Quick answer
An amino acid that helps build collagen; Has light hydrating properties; Also works as a buffering agent in cosmetics; May be animal-derived or synthetic Key benefits: Hydration, Soothing.
Aspartic Acid
Updated
Aspartic acid
Purpose
Considered a non-essential amino acid because the body can make it, aspartic acid is a key building block of skin’s proteins.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Antioxidant
INCI Purpose
ANTISTATIC, FRAGRANCE, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
An amino acid that helps build collagen
Has light hydrating properties
Also works as a buffering agent in cosmetics
May be animal-derived or synthetic
Article
Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body doesn’t require it from dietary or supplement sources because it can make aspartic acid on its own. When it comes to skin care, aspartic acid is known to hydrate, help soothe, and strengthen skin’s environmental defenses.
As with several other amino acids, aspartic acid plays a building block role in the formation of skin’s collagen and elastin. Studies have shown aspartic acid fragmentation in aged samples of human elastin, showing its degradation weakens skin’s support.
It’s important to note that topical application of aspartic acid hasn’t been shown to impact collagen or elastin. Our goal here is explaining how this amino acid contributes to skin’s support. Aspartic acid also plays a role as a buffering agent in cosmetics, helping to establish and hold a product’s pH.
On its own, usage levels in cosmetics range between 1–6.5%. Lesser amounts are used when aspartic acid is part of a blend with other amino acids and skin-conditioning ingredients. Its safety for skin has been evaluated and confirmed.
References