CoQ10 for Skin: Benefits and How to Use

There are many treatments, products and tools available on the market that can help you achieve firm skin, from loading up collagen to sculpting and toning our faces with gua sha tools. But you may or may not have heard of CoQ10, a hero ingredient that's been a mainstay in Japanese beauty for years. It's an ingredient that increases cell turnover, improves skin elasticity, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In short, you should probably add CoQ10 to your skincare routine if you want firmer skin.

We asked cosmetic chemist Vanessa Thomas, founder of Florida-based Freelance Formulations; Kayo Body Care cofounder Christine Bullock; dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD; HiQ Cosmetics founder Patrick Pickens; board-certified dermatologist Lisa Pruett, MD, FAAD; board-certified dermatologist Margarita Lolis, MD; and plastic surgeon Michelle Yagoda, MD, to tell us everything you need know about CoQ10.

What is CoQ10?

According to Thomas, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 for short) is a naturally produced bodily enzyme and one of the most fundamental antioxidants. "CoQ10 or Coenzyme Q-10 is a kind of fat-soluble quinone compound," she says. "Coenzyme Q10 is found in every cell of the human body. A coenzyme is a substance that enhances or is necessary for the action of enzymes, generally smaller than the enzymes. CoQ10 is vital in energy production in cells."

When we're younger, she explains, we're able to produce as much CoQ10 as we need for energy. As we got older, aging and stress slow down the CoQ10 creation process, and our supplies diminish. "Coenzyme Q10 in humans begins at low levels when we are young, peaks in our late teens, and begins to decline after 20 years of age," notes Thomas.

As Dr. Pruett explains, there's "legitimate science" backing up the claims of CoQ10's antioxidant properties: "Antioxidants are basically shields you can apply to your skin to combat all the things that contribute to aging skin such as UV radiation, Infrared radiation, and ozone pollution. Remember that the majority of the aging of our skin is from environmental sources so if we can block those from occurring, our skin will age less."

The ingredient has been around in the U.S. for a while, actually, but is having its moment now because consumers are getting smarter about skincare. "Many ingredients initially gain popularity in Japan prior to achieving the same status in the U.S. because Japanese consumers demand more research and development from manufacturers and lawmakers, they are more educated about products' effects, and consumers are more confident about efficacy at the time of purchase," says Dr. Yagoda.

"Asian markets tend to be on the cutting edge of skincare, with star ingredients being more readily accessible, earlier on, as the Asian consumer is better versed when it comes to skincare and the ingredients that go into their routines," says Dr. Idriss. "As a matter of fact, Asian beauty brands invest heavily in research and development alone, allowing them to come up with innovations faster than their U.S. counterparts."

According to Dr. Pruett, CoQ10 works similarly to another powerhouse ingredient: vitamin C. "The most common antioxidant applied topically for its anti-aging effects in the US is vitamin C based, but CoQ10 has also shown to use the same pathway to neutralize free radicals," she says. "It is naturally occurring in all cells in the human body, including the skin and topmost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum."

Benefits of CoQ10 for Skin

CoQ10 has many skincare benefits. It's usually in toners, moisturizers, and under-eye creams, promising to help even skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

• Energizes cell activity: "CoQ10 plays a critical role in the production of ATP, which is a source of energy for cell processes. As we age, our cells slow down and produce less energy," says Dr. Lolis. "This is particularly true for rapidly dividing cells such as those in the skin. Research has shown that increasing ATP slows down cellular aging." Bullock adds, "Active skin cells get rid of toxins easily and can make better use of nutrients. When your skin ages, all these processes slow down, causing dull and sallow, wrinkled skin."
• Reduce sun damage: "The skin is damaged by exposure to the sun's UV rays, which provides a source of free radicals, which can be damaging to the cells' DNA," says Pickens. "The potent antioxidant function of CoQ10 helps it to protect the skin at the molecular level from the damaging effects of the sun and from damage by free radicals." As Thomas explains, it works by "decreasing the collagen degradation of skin and interdicting the damage caused by photo-aging."
• Even out skin tone: CoQ10 works to block tyrosinase, which helps with the production of melanin, which means that CoQ10 can help fade and prevent dark spots.
• Stimulate collagen and elastin production: "CoQ10 supports the body's ability to produce collagen and elastin," says Bullock.
• Replenishes skin cells: More energized skin cells mean healthier skin cells. Adding CoQ10 to your skincare may allow your cells to better utilize other nutrients, leading to healthier skin overall.
• Helps reduce damage of free radicals: Since CoQ10 aids in cell activity, it also means that your cells can be more efficient in flushing out toxins like free radicals and healing the damage they cause.
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines: This ingredient helps your body produce collagen and elastin, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Side Effects of CoQ10

