Arginine
Also known as L-Arginine, L-Arg, 2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic acid
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Arginine (L-Arginine; CAS 74-79-3) is an alpha-amino acid used in cosmetics primarily as a skin- and hair-conditioning agent and pH buffer. The CIR Expert Panel assessed alpha-amino acids as used in cosmetics (Burnett et al., IJT 32(6 Suppl):41S-64S, 2013; PMID 24335967) and found them safe in practiced use concentrations, drawing on extensive food-additive safety data for dietary exposures and focusing dermal evaluation on irritation and sensitization. The QRT records Arginine with Finding=S (Safe) and no qualifying conditions, citing IJT 32(S4):41-64, 2013.
Skin-conditioning agent: supports barrier function and hydration
pH adjuster: used as an alternative to triethanolamine or sodium hydroxide for neutralizing acidic polymers such as carbomers
CIR Expert Panel found alpha-amino acids including arginine safe as used in cosmetics (Final report IJT 32(S4):41-64, 2013; QRT Finding=S)
- · At high concentrations may act as mild skin irritant; cosmetic use concentrations are well below thresholds of concern
- · Individuals with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections sometimes limit dietary arginine; topical exposure in cosmetics is not considered clinically relevant at practiced use levels
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Arginine row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 32(S4):41-64, 2013
“Arginine | S | | IJT 32(S4):41-64, 2013”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 8