Carnosine

Also known as: L-Carnosine

INCI: Carnosine | Function: Antioxidant, Anti-glycation, Anti-aging | Type: Antioxidant

What Is Carnosine?

Carnosine is a dipeptide (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) naturally found in high concentrations in muscle and brain tissue. In skincare, it is valued primarily as a potent anti-glycation agent — it prevents sugar molecules from cross-linking with collagen and elastin fibers, a process called glycation that leads to stiff, yellowed, and wrinkled skin. Also functions as a free radical scavenger and metal chelator. One of the few proven anti-AGE (Advanced Glycation End-product) ingredients.

Key Skin Benefits

Pros

Cons

Specifications

PropertyValue
Usage AreasFace, Eye, Body
Product TypeLeave-On, Rinse-Off
SourceSynthetic
Natural LevelSynthetic

Safety Ratings

MetricRating
Skin Sensitivity1/5
Comedogenic Rating0/5
EWG Score1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

RegionLeave-on %Rinse-off %Status
EU (CosIng)No limitNo limitAllowed
US (CIR/FDA)No limitNo limitAllowed
Japan (MHLW)No limitNo limitAllowed
ASEANNo limitNo limitAllowed
China (NMPA)No limitNo limitAllowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product TypeTypical %
Serum0.5 - 2%
Moisturizer0.5 - 1%
Eye Cream0.5 - 1%

References

  1. Boldyrev AA et al. — Physiology of carnosine. Physiol Rev (2013). PMID: 24137017
  2. Hipkiss AR — Carnosine and aging. Ann N Y Acad Sci (2006). PMID: 17159716
  3. Babizhayev MA et al. — Carnosine in cosmeceuticals. Skin Pharmacol Physiol (2009)
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