Common Name(s): Carnitine hcl,carnitine hcl,polyol or sugar derivative,humectant emollient active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides carnitine as a cofactor for fatty acid transport into mitochondria for beta-oxidation, supporting keratinocyte energy metabolism and lipid metabolism for improved sc barrier fatty acid composition.

Why It's Used: Carnitine deficiency impairs beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids essential for ceramide biosynthesis in keratinocytes — topical carnitine supports the fatty acid metabolism needed for sc lipid synthesis.

How It Works: L-carnitine transports long-chain acyl-coa esters across the inner mitochondrial membrane as acylcarnitine — essential for beta-oxidation of c16-c24 fatty acids used in ceramide biosynthesis. the hcl salt provides excellent water solubility and stability in aqueous formulations.

Typically Found In: All formulations,natural skin care

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,barrier actives

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sugar-derived ingredients provide exceptional safety profiles from the food-grade starting material heritage — gras status of many sugar feedstocks extends beneficial safety documentation to the cosmetic derivative.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,carnitine hcl polyol sugar derivative review