What is "CARNOSINE" and what does it do?

Role: HUMECTANT

Family: PEPTIDES

Comedogenic index: 0

Carnosine is a synthetic biomimetic peptide which seeks to emulate carnosine naturally present in the body. It offers a multitude of anti-aging properties and protects against oxidative stress. It can also help prevent the effects of aging caused by glycation.

Properties and uses
Antioxidant and soothing properties
Applied topically, carnosine offers antioxidant and soothing properties, protecting skin from oxidative stress and contributing to its anti-aging capabilities.

Antiglycation effects
Research indicates that carnosine has anti-glycation properties, a process involved in the formation of wrinkles.

Potential in Collagen Production
Although studies indicate that carnosine can stimulate collagen production, its effectiveness depends on specific formulations and delivery systems.

Analysis and Research
Antioxidant with healing activity
A 2017 review article describes carnosine as an aqueous antioxidant with wound-healing activity.

Anti-glycation properties in the laboratory
In vitro studies show that carnosine has anti-glycation properties.

Questions about skin penetration
Despite its small size, carnosine is water-soluble and does not penetrate deep into the skin, raising doubts about its real effectiveness in stimulating collagen.

Anti-aging and IR protection studies
Clinical studies indicate carnosine's efficacy against damage caused by infrared radiation, although results are less clear regarding its anti-aging effects due to formulations combined with other active ingredients.

As a skincare ingredient, carnosine is a synthetic biomimetic peptide, meaning it is designed to mimic the natural carnosine present in the body, where it acts as a protein building block (the carnosine peptide contains the amino acids histidine and alanine). Applied topically, carnosine has soothing properties for the skin and antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress and exert anti-aging effects.

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