benefits due to its energising effect on factors in skin that tend to slow down with age and cumulative sun exposure. There are also studies showing that environmental factors deplete the presence of ubiquinone in the skin. Topical application has been shown to have skin-soothing effects and recent research suggests its inclusion in skin care products can have a noticeable impact on the visible signs of ageing. Since ubiquinone is a large molecule, it is not known to penetrate past the uppermost layers of skin; however, this is what’s believed to help make it so effective in its role of thwarting visible effects of environmental damage. Its effective usage level in skin is typically between 0.02-0.05%. Amounts of 1% or more tend to impart a strong yellow colour to skin care formulas, as its natural colour ranges from orange to dark red. It is considered non-irritating as used in cosmetics.

Ubiquinone references

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, April 2022, pages 1-28
  • Free Radical Biology and Medicine, March 2021, pages 282-288
  • Biofactors, November-December 2015, pages 383-390; 2008, pages 245-255; and 2005, pages 179-185
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2006, issue 1, pages 30-38
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2005, issue 4, pages 12-13
  • Journal of Dermatological Science, August 2001, Supplement, pages 1-4

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.