Carnosine (L-Carnosine) Cosmetic Ingredient Supplier — UPOR Biotech
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring antioxidant dipeptide — the skin’s frontline defense against protein glycation. As a multifunctional anti-aging active, it inhibits advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation, quenches reactive oxygen species, and chelates pro-oxidant metal ions — preserving collagen and elastin structure in anti-aging serums and creams. INCI: Carnosine. CAS 305-84-0. ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA, HALAL, KOSHER, COSMOS certified. Bulk cosmetic ingredient supplier — premium anti-glycation carnosine from UPOR Biotech.
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Carnosine (CAS 305-84-0, C₉H₁₄N₄O₃, MW 226.23 g/mol) is a naturally occurring dipeptide of β-alanine and L-histidine — discovered in beef extracts in 1900 (Gulewitsch & Amiradžibi) and found abundantly in human muscle and brain tissue. It is one of the skin’s most relevant anti-glycation actives: carnosine quenches reactive carbonyl species such as methylglyoxal and glyoxal, neutralizing these sugar-derived intermediates before they can advance-glycate long-lived dermal proteins. This blocks AGE formation and collagen/elastin cross-linking — the molecular driver of glycation-associated sagging, stiffness, and dullness. Carnosine is also a potent antioxidant and ROS quencher (including singlet-oxygen neutralization), a metal-ion chelator, a cell-membrane stabilizer, and a promoter of wound healing and collagen cross-link protection. The result: preserved collagen and elastin architecture, improved skin firmness and elasticity, and a brighter, more even complexion in anti-aging skincare.
From a cosmetic standpoint, carnosine is positioned as the “glycation-defense” ingredient for anti-aging serums, creams, and eye-contour products — typically used at 0.5–2.0% active, added to the aqueous phase at a formulation pH of 5.0–7.0. It pairs naturally with vitamin C, niacinamide, EGCG, and retinol-based actives, complementing their antioxidant and collagen-boosting mechanisms. The INCI name is Carnosine. As a bulk cosmetic ingredient supplier, UPOR Biotech provides cosmetic-grade carnosine powder in 10 g, 100 g, and 1 kg pack sizes with full documentation — ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, and COSMOS — supporting clean-label and certified-compliant anti-aging launches.
Carnosine vs Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 — Anti-Glycation Defense vs Hair-Follicle Support
Both carnosine and biotinoyl tripeptide-1 are functional peptide actives, but they serve different cosmetic endpoints. Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (β-alanyl-L-histidine) that targets the glycation pathway — quenching reactive carbonyl species, inhibiting AGE cross-linking, and delivering antioxidant and metal-chelating defense for anti-aging serums and creams. Biotinoyl tripeptide-1 is a synthetic conjugate of biotin and the GHK peptide that targets hair-follicle biology, stimulating collagen IV and laminin 5 in the follicle dermal papilla for hair-growth-supporting scalp products. For formulators: choose carnosine for glycation-defense, firming, and anti-aging facial care; choose biotinoyl tripeptide-1 for hair-care and scalp applications. Both can coexist in a comprehensive peptide portfolio. UPOR Biotech supplies carnosine in cosmetic grade with full COA documentation.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Carnosine (L-Carnosine) — Cosmetic Grade Anti-Glycation Dipeptide |
| INCI Name | Carnosine |
| Synonyms | L-Carnosine; β-Alanyl-L-Histidine |
| CAS Number | 305-84-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C₉H₁₄N₄O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 226.23 g/mol |
| Peptide Sequence | β-Ala-His |
| Peptide Class | Naturally occurring dipeptide |
| Mechanism | Anti-glycation / AGE inhibition via reactive-carbonyl quenching; antioxidant / ROS scavenging; metal-ion chelation |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥98.0% |
| Melting Point | 253–260°C (decomposition) |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤10 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1 ppm |
| Microbial Limits | TPC ≤100 CFU/g; E. coli / Salmonella / S. aureus / yeast & mold — negative / within limits |
| Solubility | Water-soluble; added to the aqueous phase |
| Recommended Usage Rate | 0.5 – 2.0% active |
| Recommended pH | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, COSMOS |
| Packaging | 10 g / 100 g / 1 kg |
| Storage | 2–8°C or -20°C, tightly sealed, protected from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 2 years |
| Disclaimer | For cosmetic formulation use |
Key Benefits — Carnosine
Inhibits Glycation & AGE Formation
Carnosine quenches reactive carbonyl species such as methylglyoxal before they can initiate advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation. By interrupting the glycation cascade, it protects long-lived dermal proteins — collagen and elastin — from the cross-linking and stiffening that drive visible skin aging.
