Common Name(s): Carboxyethyl aminobutyric acid,carboxyethyl aminobutyric acid,amino acid derivative,gaba analogue anti-neurogenic active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Potentiates gaba-a receptors in skin sensory neurons reducing substance p-mediated neurogenic inflammation โ providing calming activity for sensitive, reactive, and rosacea-prone skin through the inhibitory neurotransmitter pathway.
Why It's Used: Gaba analogues provide neurocosmetic anti-inflammatory activity through a fundamentally different mechanism than anti-oxidant or nf-kb inhibitor actives โ modulating the neurotransmitter signalling that drives sensory neuron-triggered skin inflammation.
How It Works: Gaba-a receptor potentiation โ clโป channel opening โ membrane hyperpolarisation โ reduced depolarisation-triggered substance p and cgrp neuropeptide release โ decreased neurogenic vasodilation and mast cell degranulation โ reduced erythema and sensitivity from the afferent sensory side of neurogenic inflammation.
Typically Found In: Sensitive skin,anti-redness,neurocosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%โ1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Carboxyethyl modification improves gaba analogue's skin penetration by raising logp from -2.1 (gaba) toward 0 โ the charged zwitterion gaba has poor sc penetration; the modified form reaches the target dermal nerve endings more efficiently.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,carboxyethyl aminobutyric acid gaba analogue anti-neurogenic review