Katja Žmitek
VIST – Higher School of Applied Sciences, Institute of Cosmetics, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural substance found in all human cells that plays a fundamental role in cellular bioenergetics. It is also a very effective antioxidant with a range of possible benefits for human health. Due to its perceived ability to protect the skin from free radical damage and reduce signs of ageing, CoQ10 has become a very popular ingredient in cosmetics and so-called beauty foods. In the paper, we review in vitro and in vivo studies regarding its influence on the skin.

INTRODUCTION

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone 10, is an important lipid soluble compound, a coenzyme present in all human cells. It plays a fundamental role in cellular bioenergetics as an electron carrier in the oxidative phosphorylation process in mitochondria, which convert energy from carbohydrates and fatty acids into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to drive cellular machinery and synthesis (1). In addition, for over three decades CoQ10 has been known as an effective antioxidant capable of functioning synergistically with other antioxidants, and with several possible benefits for human health (2-4).

In humans, CoQ10 is chiefly found in the most active organs like the heart, kidney and liver. About 50% of total CoQ10 is located in mitochondria, making it very accessible to free radicals that form during the oxidative phosphorylation process (5). Coenzyme Q10 is distributed in all membranes throughout a cell (6). The presence of CoQ10 in the membranes of eukaryotic cells suggests its potential to act as a free radicals scavenger, preventing the activation of inflammatory signalling pathways (7). There is also increasing evidence of ...