Benefits of Phenylalanine

A well-tolerated, naturally occurring ingredient that supports skin comfort and moisture.

• Natural Moisturizing Factor: A component of skin’s own NMF that helps bind and retain moisture.
• Skin Conditioning: Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.
• Conditioning: An aromatic amino acid that conditions and supports the moisture barrier’s surface.
• Lightweight Humectant: Water-soluble and easy to work into water-based formulas.
• Well Tolerated: Gentle and broadly compatible, suitable for most skin types.

How It Works

Phenylalanine is a small, water-soluble molecule that behaves as a humectant — attracting and holding water at the skin’s surface, much as it does within the skin’s native NMF. As an aromatic amino acid it rounds out amino-acid complexes designed to mirror the skin’s own NMF. Replenishing these amino acids topically helps support the look and feel of well-hydrated, comfortable skin.

Formulating with Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is water-soluble and added to the water phase, typically at low levels as part of an NMF or amino-acid complex alongside humectants such as glycerin, sodium PCA and other amino acids. It is compatible across a broad pH range; observe good manufacturing and preservation practice.