Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that has recently become very popular in the skincare world, with more and more companies releasing any kind of products – cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, etc – containing this ingredient. But what is Coenzyme Q10 and what does it do? And most importantly, how effective it really is?
What is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (also called Ubiquinone) is a vitamin-like substance that is present in all human cells. It produces the body’s energy and also has antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals, the main cause of premature aging. For the first 20 years, our body produces all the Coenzyme Q10 it needs. But sadly, this production starts to decrease when we turn 30. The breakdown of collagen and elastin is one of the main side effects caused by the decline of Coenzyme Q10.
What does Coenzyme Q10 do for skin?
Coenzyme Q10 is a small molecule that can easily penetrate into the skin. Research on this ingredient is, so far, limited but promising. As mentioned above, it has antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals, reduces UV damage, stimulates collagen production and has antiinflammatory properties (inflammation too speeds up the aging process). In addition, a 1999 German study shows that prolonged use of Coenzyme Q10 could reduce crow feet. All this shows that Coenzyme Q10 is an effective antioxidant, but keep in mind that it’s just one among many (when it comes to antioxidants, there isn’t a best one; a combination of them provides the best results).
Does Coenzyme Q10 has any side effects?
Coenzyme Q10 is generally considered to be safe for every skin type. However, allergic reactions to this ingredients, although rare, can occur. In addition, if you’re undergoing chemotherapy treatment or are taking medications for cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood thinners, you should consult with your doctor before using products with Coenzyme Q10.
Is Coenzyme Q10 in skincare products effective?
While Coenzyme Q10 is an effective antioxidant that can penetrate into the skin, we don’t know yet if the concentrations present in skincare products are high enough to be effective. This doesn’t mean that they don’t work, but only that we don’t know how well they work. In addition, Coenzyme Q10, just like other antioxidants, degrades and loses its efficacy when exposed to light and hair so avoid products packaged in jars or see-through bottles.
The Bottom Line
Coenzyme Q10 is an effective antioxidant that can help prevent premature aging by fighting free radicals, reducing inflammation and UV damage, and boosting collagen production. However, we don’t know at what concentrations it needs to be used in skincare products to be effective and, just like other antioxidants, it breaks down when exposed to light and air. Personally, I think it is a good antioxidant to include in your skincare routine, but it shouldn’t be the only one. A combination of free-radical fighting antioxidants always works best for skin.
Do you use skincare products with Coenzyme Q10?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I love your blog for all the great skincare advice. Actually have a few products in the Nivea Q10 range which I may start using soon
Ling´s last [type] ..FACE OF AUSTRALIA High Definition Liquid Eyeliner Gets Me High!
Ling, aww thank you! I’d love to know what you think of the Nivea q10 range. I’ve been eyeing it for a while but the jar packaging is putting me off as I don’t think it will keep conzyme q10 stable for long.
I used a L’Oreal creme that had CoQ10 before. I didn’t notice any significant differences but the creme was very thick and it moisturized well. Maybe now that I am older, I need to use it again to see how well it works.
Dao´s last [type] ..A Shameless Plugging: Life and Rewrite
Dao, I think it depends on the concentration (if it is too small it won’t do anything) and your age. If you don’t wrinkles yet, you won’t see any noticeable different but it’ll help prevent premature aging (if there is enough of it). But at least the cream moisturized well.
I used to have a hand cream (a Japanese) with coenzyme Q10, which claimed to be anti-wrinkle. But I didn’t notice any significant change of my hand skin. So, in my opinion, just because it contains a particular anti-aging ingredient doesn’t mean it will be effective. We have to consider its concentration and other ingredients in the formula.
Amanda´s last [type] ..8 Ways to Use Olive Oil for Beauty
Amanda, that is so true. If the concentration isn’t high enough, then it won’t do anything. It is also always best to use a combination of antioxidants as that will give better results.
I’ve used Eurcerin and Nivea Q10 formulas and I really liked them both. I don’t know if they ironed out my wrinkles but my skin does smoother when I use either one of them.
Annabella Freeman´s last [type] ..Vote on my wedding nails for your chance to win a £25 Molton Brown gift card!
Annabella, I’m glad they work well for you.
I used to use DHC’s Coenzyme Q10 Cream when my skin was really drying up, and it helped smooth out my dry patches. I never knew much about the ingredient itself though, so this was really fun for me to read
Thanks for always doing your research and presenting it in such a nice format!
Makeup Morsels´s last [type] ..And So It Begins…
Makeup Morsels, I’m glad the cream helped your skin. I really enjoy researching and writing this type of post and I’m happy you guys seem to enjoy them too.
I think that’s too much biology to bear! I am mildly biology scarred because of dumb class haha. Well I do not think I use any products with ubiquinone and I wouldn’t seek out a product just for that ingredient. This is a really neat topic. Thanks for sharing! :]
Janessa, haha, these types of posts can be a bit boring I guess, even though I try to keep the language simple and easy-to-follow even for those that aren’t into science.
i have been taking some q10 supplements on and off (if only i remember), hopefully with occasional intake, it will still show some results on skin as i age
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Xin, I think you should see some results but it may take some time.