Arginine Best Antioxidant Hydration Anti-Ageing Arginine at a glance Amino acid naturally present in the body Offers antioxidant benefits Has hydrating properties Derivatives of arginine can be used to create cosmetic surfactants Proven track record of safety in personal care product formulas Arginine description Arginine is an amino acid naturally present in the body, considered essential to human development. As a skin care ingredient, it delivers antioxidant benefits and plays a role in repairing visible skin damage. Additionally, arginine’s hydration properties have been studied in depth. This essential amino acid plays a key role in skin’s natural production of replenishing substances such as proline and urea. Arginine may be animal-derived or synthetic; both are equivalent in terms of benefits for skin, and Paula’s Choice uses the latter. Researchers are currently exploring the use of cosmetic surfactants derived from arginine as a more “biocompatible” alternative to traditional forms. In the realm of hair care, arginine has been shown to decrease damage from oxidative colouring or bleaching processes. In 2012, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that arginine is safe in the present practices of use and concentration (up to 18%) in cosmetics. It is also known as l-arginine.