Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Coenzyme Q10 ($C_{59}H_{90}O_{4}$), also known as Ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance found in every cell of the human body. It acts as a vital co-factor in the Electron Transport Chain, the process by which mitochondria generate ATP (cellular energy). In skincare, Q10 serves a dual purpose: it is a potent antioxidant that protects cell membranes from lipid peroxidation, and it acts as a biological "battery pack," providing the energy required for skin cells to repair damage and synthesize collagen. Because natural levels of Q10 peak in childhood and decline significantly after age 30, topical application is essential for maintaining the "bio-energy" needed to resist environmental aging and maintain structural density.