Why we use Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as Ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in every cell of the body. In the skin, it helps protect against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as UV exposure and pollution. As natural CoQ10 levels decline with age, topical application has been studied for its ability to support smoother, firmer, and healthier-looking skin. Because CoQ10 is oil-soluble, it blends exceptionally well into nourishing oil-based formulations like our tallow creams and balms.

Benefits of Coenzyme Q10

Powerful Antioxidant Protection
CoQ10 helps neutralize free radicals generated by everyday environmental stressors such as sunlight and pollution, helping protect the skin from premature visible aging.
Supports Firmer-Looking Skin
Research suggests topical CoQ10 can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while supporting skin firmness and elasticity.
Supports Healthy Skin Aging
As one of the skin's naturally occurring antioxidants, CoQ10 helps maintain healthy-looking skin by supporting normal cellular energy production and protecting against oxidative damage.
Perfect for Oil-Based Skincare
Unlike many skincare actives, CoQ10 is naturally oil-soluble, allowing it to disperse evenly throughout rich botanical oils and tallow-based formulations without requiring water.

Why Coenzyme Q10 Works in Skincare

There is scientific evidence that supports and has found that CoQ10:
✔ is naturally present in healthy skin
✔ decreases with age
✔ decreases after UV exposure
✔ is lipid-soluble (oil friendly), allowing excellent compatibility with oil-based formulations
✔ supports mitochondrial ATP production
✔ protects against oxidative stress
✔ replenishes depleted antioxidant levels
✔ helps improve visible signs of skin aging after topical application

Scientific Literature

Topical Coenzyme Q10 Reduces Visible Signs of Skin Aging
Researchers evaluated topical Coenzyme Q10 and found that regular application:
- Improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduced oxidative stress in skin cells.
- Helped improve skin smoothness.
- Supported healthier-looking, more youthful skin.
The study concluded that topical CoQ10 provides antioxidant protection while helping reduce visible signs of skin aging.

Reference
Knott, A., Achterberg, V., Smuda, C., Mielke, H., Sperling, G., Dunckelmann, K., Vogelsang, A., Krüger, A., Schwengler, H., Behtash, M., Hahn, S., & Folster-Holst, R. (2015). Topical treatment with coenzyme Q10-containing formulas improves skin's Q10 level and provides antioxidative effects. BioFactors, 41(6), 383–390.
Read study
A review of 36 publications on this research evaluate Coenzyme Q10 (2024)
Research has shown that CoQ10:
- Functions as a naturally occurring antioxidant.
- Helps protect skin from oxidative stress.
- Supports cellular energy production.
- Contributes to healthier-looking skin during aging.
- Is well suited for topical skincare because of its oil solubility.
- Research has shown that CoQ10:
- Functions as a naturally occurring antioxidant.
- Helps protect skin from oxidative stress.
- Supports cellular energy production.
- Contributes to healthier-looking skin during aging.
- Is well suited for topical skincare because of its oil solubility.
Reference
Lain, E. T., Agrawal, N., Ruvolo, E., Weise, J. M., & Callender, V. D. (2024). The role of coenzyme Q10 in skin aging and opportunities for topical intervention: A review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 17(8), 50–55.
Read Study
A review of topical Coenzyme Q10 proposed for your skin
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring, fat-soluble antioxidant that plays an important role in protecting the skin from oxidative stress and supporting normal cellular energy production. Research has shown that CoQ10 levels naturally decline with age, and both topical application and supplementation can increase CoQ10 levels in the skin. Studies suggest that topical CoQ10 helps protect against free radical damage caused by environmental stressors such as UV exposure, while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and supporting healthier-looking, more resilient skin.

Reference
Huang, Z.-R., Lin, Y.-K., & Fang, J.-Y. (2009). Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: Potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules, 14(1), 540–554.
Read article

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)?

Coenzyme Q10 (also known as Ubiquinone) is a naturally occurring, fat-soluble antioxidant found in every cell of the body, including the skin. It plays an important role in protecting the skin from oxidative stress while supporting normal cellular energy production.

Why do we use Coenzyme Q10 in our formulations?

We include CoQ10 because it is an oil-soluble antioxidant that blends beautifully with our nourishing tallow and botanical face oils. Scientific research has shown that topical CoQ10 helps support the skin's antioxidant defenses and improves the appearance of visible signs of aging.

Is Coenzyme Q10 suitable for sensitive skin?

CoQ10 is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. It is commonly used in skincare products designed to support the skin barrier and protect against environmental stressors. As with any cosmetic product, we recommend performing a patch test before first use.

Which product of Rooted Clinical Botanics Contain this ingredient?

This ingredient is used on our Manuka Repair Cream, and our face oils.

Can Coenzyme Q10 be used with Vitamin C and Niacinamide?

Yes. CoQ10 pairs well with ingredients like THDA (oil-soluble Vitamin C) and Niacinamide because they provide complementary antioxidant and skin-supportive benefits. Together, these ingredients help support healthier-looking skin and defend against oxidative stress.

Why is Coenzyme Q10 ideal for oil-based skincare?

Unlike many active ingredients, CoQ10 is naturally oil-soluble, allowing it to dissolve evenly into rich oils, butters, and tallow-based formulations. This makes it an excellent choice for nourishing balms, creams, face oils, and body butters while delivering antioxidant support directly through the oil phase.