Quick answer
Amino acid that can enhance skin’s hydration; May help skin produce supportive substances that keep it looking smooth and youthful; Can be animal-derived or made synthetically in a lab; Has many derivatives with skin care benefits including tranexamic acid Key benefits: Hydration, Anti-Aging.
Lysine
Updated
L-Lysine
Purpose
Amino acid that may enhance skin’s hydration. It also has potential to help skin produce supportive substances that keep it looking smooth and youthful.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Humectant, Antioxidant
INCI Purpose
ANTISTATIC, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
Amino acid that can enhance skin’s hydration
May help skin produce supportive substances that keep it looking smooth and youthful
Can be animal-derived or made synthetically in a lab
Has many derivatives with skin care benefits including tranexamic acid
Article
Lysine is an amino acid that when applied topically may enhance skin’s hydration by aiding the balanced transport of water through skin’s layers. It also has potential to help skin produce supportive substances that keep it looking smooth and youthful.
Lysine can be derived from animals or made synthetically in a lab. The most common manufacturing process for producing lysine is fermentation.
Derivatives of lysine, such as tranexamic acid, lysine HCI, lysine carboxymethyl cysteinate, and arginine/lysine polypeptide, are commonly found in skin care serums, moisturizers, and lip treatments. These may offer stronger skin care benefits than lysine itself.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has approved the safe use of lysine in personal care products in concentrations up to 0.7%.
Research has shown that amino acids work best for skin when they are combined. Rather than focusing on one particular amino acid, look for skin care formulas with a robust mix of amino acids.
See: Tranexamic Acid, Lysine HCI, Lysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
References