Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)

What is it? Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) occurs naturally in the human body. It is a vitamin-K-like substance with very strong antioxidant properties, and is commonly used in anti-aging skincare products. It can help prevent collagen breakdown and prevent/repair UV damage.
INCI Precise INCI values vary with the exact product you have. Liquid Ubiquinone is usually dispersed in some sort of carrier, so there will usually be some additional ingredients. The powdered version have have an INCI of just Ubiquinone.
Appearance Yellow to orange liquid or powder
Usage rate Varies with format; check with your supplier. Most ranges I’ve seen are below 4%, with the powder format on the lower end and the diluted liquid formats on the higher end.
Texture Depends on the format
Scent Nothing noticeable
Approximate Melting Point 48–52°C (118–126°F)
Solubility Oil, ethanol
Why do we use it in formulations? Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) is primarily included in formulations for its anti-oxidant, skin conditioning, and anti-aging properties.
Do you need it? No
Strengths It’s an excellent antioxidant and has great label appeal. It can help repair sun damage (including wrinkles caused by UV exposure) and increase skin cell turnover.
Weaknesses It’s fairly expensive.
Alternatives & Substitutions I’d start by looking at other ingredients that are also strong antioxidants, like vitamin E (tocopherol acetate).
How to Work with It Pre-dispersed liquid versions can be easier to work with as Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) is not very enthusiastically oil soluble.

Lotion Crafter recommends including powdered Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) in the heated oil phase of emulsions to ensure proper incorporation.

I would recommend adding pre-dispersed liquid Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) products in the cool down phase given the low usage rate, but defer to your supplier recommendations for the precise product you are using.
Storage & Shelf Life Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, the powder version should last up to 36 months.
Tips, Tricks, and Quirks Soybean oil contains a good amount of Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone), with 54–280mg/kg.
Recommended starter amount 15g (0.5oz)
Where to Buy it  Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier. As of 2019 the product I have is “Coenzyme Q10 – Q-MAX” from Lotion Crafter.

Some Formulations that Use Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Skills

Posted on

February 21, 2019