Novel Water-Soluble CoQ10 Serum Shows Promising Results for Anti-Aging

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Investigators are in the initial stages of creating a water-soluble preparation of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to promote anti-aging.¹ The combination of complexed ubiquinone with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid created a stable and effective serum with positive physical and chemical integrity over 3 months. 

The 200 g serum combined ubiquinone (purity 99.2%), hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (purity 99.6%), hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C with glycerol, phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, aloe vera extract, xanthan gum, glyceryl stearate, caprylic triglyceride, green tea extract, citric acid, sodium benzoate. Ingredients were mixed and heated at 70°C before being allowed to cool down at room temperature.

Researchers then analyzed the serum’s viscosity, pH, spreadability, dilution, drug release, irritation, stability, and CoQ10 content. A control serum was also prepared to further test these categories.

The product’s CoQ10 content and stability were determined with extraction and UV spectrophotometric analysis. The content was found to be 980 μg mL⁻¹ with a recovery value of 98% ± 1.1% at the end of the 3-month period.

There were no physical changes in color, consistency, viscosity, spreadability, and pH. According to researchers, this value was “in line with the expected concentration, reaffirming the reliability and accuracy of the encapsulation process.”

Viscosity was measured using the Physica MCR 302 rheometer. It was found that as viscosity decreased, shear rate increased. Final viscosity was recorded at 800 mPa s⁻¹ (800 cP) at 25°C. This low level makes the lotion easily spreadable on the skin with no friction.

The final pH was 4.3 ± 0.2 and was evaluated with a calibrated pH meter. Since healthy skin sits between a 4.5 and 5.5 on the pH scale, the slightly acidic nature of the product ensures optimal skin compatibility.² This could potentially enhance the function of the skin barrier.

To observe spreadability, researchers used glass plates and weights to determine how well the serum could spread under a given amount of pressure. Uniform expansion was noted, as the solution reached a circle with a radius of 5 cm and a circumference of 31.42 cm.

“This efficient spreadability suggested that users would not require excessive amounts of the serum for optimal coverage that leads to an economically used product,” the authors wrote.

An in vitro diffusion study with a Franz Diffusion Cell model was utilized to determine the drug release of CoQ10. After 0.5 hours, the formula released 12.1% ± 1.5% with a flux of 141.17 μg cm⁻². This increased to 60.65% ± 3.0% and a flux of 705.88 μg cm⁻² after 6 hours. After 24 hours, the complex formula had achieved a release of 68.47%, while the control reached 41.01%. The gradual release enhances the product’s effectiveness and prevents it from being washed away quickly to effectively deliver its active ingredients.

The serum was also patch-tested on rats. Even after multiple applications and extended exposure, no signs of irritation, erythema, or redness were noted. Evaluations occurred after 4 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 24 hours.

“The results from the irritation test can be crucial for dermatologists and skincare experts in advocating its safe application, especially for those with sensitive skin,” the authors wrote. Additionally, these findings pave the way for human trials, which can confirm the safety and compatibility of this formulation on human skin.

Ubiquinone reduces oxidative stress and promotes anti-aging while being anti-inflammatory and photoprotective. The hydrophilic nature of CoQ10 has previously made it challenging for the skin to absorb it. Adding the highly moisturizing hyaluronic acid improved its permeability and application without an unwanted greasy texture.

References

1. Arkan Yousif H, Al-Ani I, Hajleh MNA, Matalqah S, Dayyih WA, Al-Dujaili EA. Preparation and Evaluation of Complexed Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) Antiaging Hyaluronic Acid-Vitamin C Serum for Skin Care. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(1):e16706. doi:10.1111/jocd.16706

2. Nagelreiter C, Kratochvilova E, Valenta C. Dilution of semi-solid creams: influence of various production parameters on rheological properties and skin penetration. Int J Pharm. 2015;478(2):429-438. doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.11.069