Decarboxy Carnosine HCL at a Glance
- Biomimetic peptide (meaning it is lab-engineered to emulate a natural peptide in the body)
- Known for its antioxidant power and other anti-aging effects
- Also goes by the name carcinine
- Derivative of another peptide (carnosine)
Decarboxy Carnosine HCL Description
Decarboxy carnosine HCL is a synthetic peptide that is biomimetic, meaning it is designed to emulate a natural peptide found in the body. It also goes by the name carcinine. In skin care, it’s most well-known for acting as an antioxidant, where it can help ward off the negative impacts environmental stressors have on skin.
Suppliers of this ingredient tout its collagen-boosting benefits. At the time of this review, there isn’t enough peer-reviewed published research on decarboxy carnosine HCL to confirm that benefit, but it does look promising in terms of antiglycation effects. (Glycation is a process that impairs skin’s collagen and elastin, so inhibiting it is a good thing.)
Because this ingredient is a derivative of carnosine, it is believed to offer many of the same anti-aging benefits. Carnosine is a lab-engineered peptide that also occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in maintaining skin and bodily health.
Decarboxy Carnosine HCL References
Exsymol, Accessed January 2022, ePublication
BMJ Open, December 2020, pages 1-12
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, September 2020, pages 1-15
Cosmetics, November 2018, pages 1-9