Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is one of the most extensively studied molecules of all—first in medicine, then in cosmetics. The name already says a lot: ubiquinone comes from “ubiquitous,” because it is present practically everywhere in the human body.
In the skin, it plays two distinct roles: it participates in energy production inside the mitochondria and acts as a fat-soluble antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidation. Its concentration in the skin decreases with age, and this observation is what sparked cosmetic interest.
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What it is and where it is found
Chemically, it is a quinone with a chain of ten isoprenoid units—which accounts for the “10” in its name. It is found mainly concentrated in the mitochondrial membranes, where it functions as an electron carrier in the respiratory chain: the process that produces ATP, the cells’ energy currency.
Outside the mitochondria, however, it acts as an antioxidant and is one of the few compounds capable of regenerating vitamin E from its oxidized form, restoring its effectiveness. This detail explains why the two ingredients work well together in a formula.
The body produces it on its own, but synthesis declines with age. It is also found in several foods: eggs, soy, whole grains, spinach, and oily fish.
What studies say about topical use
This is where it is worth distinguishing between what is documented and what marketing promises.
A review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reports that topical application of CoQ10 to the eye area over six months reduced wrinkle depth in a group of twenty subjects. It is a small study, but the finding is consistent with what has been observed in vitro.
At the cellular level, a study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine documented the effects of ubiquinone and ubiquinol on senescent human dermal fibroblasts, while other research has observed increased expression of dermal elastin and reduced production of IL-1α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine.
A 2024 systematic review concludes that CoQ10 provides documented benefits for wrinkles, fine lines, signs of photoaging, and inflammatory cytokine activity—but it also emphasizes that the optimal topical dose has not yet been established. This is an important point of honesty: the ingredient works, but research into the ideal concentration is still ongoing.
The real challenge with CoQ10: getting it where it is needed
There is a technical aspect that is rarely discussed but explains why not all Coenzyme Q10 cosmetics are equivalent.
The molecule has three characteristics that make its topical use challenging: it is unstable in light, poorly soluble in water, and highly lipophilic. In other words, it tends to degrade, is difficult to disperse in water-based formulas, and has difficulty crossing the stratum corneum.
For this reason, cosmetic research has developed dedicated delivery systems — lipid nanoparticles, microemulsions, and cyclodextrin complexes — that improve penetration and stability. A recent study showed that complexation with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin significantly increases the water solubility of CoQ10, overcoming its main limitation.
The practical consequence: when you see “Coenzyme Q10” in an INCI list, what matters is not just its presence, but how it has been delivered. A well-designed formula makes the difference between an active ingredient that works and one that remains on the surface.
Cosmetic properties
In summary, the literature shows that Coenzyme Q10 in cosmetics acts on three fronts.
Antioxidant action
It combats free radicals generated by UV rays, pollution, and oxidative stress, particularly protecting the lipids in cell membranes — where its fat-soluble nature naturally places it.
Supporting fibroblast energy production
Fibroblasts are the cells that produce collagen and elastin, and they have high energy requirements. Research has observed that skin aging is accompanied by a reduction in markers of mitochondrial metabolism in the epidermis: supporting this function indirectly means supporting the skin’s ability to regenerate.
Modulating inflammation
In vitro studies indicate a reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, a relevant aspect in the context of inflammaging, the silent inflammation that accelerates skin aging.
How to incorporate it into your routine
CoQ10 is well tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is not photosensitizing and requires no particular precautions, so it can be used morning and evening.
It works well in synergy with other antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid, with which it shares a cascade protection mechanism. It also pairs well with peptides and hyaluronic acid.
As with all antioxidants, results should be assessed over time: the literature refers to applications continued for months, not weeks.
Coenzyme Q10 in LeLang products
We chose Coenzyme Q10 for Skinage Advance, the anti-ageing face mask, where it works alongside pink clay, ceramides and Tripeptide-5.
The combination makes sense: Q10 provides antioxidant action and support for mitochondrial function, ceramides restore the lipids in the skin barrier — also creating the lipid environment that promotes the absorption of a fat-soluble molecule like this one — while the tripeptide supports collagen synthesis.
SKINAGE ADVANCE Hydrating and elasticizing anti-age face mask based on Pink Clay, Ceramides, Q10, Tripeptide-5EFFECTS: Stimulates c... Discover SKINAGE ADVANCE
As a mask, its application time allows prolonged contact with the skin, which is useful for an active ingredient that struggles to penetrate the stratum corneum. The Coenzyme Q10 ingredient page contains the complete list of formulas that include it.
You can also find LeLang products in partner pharmacies throughout Italy.
Oral Q10: a different matter
Coenzyme Q10 is also widely used in supplements, where it is studied mainly for cardiovascular support and energy production. These are separate areas from cosmetics, with different dosages and purposes.
This should be stated clearly: CoQ10 is not approved for the treatment of medical conditions, and it can legally be used in supplements and cosmetics. Before taking it orally, especially if you are undergoing treatment, you should consult your doctor. The fundamental distinction is this: a study on oral intake says nothing about what happens when the same molecule is applied to the skin.
In summary
Coenzyme Q10 is one of the antioxidants with the strongest scientific basis in cosmetics. It is not a miracle ingredient—none are—but it acts on documented mechanisms: oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and low-grade inflammation.
With this molecule more than with others, the difference comes down to the formulation: without an adequate delivery system, much of its potential remains untapped.
The sources for this article
01 Review of Coenzyme Q10 in skin aging, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. It reports a six-month topical application study in the periorbital area involving a group of twenty subjects, with a reduction in wrinkle depth.
02 Experimental study on the effects of ubiquinone and ubiquinol in senescent human dermal fibroblasts, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2021.
03 Systematic review of the topical use of Coenzyme Q10 in aesthetic dermatology, 2024: documented benefits for wrinkles, fine lines, and signs of photoaging; the optimal topical dose has not yet been defined.
04 Formulation study on the complexation of Coenzyme Q10 with hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin and the increase in water solubility.
05 Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Articles 2 and 20, and Regulation (EU) No. 655/2013 on common criteria for claims relating to cosmetic products.
On the website: vitamin E · ferulic acid · free radicals and antioxidants · skin inflammation · Coenzyme Q10 ingredient profile
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