Functions
NMF
Zinc has a critical role in the metabolism of one of the most important proteins in the epidermis called Filaggrin (filament aggregating protein). Metabolites of Filaggrin are NMFs (natural moisturizing factors) attracting water molecules and improving skin hydration.
The list of NMFs produced by the degradation of filament aggregating protein:
- Amino acids including Glutamine, Arginine, and Histidine
- Urocanic acid (UCA) also absorbs UV radiation, maintains skin pH
- Pyrrolidine carboxylic acid (PCA) a potent humectant
Active ingredients (or INCI)
L-PCA
Zinc
Related ingredients
Alanine is an amino acid permanently produced in the human body. It is included in beauty formulations as an effective skin humectant.
This food-grade ingredient is valued for its humectant and skin conditioning effects and is used as an anionic surfactant.
Citric Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in many fruits. It has a polar molecule and able to disrupt the coherence of corneocytes of the epidermis. This process called the chemical peeling type of exfoliation eliminating dull and old cells from the skin surface.
Proline is the main building block of dermal collagen. Due to its significant role in skin structure maintenance and easy absorbance proline is a prominent ingredient of anti-aging skin care formulations.
Sarcosine (N-methyl glycine) is a natural amino acid found in human body tissues and ubiquitous in raw food such as egg yolks, meat, vegetables, and legume seeds.
It is widely used in skin and hair care preparations thanks to numerous beneficial actions, including humectant, buffering, antiseptic, energizing, thickener, emollient, and preservative.
Arginine is an amino acid found in red algae, buckwheat, and human skin. Arginine supports the regeneration of the skin's moisture-binding system and has a relaxing effect on the skin.
Moisturizes the skin, smooths, and relieves itching. As one of the most critical soluble substances of the stratum corneum, urea is of increasing importance in dermatological therapy and cosmetics.
A vital part of skin’s NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor), Lactic Acid moisturizes and hydrates skin while stimulating collagen renewal. It is naturally occurring in various food and milk, so the FDA permitted this organic acid for usage as an ingredient in cosmetics and skincare formulations at concentrations lower than 12%.