INCI
Cosmetic ingredient

UBIQUINONE

Ubiquinone is the ingredient name for coenzyme Q10, a fat-soluble ubiquinone that occurs naturally in the cells of many organisms. In the body, it takes part in energy-transfer and oxidation-reduction reactions, which is why it is widely known as CoQ10 outside cosmetics. On an ingredient list, UBIQUINONE is the spelling that identifies that same substance.

INCIUB1 products
CAS number
303-98-0 / 1339-63-5 / 60684-33-5
EC number
206-147-9 / 215-668-0
Chemical name
2,5-Cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione, 2-(3,7,11,15,19,23,27,31,35,39-decamethyl-2,6,10,14,18,22,26,30,34,38-tetracontadecaenyl)-5,6-dimethoxy-3-methyl-, (all-E)-

UBIQUINONE: what it is

Ubiquinone is the ingredient name for coenzyme Q10, a fat-soluble ubiquinone that occurs naturally in the cells of many organisms. In the body, it takes part in energy-transfer and oxidation-reduction reactions, which is why it is widely known as CoQ10 outside cosmetics. On an ingredient list, UBIQUINONE is the spelling that identifies that same substance.

Coenzyme Q10 has a quinone portion and a long chain that makes it more compatible with oily media than with water. It is not a plant extract, even though it can occur in living organisms. It is also distinct from ubiquinol: ubiquinol is the reduced form in the same chemical family, while ubiquinone is the oxidized form named by this ingredient.

UBIQUINONE: what it does in cosmetics

In cosmetics, ubiquinone is used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient. Its antioxidant role relates to oxidation reactions: in a formula, this kind of ingredient helps address processes that can change sensitive components. As a skin-conditioning ingredient, it is included in products intended to leave skin feeling comfortable and looking well cared for; it does not make a product a cleanser or a sunscreen.

A topical study published in 1999 found coenzyme Q10 in viable epidermal layers and reported changes in oxidation-related measurements; it also included cell-based tests. A 2014 review noted that, despite interest in coenzyme Q10 in skin-ageing products, clinical data were still lacking for many marketing claims. Its presence in a product therefore does not support a promise to reduce wrinkles, treat dark spots, or repair skin.

Catalogue presence

Products containing this ingredient

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