Alanine

A simple amino acid used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient. It is a part of the so-called Natural Moisturizing Factor, a complex mixture of free amino acids and other water-soluble compounds found in skin cells.
Moisturizing
Other functions
Origin
Alanine

Overview

Alanine is a simple amino acid. Amino acids are buildings block of every protein in our body. Alanine, like most of the other amino acids, is predominantly used in hair care as a conditioning and antistatic ingredient.

As it is a water-binding molecule it is used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient. It is a part of the so-called Natural Moisturizing Factor, a complex mixture of free amino acids and other water-soluble compounds found in skin cells.

Alanine is water-soluble and so is easily washed away from the skin’s surface. It needs to be re-applied in order for the skin to receive its maximum moisturization benefits.

Science

1
Ahsan H. (2019). Immunopharmacology and immunopathology of peptides and proteins in personal products. Journal of immunoassay & immunochemistry, 40(4), 439–447.
2
Oshimura, E., & Sakamoto, K. (2017). Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins. Cosmetic Science and Technology, 285–303.