Ubiquinone

* An antioxidant

* Please read TIA's post on What Is It: Coenzyme q10

* Also known as Coenzyme q10

Functions:

Ubiquinone is another name for CoQ10, a potent antioxidant naturally produced by the body and important to cell functioning and development. Ubiquinone naturally decreases with aging, and it is used in cosmetics and personal care products (in a wide variety of formulas) as an anti-aging ingredient that replaces some of the natural antioxidant produced by the body, whether ingested or applied topically (Wikipedia). When applied topically, Ubiquinone is thought to penetrate the skin easily, and reduce free radical damage via its antioxidant properties. It is also been found to assist cells in building collagen and elastin, therefore reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, according to SmartSkinCare.com. Ubiquinone also has properties that allow it to prevent or reduce oxidative damage to tissues, and may be more effective than Vitamin E at preventing this damage (TheMayoClinic).

Ubiquinone, as CoQ10, is also considered effective in treating a large number of internal diseases, including Parkinson's disease. Patients suffering from a wide variety of health effects and conditions may have a low level of natural CoQ10, or Ubiquinone; it is often taken as a supplement to assist in rebuilding cells.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

The Cosmetics Database finds Ubiquinone to be a low hazard ingredient, but does note concerns regarding developmental and reproductive toxicity, and lesser concerns regarding neurotoxicity and organ system toxicity, based on animal studies that showed reproductive effects and blood effects at moderate doses and brain and nervous system effects at high doses.

This ingredient has also been found to cause contact dermatitis when combined as the compound Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, according to the scientific journal Contact Dermatitis. It has the potential to cause a rash or allergic reaction when applied topically, and when ingested, can lead to stomach ailments.

Recommended Products w/ Ubiquinone:

Osmotics Renovage Eye Cream, Jan Marini Age Intervention Regeneration Facial Mask, Juice Organics Brightening Facial Serum, Blistex Deep Renewal, Gold Bond Ultimate Restoring Skin Therapy Lotion, Elizabeth Arden Prevage Body, Skin Biology CP Night Eyes, Mychelle The Perfect C Serum, Neova Advanced Lift Eye Gelee, Stretch Marks System, Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum