Carnosine

Functions
Anti-aging
Antiglycation
Antioxidant
Skin conditioning
CAS Number(s)
305-84-0
EINECS number(s)
206-169-9
FDA UNII
8HO6PVN24W

Carnosine is a dipeptide (ß-alanyl-L-histidine) found in the human body. The nature-identical "L" form L-Carnosine is a white odorless powder, soluble in water.

Thanks to ROS and RCS (Reactive Oxygen Species and Reactive Carbonyl Species) scavenging ability, Carnosine is used as a powerful antioxidant in skincare applications. In addition, alanyl-histidine prevents protein glycation in ECM (extracellular matrix) and reacts with low molecular weight aldehydes, decreasing their concentration, leaving significant anti-aging effects, and preventing structural molecules from permanent damage.

Carnosine prevents cross-linking of macro-molecules like collagen with DNA and similar processes in the skin, preserving natural firmness, elasticity, and youthfulness. In addition, it makes complexes with heavy metal ions and acts as a chelating agent detoxifying and protecting the skin.

Carnosine boosts regenerative processes in the skin and it has been used in wound-healing ointments since the 1940s. It is a safe, multifunctional, and beneficial peptide used in numerous anti-aging preparations, and other skin and hair care products.
See also
Synonyms
L-histidine, N-beta-alanyl
ß-alanyl-L-histidine
Dragosine®

Related ingredients

1,2-Hexanediol
1,2-Hexanediol
1,2-Hexanediol is glycol alcohol (with two hydroxy groups on 1 and 2 positions and six carbon atoms), a multifunctional ingredient used as a solvent, emollient, moisturizing agent, and preservative in skin and hair care applications.
Abyssinian Oil
Abyssinian Oil
Abyssinian oil (Crambe oil) achieves a significant improvement on the surface structure as well as the evenness of the skin tone.
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl ester
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl ester
This lipopeptide exhibits good stimulating results on elastin production. As a result, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl ester fights against cutaneous sagging and decreases the visible effects of gravity on the skin.
Acetyl Heptapeptide-9
Acetyl Heptapeptide-9 mimics the TGFβ. Acetyl Heptapeptide-9 effects on fibroblasts, stimulating collagen, elastin, and other components of ECM production.
Acetyl octapeptide-3
Acetyl octapeptide-3
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is a brilliant, new, deep penetrating, powerful amino-peptide with a fantastic ‘BOTOX® like’ effect.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 is a fantastic, super effective, naturally derived tetrapeptide that helps reduce the look of puffy eye bags and dark circles under the eyes and helps prevent them from reappearing.
Adenosine 5 Triphosphate (ATP)
Adenosine 5 Triphosphate (ATP)
Naturally existing in our bodies as part of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), responsible for transporting energy for numerous cellular and muscular functions in our body
Alanine
Alanine
Alanine is an amino acid permanently produced in the human body. It is included in beauty formulations as an effective skin humectant.
Algae Extract
Algae Extract
Contains micro-nutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, copper.
Alistin®
Alistin®
Alistin® (Decarboxy Carnosine) is a synthetic antiaging pseudodipeptide with high stability and resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, that cell membranes oxidative stress and dermal fiber from cross-linking.
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Thanks to the specificity of its inter-glycosidic bonds, Alpha-Glucan is a selective substrate for the nutrition and development of the skin's saprophytic (beneficial) flora to the detriment of undesirable opportunists flora (pathogenic or not) ready to invade the skin at the slightest sign of imbalance.
Alpha-isomethyl Ionone
Alpha-isomethyl Ionone
Alpha-isomethylionone is a colorless to pale oily liquid, an isomer of Methyl Ionone, but its sweet orris-like scent is felt more attractive.