The Index · Amino acid / pH adjuster
Arginine
Arginine
Basic amino acid used to neutralize acids/carbomers and as a conditioning agent.
FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits
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Basic amino acid used to neutralize acids/carbomers and as a conditioning agent.
What it does
Often the neutralizer opposite carbomer in clear gels; also marketed for barrier support.
The evidence
Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): Safe amino acid; skincare outcome claims beyond neutralization are limited. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labeled as a featured active.
What it does in the formula
Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits
Basic amino acid used to neutralize acids/carbomers and as a conditioning agent.[1]
Safety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Amino Acids. CIR (2013)regulator
- [2]NIH PubChem. PubChem Compound Summary: Arginine. PubChem (2024)other
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk