Preparation and Evaluation of Complexed Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) Antiaging Hyaluronic Acid-Vitamin C Serum for Skin Care

Abstract

Background: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is widely recognized for its powerful antioxidant properties, sparking considerable interest in its application within skincare treatments. However, its inherently poor water solubility has posed a major challenge in formulating effective skincare products.

Methods: This research aimed to develop and evaluate a water-soluble CoQ10 serum by forming a complex with hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD). The study focused on assessing its physicochemical properties, CoQ10 concentration, spread ability, viscosity, pH, physical stability, irritation potential, and diffusion performance. The complexation process was carried out using kneading and trituration techniques, with thorough characterization via validated analytical methods such as solubility tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses.

Results: The CoQ10-HPβCD complex prepared using the trituration technique at a 2:1 ratio (CoQ10 to HPβCD) demonstrated superior water solubility, reaching 17.5 ± 1.8 mg mL^-1, the highest among the tested formulations. Moreover, this formulation achieved the greatest encapsulation efficiency, retaining 71% ± 3.8% of CoQ10. FTIR and DSC analyses confirmed the successful formation of the complex. The formulated serum exhibited shear-thinning behavior, an optimal pH of 4.3 ± 0.2 closely aligning with the skin's natural acidity for enhanced compatibility-along with excellent spreadability and stability. Diffusion tests revealed a significant enhancement in solubility when CoQ10 was complexed, effectively overcoming its solubility barrier. Irritation tests validated the serum's safety for topical use.

Conclusion: This study successfully developed a CoQ10 serum that overcame its solubility limitation, demonstrating favorable properties for skincare application. With its strong physicochemical characteristics and biocompatibility, this formulation shows significant promise for broader incorporation into skincare products.

Keywords: antiaging; coenzyme Q10; hyaluronic acid; skin care; ubiquinone.

FIGURE 1

Chemical structure of (A) ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10); (B) vitamin C; (C) hyaluronic acid.

FIGURE 2

UV scan of CoQ10 showing the lambda max at 276 nm.

FIGURE 3

The linearity plot of Q10 showing the linear regression equation and correlation coefficient.

FIGURE 4

FTIR spectrum of pure CoQ10 showing the distinctive peaks at 3412.08 cm⁻¹ (O‐H stretching), 1020 cm⁻¹ (C‐O stretching), and 1715 cm⁻¹ (carbonyl stretching); HPβCD showing distinctive peaks at 3385 cm⁻¹ (O‐H stretching), 1030 cm⁻¹ (C‐O stretching); and CoQ10–HPβCD complex showing hidden and slight shifting of the peaks of CoQ10 as an indication of physical interaction.

FIGURE 5

DSC analysis of the HPβCD (A) showing a wide small peak around 260°C representing melting and decomposition, CoQ10 (B) with a sharp clear peak at 55°C representing the melting point of the crystalline form, and CoQ10–HPβCD complex (C) showing a small shoetened wide peak around 50^oC of CoQ10 melting which might indicate a physical interaction with the cyclodextrin.

FIGURE 6

Shear‐dependent viscosity profile of CoQ10 serum showing shear‐thinning behavior, as the shear rate increases, the viscosity decreases.

FIGURE 7

Thermo‐rheological behavior of CoQ10 serum, showing a decrease in viscosity with an increase in temperature with a viscosity value of 800 mPa s ⁻¹ .

FIGURE 8

Diffusion plot of serum contained CoQ10 as HPβCD complex and the control formula contained CoQ10 without complex.

FIGURE 9

Visual assessment of dermal responses following topical application of CoQ10 serum over a 24‐h period.