Amino acids

Amino acids are organic compounds produced from the amine and carboxylic acid functional group. The key elements of amino acids are carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen. About 500 amino acids can be classified in six main ways: aliphatic, hydroxic, aromatic, basic, and acidic, plus their amide. Further, other non-protein amino acids act as metabolic intermediates.

Amino acids are useful not only in human nutrition but also in the cosmetic industry. In human nutrition, amino acids are used to synthesize proteins and additional biomolecules; thus, they are found in the human body. These compounds are the building blocks our organism uses to build its proteins, enzymes, and peptides. 

Famous skin proteins collagen, elastin, and keratin are also made of amino acids. In addition, they are oxidized to urea and carbon dioxide to generate energy.

However, amino acids' function is not limited to building dermal proteins. They are also involved in regulating a large number of processes associated with skin healing, moisture retention (NMFs), and protection from UV irradiation. Due to their comprehensive beneficial features, safety, and insensibility, amino acids are common ingredients in many beauty concoctions.

Moreover, many amino acid derivatives are used as gentle detergents in cleansing applications or serve as emollients, antioxidants, chelating agents, etc.