Decarboxy Carnosine HCl: Carnosinase-Resistant Anti-Glycation Peptide
Decarboxy Carnosine HCl (CAS 5765-49-9, beta-alanyl-histamine) is a structurally modified carnosine derivative engineered to resist degradation by serum carnosinase (CN1), the enzyme that rapidly breaks down L-carnosine in human tissue. With a molecular weight of 210.24 g/mol, this dipeptide derivative scavenges reactive carbonyl species — the precursors to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that cause collagen cross-linking and skin yellowing. TCS NEXUS S.L. supplies Decarboxy Carnosine HCl from our warehouse in Valencia, Spain for anti-aging and skin luminosity applications.
Mechanism of Action and Clinical Data
Glycation occurs when reducing sugars (glucose, fructose, methylglyoxal) react non-enzymatically with lysine and arginine residues on dermal collagen and elastin. These Maillard-type reactions produce AGEs that cross-link structural proteins, reducing skin elasticity and producing a characteristic yellow-brown discoloration. Standard L-carnosine is an effective carbonyl scavenger but has a plasma half-life of only minutes due to rapid hydrolysis by carnosinase CN1.
Decarboxy Carnosine HCl replaces the carboxyl group with a hydrogen, eliminating the CN1 recognition site while preserving the imidazole ring responsible for carbonyl trapping. In a collagen glycation model at 2% concentration, Decarboxy Carnosine HCl inhibited AGE formation by 78%, compared to 63% for equimolar L-carnosine — a 24% relative improvement attributable entirely to sustained activity from enzymatic resistance. An 8-week clinical study (n=30) using a 2% Decarboxy Carnosine HCl serum demonstrated a 22% improvement in skin luminosity scores measured by chromameter. The compound shows dose-dependent anti-glycation activity from 0.5% to 3%, with diminishing returns above 2.5%.
Formulation Guide
Decarboxy Carnosine HCl is water-soluble and should be added to the aqueous phase at temperatures below 45°C. The recommended use level is 0.1–1.5%, with 0.5–1.0% typical for consumer products and 1.0–1.5% for professional treatments. Maintain formulation pH between 4.0 and 7.0; the imidazole ring is most reactive as a carbonyl trap near pH 6.0-6.5.
For targeted anti-glycation serums, combine with niacinamide (3-5%) which independently inhibits the transfer of melanosomes and supports NAD+ metabolism. In anti-yellowing formulations for mature skin, pair with ascorbyl glucoside (1-2%) for complementary antioxidant and brightening activity. Compatible with most cosmetic actives including hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides. Avoid direct combination with strongly acidic actives (glycolic acid below pH 3.5) as this may protonate the histamine moiety and reduce carbonyl-scavenging efficiency. For enhanced anti-aging protocols, consider combining with Carnosine HCl at 1% each for dual-pathway glycation defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Decarboxy Carnosine HCl better than regular L-carnosine?
L-carnosine is hydrolyzed within minutes by carnosinase (CN1) in human serum and skin tissue. Decarboxy Carnosine HCl lacks the carboxyl group that CN1 requires for substrate recognition, making it resistant to enzymatic degradation. This translates to sustained carbonyl-scavenging activity: 78% AGE inhibition versus 63% for L-carnosine at identical 2% concentrations in collagen models.
What skin concerns does Decarboxy Carnosine HCl address?
Primarily glycation-driven aging: skin yellowing (sallowness), loss of elasticity from collagen cross-linking, and stiffening of the dermal matrix. The 8-week clinical study showed a 22% improvement in luminosity scores. It is most relevant for formulations targeting mature skin (40+) where cumulative glycation damage is measurable.
Can Decarboxy Carnosine HCl be combined with other anti-aging peptides?
Yes. It is compatible with signal peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl hexapeptide-8), copper peptides, and other anti-aging actives. Since it works through carbonyl scavenging rather than receptor signaling, there is no competitive inhibition with receptor-mediated peptides. Combining with Carnosine HCl provides both immediate (carnosine) and sustained (decarboxy carnosine) anti-glycation activity.
What is the recommended concentration for professional treatments?
For professional anti-glycation peels and treatments, use 2-3%. Consumer leave-on products perform well at 0.5-2%. Activity is dose-dependent with optimal cost-efficiency at 1.5-2% for most applications.
What certifications and MOQ does TCS NEXUS S.L. offer?
Evaluation samples start at 1 g for R&D and formulation testing. Production MOQ is 100 g with EU delivery in 5-7 business days from Valencia, Spain.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Decarboxy Carnosine HCl |
| CAS Number | 5765-49-9 |
| Chemical Name | Beta-alanyl-histamine dihydrochloride |
| Molecular Weight | 210.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility | Water soluble |
| Recommended Use Level | 0.5-3% |
| pH Range | 4.0-7.0 |
| Processing Temperature | Below 40C |
| MOQ | 1 g (evaluation), 100 g (production) |
| EU Delivery | 5-7 business days |
Related Ingredients
- Carnosine HCl — Standard dipeptide anti-glycation agent for immediate carbonyl scavenging
- Ergothioneine — Thione-based antioxidant with complementary radical-scavenging mechanism
- Ectoin — Extremolyte for protein stabilization and osmotic stress protection
Order Decarboxy Carnosine HCl from TCS NEXUS S.L.
Request a 1 g evaluation sample or place a production order (MOQ 100 g) through our site. All orders ship from Valencia, Spain with EU delivery in 5-7 business days. CoA, MSDS, and technical formulation documentation provided with every order. Contact our team for bulk pricing or custom specifications.
Technical Support and Samples
Request COA documents, sample availability, or support for custom synthesis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide COA documents for Decarboxy Carnosine Supplier Europe?
Yes. Each lot can be supplied with a Certificate of Analysis, HPLC purity data, and relevant quality-control results for technical review.
Are samples available for Decarboxy Carnosine Supplier Europe?
Yes. Sample availability can be confirmed for formulation screening and internal evaluation before a commercial order is placed.
What is the delivery lead time for Decarboxy Carnosine Supplier Europe?
For stocked material in Valencia, EU delivery is typically 5 to 7 business days. Final timing depends on destination and requested volume.
Do you also support custom synthesis and technical inquiries?
Yes. The team can help with custom synthesis, raw-material selection, technical documentation, and supply planning.