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Co

Coenzyme Q10

UbiquinoneAntioxidant

Cellular-energy cofactor. Antioxidant supporting role; mitochondrial-supportive marketing exceeds the topical evidence.

What it does

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant naturally present in cell membranes, where it supports mitochondrial energy production. Topical CoQ10 is moderately well absorbed and acts as a supporting antioxidant in serum formulations. The 'topical CoQ10 boosts cellular energy' marketing exceeds the dermatologic evidence; the realistic effect is part of an antioxidant stack rather than a standalone benefit.

The evidence, graded

moderateAntioxidants neutralize free radicals generated by the UV that gets through sunscreen. Layering an antioxidant serum under SPF compounds photoprotection.Wu 2011 · Clinical and Experimental Dermatology ↗
emergingVitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid show synergistic photoprotection. The combination is more stable and doubles photoprotection compared to vitamin C alone.Lin 2005 · Journal of Investigative Dermatology ↗

Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.

Also known as

ubiquinone, ubiquinol

Pairs worth knowing

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) · works together ↗Ferulic Acid · works together ↗L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) · works together ↗

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