Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Aspartic Acid?
Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body doesn’t require it from dietary or supplement sources because it can make aspartic acid on its own. When it comes to skin care, aspartic acid is known to hydrate, help soothe, and strengthen skin’s environmental defenses.
As with several other amino acids, aspartic acid plays a building block role in the formation of skin’s collagen and elastin. Studies have shown aspartic acid fragmentation in aged samples of human elastin, showing its degradation weakens skin’s support.
It’s important to note that topical application of aspartic acid hasn’t been shown to impact collagen or elastin. Our goal here is explaining how this amino acid contributes to skin’s support. Aspartic acid also plays a role as a buffering agent in cosmetics, helping to establish and hold a product’s pH.
On its own, usage levels in cosmetics range between 1–6.5%. Lesser amounts are used when aspartic acid is part of a blend with other amino acids and skin-conditioning ingredients. Its safety for skin has been evaluated and confirmed.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Britannica, Accessed March 2021, ePublication [https://www.britannica.com/science/aspartic-acid]
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PubChem, Accessed March 2021, ePublication [https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Aspartic-Acid]
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International Journal of Toxicology, November-December 2013, pages 41S-64S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581813507090]
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British Journal of Dermatology, November 2003, pages 951–959 [https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article-abstract/149/5/951/6635384]
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Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, June 2002, pages 1,047–1,051 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X02005971]
Related Ingredients
Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer
Adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer is a synthetic polymer used as a film-former and texture enhancer in cosmetics.
Aminobutyric Acid
An amino acid | Helps promote hydration
Citrate Buffer
Citrate buffer is a buffered mixture of the cosmetic ingredients
Copper PCA
Synthetic skin-conditioning agent | Composed of the copper salt of PCA
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