Carnitine HCl

AKA: 6645-46-1, Levocarnitine chloride, L-Carnitine chloride, Levocarnitine hydrochloride, (R)-Carnitine hydrochloride, Carnitine L-form hydrochloride
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Amino Acid
Clean
1-Propanaminium, 3-Carboxy-1-, Hydroxyl-N,N,N-Trimethyl-, Chloride
Solubility >29.6 [ug/mL] (The mean of the results at pH 7.4)
Formula
C7H16ClNO3
Mol. Weight
197.66
CAS #
6645-46-1
Form
Liquid
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
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
L-carnitine was identified in 1905 and recognized for its role in cellular energy production. Contemporary use in cosmetics is based on research suggesting it may support skin metabolism and cellulite reduction, though traditional use does not exist.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
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