Arginine

Arginine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in proteins and in the stratum corneum, where it is part of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF). In cosmetics, it is usually used together with other amino acids, PCA and sodium lactate to recreate this composition.

It binds water in the epidermis, softens the skin and helps keep the stratum corneum in good condition. It is also alkaline, so it is sometimes used to gently adjust a formula's pH. In scalp care products, in the form of arginine hydrochloride, it is part of complexes that care for hair follicles.

You'll find it in creams, serums, micellar waters, facial cleansing foams, foundations and our scalp lotion.