Common Name(s): Coq10,coenzyme q10,ubiquinol-10

CAS Number: 303-98-0

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Replenishes age-declining coq10 for mitochondrial energy support and membrane antioxidant protection.

Why It's Used: The only cosmetic ingredient directly targeting mitochondrial function decline in aging – coq10 skin levels decrease significantly after age 30 and topical supplementation directly addresses this documented deficiency.

How It Works: Ubiquinone/ubiquinol cycle (oxidized/reduced forms) carries electrons in mitochondrial complexes i-iii for atp production. reduced ubiquinol quenches lipid peroxyl radicals in inner mitochondrial membrane and plasma membrane. coq10 depletion in aging skin reduces atp production capacity and membrane antioxidant defense simultaneously.

Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,mitochondrial skincare,antioxidant products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Mitochondrial electron transport,membrane lipid antioxidant

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Ubiquinol (reduced, active form) provides better bioavailability than ubiquinone, though skin converts ubiquinone to ubiquinol enzymatically. requires oil-phase formulation for stability. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Coq10's role in the mitochondrial electron transport chain places it at the nexus of aging biology – mitochondrial coq10 declines approximately 50% from age 20 to 80, and this decline is mechanistically linked to reduced atp production, increased mitochondrial superoxide leak, and mtdna damage that collectively constitute the 'mitochondrial theory of aging' at the cellular level.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,crane ubiquinone review,shindo et al. coq10 skin aging study