Active Ingredient Glossary

Q10: The Energy Coenzyme in Skincare

Active Ingredients Glossary · Q INCI: Ubiquinone Almost everyone is familiar with Q10 from advertising—hardly any other active ingredient has become such an early icon of anti-aging. It’s actually a coenzyme produced naturally by the body that plays a role in energy production in every cell and acts as an antioxidant. Read on for an honest breakdown of how much of it actually makes it into the cream. Profile Research Effective against early fine lines, tired-looking skin, and oxidative stress Skin Type All, especially mature skin Concentration 0.1–0.5% Routine: Morning & evening Tolerance: None required What is Q10? Q10—chemically known as ubiquinone—is a coenzyme produced naturally by the body. The name comes from “ubiquitous,” meaning found everywhere: Q10 is present in virtually every cell, where it plays a key role in the mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses. At the same time, it acts as an antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals. As we age, the body’s natural Q10 levels decline—one of the reasons why this active ingredient has become a staple in anti-aging skincare. Q10 has been firmly established in cosmetics since the 1990s and is now primarily found in face creams and eye care products—often combined with caffeine, which visually revitalizes tired-looking eye areas. Incidentally, the typical yellow-orange color of many Q10 products comes from the active ingredient itself. Effect: What’s Been Proven Three out of five bars: The antioxidant effect of Q10 is well documented, and studies show that topically applied Q10 reaches the upper layers of the skin and can improve the skin’s antioxidant status there. Individual clinical studies also report a reduction in fine lines with regular use. To be honest: The effects are moderate and take weeks—Q10 doesn’t smooth out deep wrinkles, but rather helps the skin better withstand oxidative stress and look fresher. Application & Combination Q10 is completely straightforward: it can be used in the morning and evening, requires no adjustment period, and does not increase sun sensitivity. It is particularly popular in eye care—for example, as a cooling roll-on, where caffeine reduces puffiness and Q10 provides antioxidant protection. Pairs well with ✓ Caffeine – revitalizes tired eye areas; Q10 provides antioxidant protection ✓ Vitamins C & E – a combined antioxidant network ✓ Hyaluronic acid – further plumps up fine lines caused by dryness Note ! Effects are moderate—have realistic expectations ! The yellow-orange color of CoQ10 products is normal and does not indicate a quality defect Q10 in the BONSANA lineup SKINCYCLOPEDIA Eye Roll-On Caffeine & Q10 CHF 6.95 15 ml Available in the store Eye care with Q10 & caffeine Roll-ons, creams, and serums for the eye area—trusted brands, ready to ship from our warehouse in Switzerland. To Eye Care → Related entries: Caffeine · Vitamin C · Collagen · Read more: BONSANA bestsellers Frequently Asked Questions About Q10 What is Coenzyme Q10? A molecule produced naturally by the body that plays a role in energy production in every cell and acts as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals. As we age, the skin’s natural Q10 levels decline—this is where skincare comes in. What are the real benefits of Q10 in skincare? Its antioxidant protective effect in the upper layers of the skin has been proven; individual studies also show a reduction in fine lines. The effects are moderate and only become apparent after weeks of regular use. Why is CoQ10 often combined with caffeine? Because the two complement each other: Caffeine has a decongesting effect and makes the tired eye area look fresher, while CoQ10 helps protect against free radicals. That’s why this duo is a standard combination in eye care products. At what age does it make sense to start using Q10 skincare? There’s no set age limit. Since the body’s natural Q10 levels begin to decline slowly around the mid-twenties, Q10 is particularly beneficial for skin that’s starting to show fine lines or appears tired.