Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
Explained
Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone (aka Idebenone) is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, or the unstable molecules that break down collagen and speed up visible aging.
It's a synthetic analog of Coenzyme Q10 but with a much smaller molecular weight. In theory, this gives it greater potential to penetrate skin.
The headline claim comes from a 2005 study that ranked Idebenone's oxidative-stress protection against five popular antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, CoQ10, Kinetin, and Alpha Lipoic Acid). This study found it performed strongly in their testing model.
A companion six-week clinical trial on 41 women with moderately photodamaged skin found a 1% Idebenone formula showed a 26% reduction in skin roughness and dryness, a 37% increase in hydration, a 29% reduction in fine-lines/wrinkles, and a 33% improvement in overall photodamage. One thing worth noting about this study is that there was no vehicle control so not all benefits can be pinned on idebenone alone.
Typical usage for this ingredient sits between 0.5-1% (both concentrations validated in clinical work).
On the safety side, Idebenone is well tolerated by most people. There are a handful of documented allergic contact dermatitis in individual users so be sure to patch test if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
See all 162 products with Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
