Rate My SPF

Arginine

What Arginine is & what it does

An amino acid used as a gentle pH adjuster and humectant that also conditions and helps soothe skin. It supports the barrier and balances the formula's acidity.

What is Arginine and what does it do in sunscreen?

Arginine is an amino acid used mainly as a gentle pH adjuster, and it also acts as a humectant that helps condition and soothe skin. In a sunscreen it balances the formula's acidity to a skin-friendly level while drawing in a little moisture and supporting the skin barrier. It is a multitasker that quietly keeps the product comfortable and stable.

Is Arginine safe?

Yes. Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid, one of the building blocks of proteins, and it is well tolerated in skincare. Used in small amounts to balance pH and condition skin, it has a strong safety record and is gentle for most people.

Does Arginine clog pores?

No. It is not flagged as comedogenic in our data. Arginine is a water-loving amino acid, not an oil or wax, so it is not the kind of ingredient that clogs pores. It is considered suitable even for acne-prone skin.

Is Arginine a pH adjuster or an active ingredient?

In most sunscreens Arginine is there as a pH adjuster and conditioning humectant rather than a headline active. It neutralizes acidic components to bring the formula to a comfortable pH while adding mild moisture and a soothing feel. So its main job is keeping the formula balanced and skin-friendly.

Is Arginine vegan?

It can be. The Arginine used in cosmetics is most often produced by fermentation of plant sugars, which makes it suitable for vegan formulas, though it is the same amino acid the body makes naturally. If vegan status matters to you, the brand can confirm the source for a specific product.

Sunscreens with Arginine

We rate 385 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients