Common Name(s): L-arginine,2-amino-5-guanidinopentanoic acid
CAS Number: 74-79-3
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Conditions skin, attracts moisture, supports wound healing, and improves microcirculation via no synthesis.
Why It's Used: Multi-functional amino acid for skin hydration, conditioning, and wound healing in peptide and nmf formulations.
How It Works: Guanidinium group binds water (humectant). substrate for nitric oxide synthase (enos) producing nitric oxide that vasodilates capillaries improving skin nutrition. stimulates fibroblast proliferation for wound healing.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,wound healing products,nmf moisturizers,scalp treatments
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ amino acid
Secondary Functions: Wound healing,microcirculation,nmf component
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Fermentation-derived or synthetic. natural skin component. [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; endogenous skin molecule.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. natural skin nmf component. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,peptides,other amino acids
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid in wound healing where local demand exceeds synthesis capacity. topical arginine provides the nos substrate locally for no-mediated vasodilation and immune cell function in healing tissue.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,witte & barbul arginine wound healing review