Carnosine

Carnosine at a Glance

• Synthetic peptide that is biomimetic (designed to emulate the carnosine naturally found in the body)
• Offers a host of anti-aging properties
• Protects against oxidative stress
• May help ward off pro-aging glycation effects
• Aside from topical application, carnosine also comes in dietary supplement form

Carnosine Description

As a skin care ingredient, carnosine is a synthetic peptide that is biomimetic, meaning it is designed to emulate the natural carnosine found in the body where it functions as a protein building block (the carnosine peptide contains the amino acids histidine and alanine). Topically applied, carnosine has skin-soothing and antioxidant properties that allow it to protect against oxidative stress and perform anti-aging capabilities.

There is some research indicating carnosine offers antiglycation properties. (Glycation is a process that leads to wrinkles, so warding it off is a good thing.) Manufacturer studies also tout carnosine’s ability to boost collagen, but as is generally the case for peptides, specific formulary considerations and delivery systems have to be in place for carnosine to effectively reach where it would need to go to have that effect.

Since carnosine occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in maintaining health, it is considered safe for topical use. The general range considered effective for use in skin care is anywhere between 0.05-2%.

Aside from topical skin care, carnosine is commercially available as a dietary supplement, where it shows promise for improving various health conditions.

Carnosine References