Common Name(s): Carnitine hydroxycitrate,carnitine hydroxycitrate,carnitine derivative,mitochondrial fatty acid transport anti-aging
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Supports long-chain fatty acid transport into mitochondria for beta-oxidation and energy production, provides fatty acid substrate for ceramide biosynthesis, and counteracts the mitochondrial dysfunction associated with skin ageing.
Why It's Used: Carnitine deficiency impairs beta-oxidation of c16-c24 fatty acids essential for ceramide spt pathway โ topical carnitine supplementation maintains the fatty acid availability required for sc lipid synthesis.
How It Works: Carnitine acylcarnitine shuttle: lcarnitine + long-chain acyl-coa โ acylcarnitine (cpt1) โ inner membrane โ acyl-coa (cpt2) โ beta-oxidation โ fadhโ + nadh โ oxidative phosphorylation โ atp. the conjugate provides stable water-soluble carnitine delivery with the modified anion improving formulation compatibility.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,mitochondrial support,anti-cellulite
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: 0.1%โ2%
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 extract or synthetic. [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 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
L-carnitine skin levels decline 15-20% per decade โ topical replenishment supports the declining beta-oxidation pathway that contributes to impaired barrier lipid synthesis and skin ageing.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,carnitine hydroxycitrate carnitine mitochondrial anti-aging review