Hydration
Arginine
An amino acid that supports the skin's natural regulation of moisture and pH, working quietly in the background of many hydrating formulas.
Definition
What is it?
Arginine is one of the twenty standard amino acids the body uses to build proteins and is a natural component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, or NMF. NMF is the blend of amino acids, sugars and salts that keeps the outermost layer of skin hydrated and flexible. Cosmetic arginine is generally produced through fermentation rather than from animal or plant sources.
How it works
How does it work?
As part of the skin's natural moisturizing system, arginine binds water within the stratum corneum and helps maintain the surface pH at a healthy, slightly acidic level. It is rarely used as a standalone hero ingredient. Instead, it plays a supporting role in humectant blends alongside hyaluronic acid, betaine and other amino-acid- or sugar-based moisturizers.
Benefits
What does Arginine actually do for the skin?
- 01Supports the skin's natural moisture-retention system
- 02Contributes to balancing the pH of the skin surface
- 03Complements other humectants in a hydrating formula
- 04Very well tolerated with a very low risk of irritation
- 05Supports the skin's resilience against everyday environmental stress
Who is it for?
Is it right for your skin?
For every skin type that needs sustained hydration and support for the Natural Moisturizing Factor, especially in formulas that combine amino acids, humectants and barrier-supporting ingredients.
Notes and myths
What should you know before using it?
Arginine complements the hydrating system of a formula and works best alongside hyaluronic acid, betaine, other amino acids and barrier-supporting ingredients.
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Products with Arginine
Ready to add Arginine to your routine?
Browse our full catalog of Korean skincare products, or read the K-beauty guide for the correct order of use.