Common Name(s): N-acetylcarnosine,ophthalmic anti-glycation,bioavailable carnosine
CAS Number: 56353-15-2
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides carnosinase-resistant anti-glycation with superior topical bioavailability.
Why It's Used: Bioavailability-protected carnosine โ acetylcarnosine's n-acetyl group blocks carnosinase enzymatic hydrolysis that rapidly degrades topical carnosine in skin, providing sustained delivery of carnosine's anti-glycation and antioxidant activity at the dermal level.
How It Works: N-acetyl-beta-alanyl-l-histidine: carnosinase resistant (carnosinase requires free n-terminus). hydrolysis in cells: intracellular acetylase โ carnosine released inside cell. ophthalmic: clinically studied for cataract (mark babizhayev n-acetylcarnosine eye drops). anti-glycation: same carnosine mechanisms. superior tissue penetration from acetyl group lipophilicity.
Typically Found In: Anti-glycation stable products,ophthalmic-grade anti-aging
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ signal peptide
Secondary Functions: Collagen stimulation,skin firming,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ3%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ synthetic
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetically produced by solid-phase peptide synthesis (spps). may be palmitoylated for stability.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,retinol,vitamin c,niacinamide
Avoid Combining With: Avoid mixing with high-concentration ahas at same ph (may hydrolyze peptide bonds)
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Acetylcarnosine's intracellular activation by deacetylation (cytoplasmic esterases remove the acetyl group) provides a prodrug-like intracellular activation: the acetyl group provides resistance to extracellular carnosinase (protecting during penetration) and slightly increased lipophilicity (improving sc penetration), then is cleaved inside the cell to release active carnosine exactly where its anti-glycation and antioxidant functions are needed. classic prodrug design principles applied to a natural peptide.
Last Verified: Cosing database,babizhayev n-acetylcarnosine ophthalmic studies
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12