Common Name(s): Valproic acid,valproic acid,hdac inhibitor,epigenetic anti-aging active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides hdac class i/ii inhibition for increased histone h3/h4 acetylation, opening chromatin for transcription of collagen, elastin, and barrier genes silenced by age-related epigenetic changes.
Why It's Used: Valproic acid is selected for its hdac inhibitor-based epigenetic anti-aging โ by restoring histone acetylation in aged skin cells, valproic acid reactivates genes silenced by age-related dna methylation and histone compaction, providing rejuvenation at the epigenetic level.
How It Works: Valproic acid โ hdac class i/ii inhibition โ histone h3k9/h3k27 acetylation โ chromatin opening โ collagen/elastin/involucrin gene transcription activation โ skin structural protein synthesis.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,epigenetic skin care,premium active
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%โ2%
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
Valproic acid's pharmaceutical hdac inhibitor status (anti-epileptic drug) requires concentration management in cosmetics โ sub-therapeutic concentrations show epigenetic skin benefits without systemic neurological effects.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,valproic acid hdac inhibitor epigenetic anti-aging review