Common Name(s): Beta-alanyl-l-histidine,n-beta-alanyl-l-histidine dipeptide
CAS Number: 305-84-0
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides anti-glycation and anti-carbonylation activity protecting collagen from glycation-induced crosslinking.
Why It's Used: Natural anti-age dipeptide targeting glycation — complementary to antioxidant-only anti-aging strategies with documented collagen protection.
How It Works: Histidine imidazole chelates cu²⁺ for antioxidant metal chelation. beta-alanine traps reactive carbonyl species (glycating aldehydes). quenches 4-hydroxynonenal (hne) protein carbonylation. anti-glycation via competing with lysine residues.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,anti-glycation products,longevity skincare
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – 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: 0.5%–5%
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 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – 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
Carnosine's anti-glycation mechanism is sacrificial carbonyl trapping: reactive carbonyl species (methylglyoxal, glyoxal) that would normally glycate collagen lysines are instead captured by carnosine's free amino groups — carnosine acts as a sacrificial protector for collagen, being consumed in the process of preventing more damaging collagen glycation.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,guiotto et al. carnosine anti-glycation review