While topical application is generally suitable for all skin types, you might want to take caution if you have certain skin conditions. "If you have a history of vitiligo, approach topical CoQ10 products with caution," says Dr. Idriss. "CoQ10 has been shown to block an enzyme known as tyrosinase, which is necessary for creating pigment. By blocking it, it may lead to worsening of depigmentation in those who suffer from vitiligo."

When it comes to side effects from ingesting CoQ10, they're rather mild. Some people might experience upset stomach or heartburn, but to be safe, always consult a doctor before you add a CoQ10 supplement to your diet.

How to Use CoQ10

The good news is that CoQ10 is pretty safe to mix with other ingredients. "We have found that CoQ10 works great with a lot of other ingredients and products," says Pickens. "We have countless clients that apply a CoQ10 facial serum after prescription retinoids (Retin-A, etc.). In addition, as aforementioned, we believe it is great to apply before and after sun exposure." You can find it in toners, moisturizers, and under-eye creams, and it's even a great ingredient for use in body creams and lotions.

Dr. Pruett explains that CoQ10 can be used with Vitamin C. She adds that the ingredient "can be applied to the skin daily and there are no major interactions with other topicals so it plays well as an addition to your current skincare routine."

Dr. Yagoda says to mix with similar ingredients for best results. "Because CoQ10 is fat-soluble, it mixes best with like ingredients," she says. "It may be broken down more quickly when combined with retinol or glycolic acid."

"CoQ10 production peaks in our teens and begins to decline after our 20s. For that reason, I recommend young adults to consider starting CoQ10 in their skin care regimen or even as a supplement," says Dr. Lolis.

The Best Products With CoQ10

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Creme $13.00

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This cream is one of Dr. Lolis' favorites. "It is not irritating and great for sensitive skin since it is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and does not clog pores. It is full of vitamin E and beta carotene which helps you achieve softer, smoother skin."

Kayo Body Care Body Beautiful Creme $38.00

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Made with CoQ10 and an exotic blend of açaí, noni, mangosteen, and pomegranate extracts, this body cream promises to not only make your skin feel super nourished but also make a noticeable difference in complexion.

Gold Bond Restoring Hydrating Lotion $10.00

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"It's a good option for the neck, décolletage, and even body, as it's a little thinner and spreads easier," Dr. Idriss says about this Gold Bond lotion. While most people want to smooth and hydrate the skin on their face, it's always a good idea to treat the rest of your body, too.

Body Merry Super C-22 Moisturizer $21.00

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This moisturizer is lightweight, but it's filled with tons of super ingredients. CoQ10 is the star ingredient, but it also boasts vitamins B3 and B5, aloe vera, and jojoba oil. Not only does it promise to help fade hyper-pigmentation, but aloe and jojoba are meant to help moisturize and smooth skin.

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner $38.00

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A cult-favorite, this Indie Lee toner contains no alcohol, but it's packed with soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile, and cucumber. It also has hyaluronic acid meant to help keep skin moisturized. To incorporate this into your routine, simply wet a cotton pad with the toner, swipe it on, and then apply your serums or moisturizers as you normally would.

Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil $88.00

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Byrdie editors love this lightweight facial oil from Herbivore, which has a base made of rosehip oil and sea buckthorn oil. It's on the pricey side, but a little bit of this oil goes a long way. Three to four drops make your skin look glowy AF, and it also promises to moisturize and even out your skin tone.