What it is
Aspartic acid is an amino acid that the body produces and that also occurs in skin's natural moisturizing factor. In formulas it acts as a water-attracting conditioning agent and can help support the skin's surface hydration, and it is sometimes included as part of amino-acid blends or as a component in peptide and protein systems. It may also contribute to adjusting a product's pH.
Safety & warnings
Aspartic acid is well tolerated, non-sensitizing at cosmetic levels, and not comedogenic. It is an endogenous amino acid familiar to the skin.
Origin & sourcing
Can be naturally sourced or produced by fermentation or synthesis; it is one of the standard proteinogenic amino acids.
Questions everyone asks
What is aspartic acid in skincare?
It is an amino acid that helps condition and hydrate the skin surface and can serve as a building block in moisturizing or peptide systems.
Is aspartic acid irritating?
It is generally well tolerated and not known to be irritating or pore-clogging at the levels used in cosmetics.