Common Name(s): Orotic acid,orotic acid,pyrimidine biosynthesis intermediate,cell renewal metabolic cofactor
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides pyrimidine nucleotide precursor support for keratinocyte dna synthesis enabling efficient skin cell renewal, supports rapid wound healing from cellular proliferation substrate availability, and provides mild antioxidant protection from the uracil-like chromophore.
Why It's Used: Orotic acid precursor role in pyrimidine biosynthesis makes it a rate-limiting substrate for rapidly dividing skin cells โ supplementation supports the intensive nucleotide synthesis required for keratinocyte turnover (every 14-21 days) and wound re-epithelialisation.
How It Works: Orotic acid โ orotate phosphoribosyltransferase โ omp โ ump โ utp โ ctp (all pyrimidine nucleotides). utp: substrate for udp-sugar biosynthesis (ha precursors); ctp: phospholipid head group synthesis (cdp-choline โ phosphatidylcholine). the de novo pyrimidine pathway supplementation supports dna synthesis during cell division and ha production for skin hydration.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,cell renewal,metabolic support
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: 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
Orotic acid food occurrence: found in dairy products (cow's milk 65 mg/l) and yeast โ the natural food-grade occurrence providing extensive safety documentation for cosmetic use at equivalent concentrations.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,orotic acid vitamin b13 pyrimidine cell renewal review