Coenzymes are small organic molecules that enhance the functioning of the enzymes. They cannot by themselves catalyze a reaction but they can help enzymes to do so. In technical terms, coenzymes are organic nonprotein molecules that bind with the protein molecule (apoenzyme) to form the active enzyme (holoenzyme).

A number of the water-soluble vitamins such as vitamins B1, B2 and B6 serve as coenzymes.