Amino Acids

Best

Antioxidant

Amino Acids at a glance

  • Fundamental constituents of all proteins found in the body
  • In skin care products, amino acids act as water-binding agents
  • Some have antioxidant properties
  • Work best when combined with other amino acids

Amino Acids description

Amino acids are the fundamental constituents of all proteins found in the body, such as: alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, cystine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine. [br] [br] Some of these amino acids can be synthesised by the body; others (known as essential amino acids) must be obtained from protein in the diet. In skin care products, amino acids act as water-binding agents, and some have antioxidant properties. Amino acids can be combined with other ingredients that have skin-restorative ability to work in unison to fight signs of ageing. [br] [br] Note: Research has shown amino acids for skin work best when several of them are combined. For this reason, we rate the amino acids as a group more highly than some individual amino acids. Although some individual amino acids have distinctive benefits compared to others, you would be selling your skin short if you only focused on one particular amino acid.

Amino Acids references

  • European Surgical Research, January-April 2002, pages 53-60

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.