INCI Name: Arginine
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Usage Rate: 0.5–5%
L-Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid used in skin and hair care for its multifunctional benefits. In cosmetics, it serves as a skin-conditioning agent, humectant, and pH adjuster. Thanks to its hydrophilic nature, L-Arginine enhances water retention in the skin, promoting hydration and barrier support.
Add to the water phase. Typical usage levels are 0.5–5% depending on product type. Can also be used to help adjust formulation pH into the desired range.
It’s an amino acid that works as a gentle pH adjuster, humectant, and skin-conditioning agent. In emulsions and serums, it balances acidity without harsher bases while adding mild hydration and barrier support.
Unlike sodium hydroxide or triethanolamine, L-Arginine is naturally occurring and skin-friendly. It adjusts pH gently, which is valuable in sensitive-skin products, acid peels, or actives that require tight pH control.
Yes. As a precursor to nitric oxide, it can support microcirculation for improved tone and radiance. It also contributes to barrier repair as part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF).
It dissolves easily in water to form clear solutions at normal usage. At higher concentrations it can interact with acidic actives or electrolytes, so add gradually while monitoring pH and stability.
Generally yes. It’s often paired with AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C derivatives to balance pH. In peptide serums it can act as a buffer without disrupting bioactivity.
Yes. As an amino acid naturally found in skin, it fits clean and natural positioning and is commonly accepted within ECOCERT/COSMOS-style frameworks.
