SKINLUMIS
← Skinlumis Library

Coenzyme Q10

INCI: Ubiquinone
Also known as: CoQ10, Ubiquinone
AntioxidantsantioxidantsyntheticModerate evidencePregnancy safe
77
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
0/5
Best applied
Both
Effective range
0.5%–1%
How It Works

An endogenous mitochondrial cofactor that declines steeply with age. Topically, it protects mitochondrial membranes and supports ATP synthesis.

Cycles between ubiquinone and ubiquinol, accepting electrons from ROS in the mitochondrial inner membrane, preventing oxidative damage.

pH Range
5.0–7.0
Benefits
  • Antioxidant
  • Energises mitochondria
  • Reduces fine lines
  • Supports skin endurance
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

PhotoagingMature skinLoss of firmness
Best For
  • Mature
  • Normal
Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order
4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration
1%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.5%–1%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Organ meats, fatty fish, whole grains.

Skin Signals When You Need It
  • Fatigue-correlated dullness
For Estheticians & Professionals

Always packaged airless, light and air degrade it quickly.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Coenzyme Q10.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial
Daily sunscreen use reduced photoaging markers by 24% over 4.5 years compared to discretionary use.
Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013
View Study →
Systematic Review
Oral collagen peptides at 2.5-10g daily significantly improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkle depth after 8-12 weeks across 11 RCTs.
Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovska NA
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2019
View Study →
Systematic Review
Estrogen deficiency following menopause causes 30% reduction in skin collagen within the first 5 years.
Wilkinson HN, Hardman MJ
Maturitas, 2017
View Study →
Systematic Review
Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.
Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014
View Study →
Pairs Well With
Vitamin EVitamin CAstaxanthin
Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility

Sign up to see how Coenzyme Q10 fits your skin archetype and personalised protocol.