What it is
Hypotaurine is a naturally occurring amino sulfinic acid that is an intermediate in the body's synthesis of taurine. In cosmetic formulas it is used as a skin-conditioning agent and is valued for antioxidant behavior, since it can help scavenge reactive oxygen species. It is typically incorporated at low concentrations in water-based formulations.
Safety & warnings
As a small amino acid derivative used at low levels, hypotaurine is generally well tolerated on skin. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen and is not comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
It occurs naturally in animal tissues as a metabolic intermediate of taurine; the cosmetic-grade material is generally produced synthetically.
Questions everyone asks
How is hypotaurine related to taurine?
Hypotaurine is a direct biochemical precursor to taurine; in the body it is converted into taurine.
Why is hypotaurine used in skincare?
It is used as a skin-conditioning agent with antioxidant properties that can help neutralize reactive oxygen species.