Also known as: Coenzyme Q10, CoQ10, Mitoquinone

Quick Facts

What Is It?

Ubiquinone, widely recognized as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), is a fat-soluble quinone molecule present in virtually every cell in the human body. Its name derives from its ubiquitous distribution across biological systems - it is produced by the body and found in the inner membrane of the mitochondria, where research associates it with a fundamental role in cellular energy production. This cellular energy process is understood to underpin a range of skin renewal functions, including the processes associated with barrier maintenance, skin cell turnover, and collagen-related activity.

CoQ10 exists in two forms: ubiquinone (the oxidized form) and ubiquinol (the reduced form, associated with active antioxidant function). Research suggests that healthy, youthful skin tends to favor ubiquinol, while aging and UV exposure are associated with a shift in this ratio. Topical application of ubiquinone is studied in connection with the skin's ability to convert it back to ubiquinol, which may help restore the surface antioxidant environment.

At Sweet Chemistry, ubiquinone is present at a specified 0.5% in the Barrier Repairing Oil-Serum - a concentration consistent with clinical use levels in published literature - and at functional antioxidant levels in all three water-based formulas, where it forms the third member of the enzymatic antioxidant trio alongside alpha-lipoic acid and resveratrol.

What Does It Do For Skin?

Research on CoQ10 suggests it may support the skin's cellular energy environment - the underlying condition that a range of surface repair and renewal processes is believed to depend on. As the skin's mitochondrial efficiency is thought to decline with UV exposure and age, the processes associated with barrier repair, cell renewal, and collagen-related activity may slow as a result. Topical CoQ10 is studied in connection with supporting the cellular conditions that keep these visible processes functioning at their best.

As a fat-soluble antioxidant, ubiquinol (the active form CoQ10 converts to in the skin) is researched for its potential to neutralize free radicals within the lipid phase of the cell membrane - one of the most vulnerable sites for the type of oxidative damage associated with accelerated visible aging. This lipid-phase specificity makes CoQ10 complementary to both alpha-lipoic acid (which is studied in both water and lipid phases) and resveratrol (which is researched at the level of gene expression), creating a three-point antioxidant approach that spans multiple biological environments within the same formula.

Published research on topical CoQ10 has associated it with improvements in the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, and markers of UV-related oxidative change. In the context of the Sweet Chemistry Oil-Serum, where CoQ10 is delivered at 0.5% in a 100%-active, waterless lipid formula, its fat-soluble character is well-suited to the lipid-phase delivery environment - allowing it to function in the same environment it is designed to work within.

Found In

In All 4 Formulas

Ubiquinone is present across the entire Sweet Chemistry Max Repair System - at a specified 0.5% in the Oil-Serum, and at functional antioxidant levels in each water-based formula as part of the enzymatic antioxidant network.

O3 - Nourishment - All Skin Types

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum Ubiquinone - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

In the Hydra-Serum, CoQ10 joins alpha-lipoic acid and resveratrol to form the enzymatic antioxidant trio within a 40%-active, water-based emulsion also containing 3% Matrikynes® peptides and 5% niacinamide

O2 - Hydration - Dry to Normal

Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream Ubiquinone - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

The Hydra-Cream delivers CoQ10 alongside 2% THD ascorbate, thioctic acid, and resveratrol in a 40%-active cream with a full ceramide barrier complex and 3% Matrikynes® peptides.

O2 - Hydration - Dry to Dehydrated

Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream Ubiquinone - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

In the Lipid-Cream, CoQ10 is part of the antioxidant system within the richest formula in the lineup - paired with 2% THD ascorbate, thioctic acid, and resveratrol alongside shea butter and nourishing seed oils.

O3 - Nourishment - Dry to Combination

Barrier Repairing Oil-Serum 0.5% CoQ10 / Ubiquinone - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

The Oil-Serum delivers CoQ10 at its highest and most specified concentration in the lineup - 0.5% in a 100%-active, waterless lipid formula where the squalane carrier is well-suited to the absorption of this fat-soluble active.

Works Together With

Universal Antioxidant Thioctic Acid (Alpha-Lipoic Acid)

INCI: Thioctic Acid.

A water-and-oil soluble antioxidant present in all three water-based Sweet Chemistry formulas alongside CoQ10. Synergy Note: Alpha-lipoic acid is studied in both water and lipid phases; CoQ10 targets the lipid membrane more specifically. Together they are researched as a multi-environment antioxidant combination that addresses different phases simultaneously. View Profile - /pages/ingredients/thioctic-acid

Polyphenol Antioxidant Resveratrol

INCI: Resveratrol.

A stilbene polyphenol researched in connection with longevity pathways and the protection of collagen-related structures. Present alongside CoQ10 in all three water-based formulas. Synergy Note: CoQ10 is studied in connection with the cellular energy environment; resveratrol is researched at the level of gene expression via SIRT1. Their combined presence in the same formula covers complementary dimensions of the oxidative aging process. View Profile - /pages/ingredients/resveratrol

Stable Vitamin C THD Ascorbate

INCI: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.

At 2% in both creams and 7% in the Oil-Serum, this oil-soluble vitamin C is associated with collagen support and antioxidant defense within the lipid phase. Synergy Note: THD ascorbate and CoQ10 are both fat-soluble antioxidants that operate within the lipid phase - their combined presence in the same formula creates a richer lipid-phase antioxidant environment than either provides alone. View Profile - /pages/ingredients/thd-ascorbate

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.

At 3% in all four formulas, associated with improvements in the appearance of skin density and aging signs. Synergy Note: The visible collagen-related work that Matrikynes® is researched to support is understood to be energy-dependent at the cellular level. CoQ10's association with cellular energy support may contribute to the biological environment in which that activity takes place. View Profile - /pages/ingredients/matrikynes-bone-peptides