Glycation DefensePotent Antioxidant & ROS Quencher
A broad-spectrum antioxidant, carnosine scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), neutralizes singlet oxygen, and inhibits lipid peroxidation in cell membranes. This multifunctional radical defense complements dedicated antioxidant actives in anti-aging and brightening formulas.
Antioxidant + Metal ChelatorPreserves Collagen & Elastin Structure
By blocking AGE-mediated collagen cross-linking and protecting elastic fibers from carbonyl stress, carnosine helps maintain skin firmness, elasticity, and youthful contours — reducing glycation-associated sagging, dullness, and fine lines in mature skin.
Skin FirmnessNatural Dipeptide — Gentle Anti-Aging Active
Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide of β-alanine and L-histidine, discovered in beef extracts and abundant in human muscle and brain tissue. As a mild, well-tolerated cosmetic active, it suits sensitive and mature skin in daily anti-aging, eye-contour, and post-procedure formulas.
Natural DipeptideApplications
Anti-Glycation & Anti-Aging Serums
Water-soluble serum active at 0.5–2.0% targeting AGE-related loss of firmness, elasticity, and radiance in mature skin.
“Glycation-Defense” Day Creams
Daily moisturizer active that shields collagen and elastin from sugar-driven cross-linking — a key positioning for modern anti-aging care.
Antioxidant & Brightening Formulas
Pairs with vitamin C, niacinamide, and EGCG for complementary ROS quenching and a more even, luminous complexion.
Eye Contour & Sagging-Prevention Care
Delivers firming and elasticity support to the delicate eye area, countering glycation-associated sagging and crepey texture.
Post-Procedure Recovery & Skin-Repair Creams
Soothing, gentle anti-glycation and membrane-stabilizing support for compromised or post-treatment skin barriers.
Clean-Label / COSMOS-Compliant Skincare
A naturally occurring INCI-Carnosine active that fits clean-label, vegan-friendly, and COSMOS-compliant anti-aging lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine, CAS 305-84-0) is a naturally occurring dipeptide of β-alanine and L-histidine, abundant in human muscle and brain tissue. In skincare it works primarily as an anti-glycation active: it inhibits advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation by quenching reactive carbonyl species such as methylglyoxal, preventing the cross-linking and damage of collagen and elastin. Carnosine also acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and singlet oxygen, and chelates pro-oxidant metal ions. The result is preserved skin firmness and elasticity and reduced glycation-associated sagging, dullness, and fine lines.
Both protect the skin, but through complementary mechanisms. Vitamin C is a sacrificial antioxidant that neutralizes ROS, supports collagen synthesis, and brightens skin — but it does not address glycation. Carnosine, by contrast, targets the glycation pathway directly: it quenches reactive carbonyl species before they can cross-link and advance-glycate collagen and elastin, while also providing ROS scavenging and metal-ion chelation. In an anti-aging formula, carnosine and vitamin C are synergistic — carnosine defends the protein structure while vitamin C drives new collagen and antioxidant protection.
Carnosine is typically used at 0.5–2.0% active in cosmetic formulations, with 1.0% a common effective level in anti-glycation serums and creams. It is water-soluble and added to the aqueous phase. Because carnosine is a low-molecular-weight dipeptide (226.23 g/mol), it penetrates efficiently, so the upper end of the range is reserved for intensive anti-aging and eye-contour products. UPOR Biotech provides a COA with each lot to confirm purity and assay.
Add carnosine to the aqueous phase of the formulation. Maintain a final pH of 5.0–7.0 for optimal stability and skin compatibility; avoid extreme pH conditions and prolonged high-heat processing that could hydrolyze the peptide bond. Carnosine should be protected from light and moisture during storage (2–8°C, or -20°C for long-term). Antioxidant-boosting actives and metal chelators pair well, and carnosine remains stable in emulsions and serum bases at the recommended usage rate.
Every carnosine shipment includes a COA (HPLC purity ≥98.0%, heavy metals ≤10 ppm, full microbial panel), MSDS, HPLC chromatogram, and complete lot traceability. UPOR Biotech operates under ISO 9001 and cGMP with FDA facility registration, and carnosine is available HALAL, KOSHER, and COSMOS compliant for clean-label and certified-positioned formulations. Stability data and raw material documentation are available on request.