Carnosine

Overview

On the INCI deck this active reads as Carnosine — the naturally occurring dipeptide β-Alanyl-L-Histidine (C9H14N4O3, MW 226.23), the same molecule found endogenously in muscle and brain tissue but supplied here as a biomimetic, lab-synthesised cosmetic grade. Unlike the lipidated matrikines and the neurotransmitter peptides elsewhere in the range, Carnosine is a small, highly water-soluble dipeptide studied around aqueous-phase antioxidant chemistry and a proposed anti-glycation role — the carbonyl-quenching narrative that anti-aging and 'longevity skincare' brands like to tell. For a finished-product brand it is the active that lets a serum talk about oxidative-defence and glycation framing without reaching for a lipidated signal peptide. Pepoderma writes the Carnosine spec for cosmetic chemists building antioxidant serums, anti-pollution essences, and supportive multi-active anti-aging bases where a compact water-soluble dipeptide carries the protective story. The active drops into the water phase cool and late on copper-clean process water; near-neutral carriers (pH 5.5–7.0) on polyglyceryl, lecithin, or sucrose-ester emulsifiers behave well, and the histidine imidazole means it is worth screening against transition-metal traces and strong oxidants in the same phase rather than assuming inertness. Because it reads as an aqueous antioxidant rather than a matrix or neuro active, a brief can position Carnosine as a protective companion alongside a signal peptide (Matrixyl, Hexapeptide-9) or a carrier peptide (GHK-Cu) rather than a substitute. Sample fills of 100 mg and 500 mg cover bench iterations and pilot work; bulk runs on the standard OEM cycle once a carrier is locked. INCI and CAS appear on the SDS for CPNP and equivalent cosmetic notifications, with an allergen and trace-impurity sheet per lot.

Who buys this, and why

Anti-aging peptide actives — Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu), Acetyl Octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8), Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) — are sourced by beauty brands, skincare R&D chemists, and med-aesthetic OEMs. Ask sales for the matching batch COA and confirm which use-level, carrier, compatibility, or stability records are available or need a separate written scope.

Primary buyer fit: med-aesthetic brand R&D + back-bar retail OEM, regional cosmetic-active distributors serving brand programmes, and skincare R&D chemists scoping a finished-product line.

Applications & formulation fit

Specifications

CAS

305-84-0

Molecular Formula

C9H14N4O3

Molecular Weight

226.23

Sequence

β-Ala-His

Appearance

White to off-white powder

Purity (HPLC)

≥ 99.0%

Common vial sizes

100 mg, 500 mg

MOQ

On request

Lead time

7–14 days

Storage

Refrigerated, protect from light

Documentation available on request

• Lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
• RP-HPLC purity chromatogram
• ESI-MS identity confirmation
• INCI name + CAS reference
• Recommended use level + carrier guidance
• Stability in base formulation (aqueous serum baseline)
• Incompatibility flag list (chelators, low-pH oxidants, etc.)
• SDS / MSDS
• Photo-degradation note for the active
• Reconstitution guidance (BAC water / glycerin / lipid-encapsulated)

Regulatory note

Supplied as a cosmetic peptide active, not a finished cosmetic product. Brand registration, finished-product safety substantiation, claims, and notification remain the responsibility of the brand owner. Confirm the applicable INCI, CAS, and SDS with sales for the offered lot and written project scope.

Frequently asked questions