L-Carnosine
L-carnosine is a dipeptide, i.e., a chemical compound composed of two amino acids. In this case, it is the two amino acids L-histidine and beta-alanine. In humans, L-carnosine is found mainly in muscle and brain tissue, but also in the kidneys and liver. The Russian biochemist Vladimir Sergeyevich Gulevich (1867 to 1933), together with his student Amiradzibi, was able to isolate the dipeptide for the first time in 1900. Seven years later, the scientist also found the correct structural formula.
L-carnosine in medicine
The substance is now used for medical and therapeutic purposes. For example, a clinical study showed that corresponding dietary supplements have a positive effect on people with autism, as the substance influences brain areas responsible for speech, movement, hearing, and socialization. Scientists are now convinced that it also protects the brain from oxidative damage. However, careful attention must be paid to dosage when taking it, as carnosine causes corticosterone levels to rise. If too high doses are administered, hyperactivity often results. However, this applies primarily to oral administration. In addition, the dipeptide is said to be able to protect nerve tissue from dementia. In fact, it is able to either reduce or even prevent cell damage caused by beta-amyloid. Beta-amyloid is considered to be the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and can be blocked by carnosine so that it is then inactive. This aspect already indicates why the substance is also extremely effective in cosmetics. Here, too, it is regarded as an absolute super antioxidant and has a wide range of anti-aging properties.
Carnosine in cosmetics: the anti-aging wonder weapon
Although the dipeptide occurs naturally in our bodies, its concentration drops sharply with advancing age. High-quality cosmetic products compensate for this deficiency.
Australian studies were able to prove that the compound can rejuvenate cells that are already on the verge of senescence. The researchers transferred senescent cells into a carnosine-containing culture and were amazed to find that the cells took on a rejuvenated appearance and, in many cases, their ability to divide increased. This means that L-carnosine can reverse the signs of aging in senescent cells. In addition, L-carnosine culture was able to increase the number of times a cell could divide. When researchers transferred old cells with previously already 55 division cycles into culture, some of them survived 70 divisions, while non-transferred cells only reached a maximum of 61 divisions. In addition, L-carnosine cells were able to achieve a lifespan of more than 410 days, while in the control group it was only a maximum of 139 days.
In addition, the dipeptide acts as a kind of self-regulator, as it can rebalance and normalize out-of-control endogenous processes.
L-Carnosine: Improvement of skin elasticity, reduction of cell saccharification
When carnosine is used in cosmetic products, its effects vary, but are always extremely high. In addition to increasing the lifespan of cells of the hair, skin and nails, the improvement of the skin’s own elasticity is particularly worth mentioning, i.e., the moisture content in the skin increases. As a result, it remains firmer, plumper and thus more youthful for longer. By reducing oxidative stress, the dipeptide protects cell structures and tissues from damage in the long term. Interestingly, it can also bind certain metal ions that would otherwise inhibit various important metabolic processes. In addition, cosmetic preparations containing carnosine counteract the saccharification of collagen fibers. Sugaring, also known as glycation, contributes significantly to skin aging and can be slowed down by carnosine.
As an extremely small molecule, the substance is also well able to overcome the skin barrier. If required, however, it can also be formulated with active ingredients that are considered to promote penetration. The cell-rejuvenating, antioxidant and skin-care properties are already achieved at relatively low concentrations (0.1 to 1.0 percent). The combination with skin care substances such as glycerin, vitamin E and panthenol is particularly suitable as it would enhance the effect of the active ingredient.
In principle, L-carnosine is suitable for all skin types, so it is also suitable for irritated and sensitive skin conditions. However, it is particularly suitable for sophisticated anti-aging cosmetics, as it can make optimal use of its advantages here. As an endogenous substance, the dipeptide is very well tolerated; irritations or sensitizations are not known so far.
