Lysine
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: L-lysine, 56-87-1, Lysine acid, H-Lys-oh, (S)-Lysine, Aminutrin, Alpha-Lysine, (S)-2, 6-Diaminohexanoic acid, L-lys
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Amino Acid
Synthetic
Clean
OriginDerived from fermentation of carbohydrates using genetically modified bacteria or chemical synthesis from pyruvic acid precursors. Produced through bacterial fermentation or synthetic chemical synthesis via catalytic processes and purification.
L-Lysine (abbreviated as Lys or K) is an alpha-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCH(NH2)(CH2)4NH2. This amino acid is an essential amino acid, which means that humans cannot synthesize it. Its codons are AAA and AAG.
L-Lysine is a base, as are arginine and histidine. The epsilon-amino group often participates in hydrogen bonding and as a general base in catalysis. Common posttranslational modifications include methylation of the epsilon-amino group, giving methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyllysine. The latter occurs in calmodulin. Other posttranslational modifications include acetylation. Collagen contains hydroxylysine which is derived from lysine by lysyl hydroxylase. O-Glycosylation of lysine residues in the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus is used to mark certain proteins for secretion from the cell.L-lysine is an essential amino acid. Normal requirements for lysine have been found to be about 8 g per day or 12 mg/kg in adults. Children and infants need more- 44 mg/kg
Solubility 1000000
Formula
C6H14N2O2
Mol. Weight
146.19
CAS #
56-87-1
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Reduces Static
Conditions Hair
Conditions Skin
Softens & Smooths
Reduces Flyaways
Detangles Hair
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
3 studies / 3 not irritating (CIR 607)
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing (CIR 607)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00002–0.7%
Rinse-off0.0000001–0.04%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
murphy