Antioxidant

Adenosine Triphosphate

INCI: ATP

Also known as: ATP

Also called ATP Present in all living cells

Best For Skin Types

All skin types

Usage Frequency

As directed on product packaging

What Is Adenosine Triphosphate?

Adenosine triphosphate, also referred to by its initials ATP, is a type of molecule found within the cells of all living tissue. It is a nucleotide, which means it is a combination of a nitrogenous base (adenine), a sugar (ribose), and a phosphate (triphosphate). In the human body, ATP provides energy to support numerous functions, including muscle contraction and the synthesis of chemicals the body requires to maintain health.

In skin care products, adenosine triphosphate provides soothing benefits. Since it’s also an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical damage that can cause signs of ageing. There is also mounting evidence that topically applied ATP can fight inflammation, in part because the body (including skin’s uppermost layers) has adenosine receptors.

The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has ruled adenosine triphosphate safe in its current practices and usages. The typical range of adenosine triphosphate used in cosmetics is typically 0.1–0.5% when part of a blend.

How It Works

Adenosine triphosphate, also referred to by its initials ATP, is a type of molecule found within the cells of all living tissue. It is a nucleotide, which means it is a combination of a nitrogenous base (adenine), a sugar (ribose), and a phosphate (triphosphate). In the human body, ATP provides energy to support numerous functions, including muscle contraction and the synthesis of chemicals the body requires to maintain health. in skincare products, adenosine triphosphate provides soothing benefits. Since it’s also an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical damage that can cause signs of ageing. There is also mounting evidence that topically applied ATP can fight inflammation, in part because the body (including skin’s uppermost layers) has adenosine receptors. The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has ruled adenosine triphosphate safe in its current practices and usages. The typical range of adenosine triphosphate used in cosmetics is typically 0.1–0.5% when part of a blend.

How widely it's used

0.1%
of skincare products contain this ingredient — placing it in the top 50% of most-used ingredients.
Most common in: Treatments Sunscreens Moisturisers

Regulatory information

Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.

Show identifiers
INCI Name
ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE
EC Number
200-283-2
Function
Skin Conditioning

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