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Carnitine

What Carnitine is & what it does

Carnitine is a small amino-acid-derived compound that occurs naturally in the body and is also produced synthetically for cosmetic use. In skincare formulas it is typically included as a conditioning or skin-improving agent, and it is associated with cellular energy metabolism. As a cosmetic ingredient it is water soluble and generally used in small amounts.

What does Carnitine do in skincare?

Carnitine is used in cosmetics as a conditioning agent and is associated with cellular energy metabolism in the body. In topical formulas it is typically included as a supporting ingredient at low concentrations. It is water soluble and used to help condition the skin.

Is Carnitine natural or synthetic?

Carnitine occurs naturally in the body, but the carnitine used in cosmetics is usually produced synthetically or by fermentation for purity and consistency. The molecule is the same regardless of source. This makes it suitable for controlled cosmetic use.

Is Carnitine safe?

Carnitine is a small, naturally occurring compound that is used in cosmetics at low levels as a conditioning ingredient. It is generally considered well tolerated in topical products. If you have specific concerns, a professional can give tailored advice.

Sunscreens with Carnitine

We rate 24 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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