Fact Sheet L-Carnosine
INCI: Carnosine
CAS number: 305-84-0
Description: colorless crystals
Melting point: 260 degrees Celsius
Molecular Formula: C9H14N4O3
Action: protects against oxidative damage, can reduce dryness and improve skin hydration, inhibits saccharification of cellular structures, smoothes skin, promotes skin cell growth
Possible uses: especially suitable for care products for mature skin, excellent anti-aging agent
See the L-carnosine active ingredients we like to work with:
| Trade Name | Company Name | INCI | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnosine | COSROMA | Carnosine | |
| L-Carnosine | WISDOMIT | Carnosine | |
| L-carnosine | Hangzhou Rebtech Novel Material Co., Ltd. | Carnosine | |
| L-Carnosine | ACTYLIS | Carnosine | |
| WKPep Carnosine | Shenzhen Winkey Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd. | Carnosine | |
| Dragosine | Symrise | Carnosine | |
| SpecPed LCS | Spec-Chem Industry Inc | Carnosine | |
| ActiTide CS | Uniproma | Carnosine | |
| Ameliox | Mibelle AG Biochemistry | Lecithin, Carnosine, Tocopherol, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Alcohol, Water (Aqua) | |
| Alistin | KimiKa, LLC (Formerly Cosphatech) | Decarboxy Carnosine HCl | |
| N_llscent | LipoTrue, S.L. | Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Carnosine, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 | |
| SpecPlex Gloss | Spec-Chem Industry Inc | Lactobionic Acid, Carnosine, Nonapeptide-1, Tranexamic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water | |
| ANTI-OX 3D | AQiA Química Inovativa | Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Rutinyl Succinate, Siloxanetriol Alginate, Caffeine, Butylene Glycol, Decarboxy Carnosine HCl, Water | |
| SpecPed WA | Spec-Chem Industry Inc | Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, s-Mu-conotoxin CnIIIC, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Nonapeptide-1, Carnosine, Water, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol | |
| Trimoist KMF | Mibelle AG Biochemistry | Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Olus Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Glycerin, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Sodium Lactate, Carnosine, Lactic Acid, Aqua |
Sophisticated cosmetics with L-carnosine
The body’s own dipeptide, which is composed of the amino acids beta-alanine and L-histidine, has an impressive anti-aging effect as a super antioxidant and increases the cell life of skin, hair and nails. At the same time, it significantly contributes to the increase of elasticity and strength and inhibits the harmful saccharification of fibers. Are you interested in high-quality cosmetics with carnosine? We will be glad to help you with the implementation.
Sources:
Carnosine and the processes of ageing.; Hipkiss AR, Baye E, de Courten B. Maturitas. 2016 Nov;93:28-33
Randomized, placebo-controlled study of a nutraceutical based on hyaluronic acid, L-carnosine, and methylsulfonylmethane in facial skin aesthetics and well-being.; Guaitolini, E., Cavezzi, A., Cocchi, S., Colucci, R., Urso, S. U., & Quinzi, V. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 2019; 12(4), 40.
L-histidine and L-carnosine exert anti-brain aging effects in D-galactose-induced aged neuronal cells.; Nutr Res Pract. 2020 Jun;14(3):188-202
The potential of a niacinamide dominated cosmeceutical formulation on fibroblast activity and wound healing in vitro.; Int Wound J. 2014 Apr;11(2):152-8.
Carnosine as a Protective Factor in Diabetic Nephropathy: Association With a Leucine Repeat of the Carnosinase Gene CNDP1.; Bart Janssen, Daniela Hohenadel, Paul Brinkkoetter, Verena Peters, Nina Rind, Christine Fischer, Ivan Rychlik, Marie Cerna, Marianna Romzova, Emile de Heer, Hans Baelde, Stephan J.L. Bakker, Mahmoud Zirie, Eric Rondeau, Peter Mathieson, Moin A. Saleem, Jochen Meyer, Hannes Köppel, Sibylle Sauerhoefer, Claus R. Bartram, Peter Nawroth, Hans-Peter Hammes, Benito A. Yard, Johannes Zschocke, Fokko J. van der Woude. Diabetes 1 August 2005; 54 (8): 2320–2327.