
Everything You Need to Know About Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 (as it's often shortened to) is the ingredient that's starting to creep into our skin care formulas more and more.
It's a powerhouse when it comes to improving the overall appearance of your complexion and has been Japanese women's best kept secret for years. So, what exactly is coenzyme Q10 and why should we be using it?
See our coenzyme q10 guide to answer your questions like what is Coenzyme Q10 and is Coenzyme Q10 good for skin.
Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner
DHC CoQ10 Quick Gel Brightening Moisture
Trilogy CoQ10 Booster Oil
DHC CoQ10 Eye Cream
The Organic Pharmacy Hero Skin Care Kit
Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vitamin C Cream
Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals Foundation
Sienna X Sleep Q10 Tinted Self Tan Mousse
111SKIN Reparative Beauty Dose
DHC Q10 Cream
Skinny Tan Tan Coconut Water Serum
skyn ICELAND Skin Hangover Kit 2.0
Sienna X Q10 Self Tan Tinted Mist
3Lab Perfect Cream
Indeed Labs Hydration Q10 Booster
BARBER PRO Rejuvenating Mask Set
skyn ICELAND Patch Perfect Kit
Wet N Wild Megalast Lipstick
DHC Coenzyme Q10 Milk
DHC Coenzyme Q10 Hand Cream
BAKEL Q10 B5 S.O.S Sensitive Skin
Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Excellium Q10+ Pearl Beautifying Silver Spray
Nivea Q10 Plus Vitamin C Face Night Cream
skyn ICELAND Skin Hangover Kit
It's Skin Power 10 Q10 Serum
Derma V10 Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Derma V10 Q10 Innovations Day Cream
Derma V10 Q10 Innovations Night Cream
Nulon Q10 Nourishing Complex
You've viewed 90 of 96 products
Show Me MoreCoenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or Q10, is a compound that stimulates energy in cells. It's naturally produced in our bodies but as we age – typically as we reach our 20s – the rate of production slows down.
Coenzyme Q10 also provides antioxidant benefits and protects cells from damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors.
You can boost your CoQ10 levels through supplements and food, as well as topical skin care products such as toners, creams and gels.
Coenzyme Q10 is packed with beautifying benefits and makes a great addition to any skin care routine. It boosts the overall appearance of skin as it repairs damage caused by sun and pollution, evens out skin tone, improves hydration and removes toxins from cells.
It also stimulates collagen and elastin production, which is the key to keeping skin supple, plump and free of wrinkles and fine lines.
CoQ10 is an ingredient that's safe to use by almost every skin type as it's packed with multiple skin benefits. It's a great option for those with mature skin and wanting to target signs of ageing, and can even be used by sensitive skin types, thanks to its soothing properties.
However, those with vitiligo should consult a professional before use. CoQ10 can sometimes block the enzyme that creates pigment, and may therefore lead to increased depigmentation for those with vitiligo.
For visible results, coenzyme Q10 should be used morning and night before you apply heavy moisturisers.
It's known to work well alongside other skin care ingredients as it is fat-soluble, making it super easy to incorporate into your daily regimen.
Aloe vera, vitamin C, vitamin B3 and hyaluronic acid can all be mixed with CoQ10, whilst ingredients such as retinol and glycolic acid can help break down coenzyme Q10, meaning the skin can absorb it quicker.
When it comes to coenzyme Q10 in topical products, it is mostly tolerated well by all skin types. However, we do suggest carrying out a patch test beforehand to prevent skin rashes or allergic reactions.
When ingested as a supplement, coenzyme Q10 can cause mild stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting.
Coenzyme Q10 is making its way into skin care products, including face and eye creams, lotions, toners and oils. It can even be found in hair care products like shampoo and conditioner. If you're not sure where to start, we suggest taking a look at brands such as Derma V10, Eucerin and DHC.
Written by Carly Cochrane, Beauty Editor
When Coenzyme Q10 products go on sale, be the first to know.