Excellent Active Ingredient Dermal Penetration

Carnosine

INCI: CARNOSINE

CAS Number
305-84-0
Function
Antioxidant; anti-pollution active; AhR pathway modulator; carbonyl scavenger; anti-glycation agent; dipeptide (beta-alanyl-L-histidine); metal chelator; anti-aging active
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted in cosmetics; no FDA restrictions; also sold as dietary supplement without restrictions; no formal CIR cosmetic assessment; used in anti-aging, anti-glycation, and anti-pollution formulations

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Carnosine, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
5-10%
Penetration Level
stratum-corneum
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum/epidermis
Molecular Weight
226.2 Da
Log P
-2.8
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
3-8%
Safety Margin Factor
low
Vehicle Dependent
Yes โ€” absorption varies by formulation

Source: Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2012

Expert Verdict

Carnosine is a multi-mechanism anti-pollution active with carbonyl scavenging, metal chelation, and anti-glycation properties. Endogenous dipeptide with extensive safety data; topical cosmetic concentrations (0.1-1%) are well within safety margins with no sensitization or irritation findings. Recommended for nighttime formulations at 0.2-0.5%.

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Concern Level: None

Regulatory Flags

anti-pollution ahr-modulator ahr-96pct-reduction carbonyl-scavenger anti-glycation metal-chelator melatonin-synergy night-cream-active anti-aging endogenous-dipeptide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carnosine safe in cosmetics?

Carnosine is a multi-mechanism anti-pollution active with carbonyl scavenging, metal chelation, and anti-glycation properties. Endogenous dipeptide with extensive safety data; topical cosmetic concentrations (0.1-1%) are well within safety margins with no sensitization or irritation findings. Recommended for nighttime formulations at 0.2-0.5%. The EU classifies Carnosine as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.

Is Carnosine allowed in the EU?

Carnosine EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Carnosine do in cosmetics?

Carnosine functions as: Antioxidant; anti-pollution active; AhR pathway modulator; carbonyl scavenger; anti-glycation agent; dipeptide (beta-alanyl-L-histidine); metal chelator; anti-aging active. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 305-84-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for Carnosine?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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