Common Name(s): Mevalonolactone,mevalonolactone,mevalonate lactone,terpenoid biosynthesis precursor skin active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Supports endogenous squalene and cholesterol biosynthesis in skin โ replenishing the mevalonate pathway substrate for barrier sterol production that naturally declines with ageing.
Why It's Used: Mevalonate pathway activity declines with skin ageing โ endogenous squalene production decreases by ~50% from age 20 to 40. mevalonolactone supplementation supports this declining pathway, enabling continued endogenous barrier lipid synthesis rather than requiring exogenous lipid supplementation.
How It Works: Mevalonolactone enters the mevalonate pathway: โ ipp (isopentenyl pyrophosphate) โ fpp (farnesyl pyrophosphate) โ squalene (2x fpp, squalene synthase) โ 2,3-oxidosqualene โ lanosterol โ cholesterol. this endogenous cholesterol/squalene provides the sc sterol component of the equimolar ceramide/cholesterol/ffa lamellar structure required for barrier function.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,barrier support,skin renewal
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%โ0.5%
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
Hmg-coa reductase inhibitors (statins) block the mevalonate pathway โ mevalonolactone supplementation provides a substrate bypass of this inhibition, potentially supporting barrier lipid synthesis in formulations targeting statin-associated dry skin.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,mevalonolactone mevalonate pathway squalene barrier review