Quick answer
An amino acid that provides antioxidant benefits; Is also capable of soothing skin; Alternate name is L-histidine; May be animal-derived or synthetic Key benefits: Anti-Aging, Soothing.
Histidine
Updated
Histidine
Purpose
An essential amino acid that helps defend skin from environmental aggressors, maintain hydration, and also offers documented soothing benefits.
Rating
BEST
Category
Antioxidant
INCI Purpose
ANTISTATIC, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
An amino acid that provides antioxidant benefits
Is also capable of soothing skin
Alternate name is L-histidine
May be animal-derived or synthetic
Article
Histidine is an amino acid that has antioxidant and soothing properties for skin. It is a key building block of the skin protein filaggrin, which plays a leading role in maintaining skin’s barrier. Histidine helps keep proteins properly “folded”, which increases their stability and ensures the proteins can do their jobs correctly.
Among the amino acids people need to remain healthy, histidine is considered essential since the body cannot make it. As such, people must obtain this nutrient via proteins from foods or supplements.
Topically, research has shown histidine is a potent scavenger of the hydroxyl radical, which can cause a cascade of damage on skin’s surface. It also plays a role in helping skin maintain hydration by improving its natural moisturizing factors and ability to withstand environmental damage.
Interestingly, deficiencies in histidine are one factor behind skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis. Correcting this can help visibly improve the problem of itchy, dry skin.
Histidine may be animal-derived or synthetic (Paula’s Choice Skincare uses the latter). Usage levels for skin care products range from 0.00009%–0.05%. Its safety for skin has been reviewed and confirmed.
You will most often find histidine used with other amino acids since this approach delivers synergistic benefits.
See: Amino Acids
References