Decarboxy Carnosine HCL

Biomimetic peptide (meaning it is lab-engineered to emulate a natural peptide in the body)

Known for its antioxidant power and other anti-aging effects

Also goes by the name carcinine

Derivative of another peptide (carnosine)

Decarboxy carnosine HCL is a synthetic peptide that is biomimetic, meaning it is designed to emulate a natural peptide found in the body. It also goes by the name carcinine. In skin care, it’s most well-known for acting as an antioxidant, where it can help ward off the negative impacts environmental stressors have on skin.

Suppliers of this ingredient tout its collagen-boosting benefits. At the time of this review, there isn’t enough peer-reviewed published research on decarboxy carnosine HCL to confirm that benefit, but it does look promising in terms of antiglycation effects. (Glycation is a process that impairs skin’s collagen and elastin, so inhibiting it is a good thing.)

Because this ingredient is a derivative of carnosine, it is believed to offer many of the same anti-aging benefits. Carnosine is a lab-engineered peptide that also occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in maintaining skin and bodily health.

See: Carnosine, Peptides