Alanine
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: L-alanine, 56-41-7, (S)-Alanine, (2S)-2-Aminopropanoic acid, L-alpha-alanine, (S)-2-Aminopropanoic acid, L-2-Aminopropionic acid, 2-Aminopropionic acid, L-(+)-Alanine
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Amino Acid
Clean
Alanine is a nonessential amino acid made in the body from the conversion of the carbohydrate pyruvate or the breakdown of DNA and the dipeptides carnosine and anserine. It is highly concentrated in muscle and is one of the most important amino acids released by muscle, functioning as a major energy source. Plasma alanine is often decreased when the BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) are deficient. This finding may relate to muscle metabolism. Alanine is highly concentrated in meat products and other high-protein foods like wheat germ and cottage cheese. Alanine is an important participant as well as regulator in glucose metabolism. Alanine levels parallel blood sugar levels in both diabetes and hypoglycemia, and alanine reduces both severe hypoglycemia and the ketosis of diabetes. It is an important amino acid for lymphocyte reproduction and immunity. Alanine therapy has helped dissolve kidney stones in experimental animals. Normal alanine metabolism, like that of other amino acids, is
Effective at 0.05%
Solubility 164000
Formula
C3H7NO2
Mol. Weight
89.09
CAS #
302-72-7, 56-41-7
Form
Powder
State
Other Solid
Functions
Antistatic
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
An amino acid identified in the 1880s-1890s. Used in skincare since the 1970s-1980s as a humectant and skin conditioning agent, based on research into amino acids' role in skin health.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
5e-05%
0.1%
0%100%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.00005-0.1 | 0.0001-0.07 | 0.00009-0.03
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR