What it is
Ubiquinone is a naturally occurring fat-soluble compound that is part of the body's cellular energy and antioxidant systems. In topical products it is valued as an antioxidant that can help defend the skin surface against oxidative stress. In sunscreens it commonly appears as a supporting antioxidant alongside the active UV filters rather than as a filter itself.
Safety & warnings
Ubiquinone is generally well tolerated topically and is not a recognized fragrance allergen. It is a vivid yellow-orange color, so formulators use modest levels to avoid tinting the product or skin. Sensitivity reports are uncommon.
Origin & sourcing
Found naturally in human and animal cells and in many foods; cosmetic-grade material is generally produced by fermentation or synthesis.
History
Coenzyme Q10 was first identified in the 1950s in the context of cellular energy research, and it was later adopted as a popular antioxidant ingredient in skincare.
Questions everyone asks
Is ubiquinone the same as Coenzyme Q10?
Yes. Ubiquinone is the INCI name for the ingredient commonly marketed as Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10.
Why is CoQ10 in sunscreen?
It is added as an antioxidant to help support the skin against oxidative stress; it works alongside, not as, the UV filters.