Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) (CAS 56897-53-1) is supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for European cosmetic formulators, brand R&D teams and B2B buyers reviewing cosmetic peptide raw material applications. A freely water-soluble peptide, it dissolves directly in aqueous concentrates without co-solvents at pH 5.0–8.0, with cool-down addition below 80°C recommended in standard serum and leave-on manufacturing protocols.
> Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 56897-53-1 |
| Alias / Common Name | Decarboxy Carnosine; Carcinine; beta-Alanylhistamine |
| Molecular Formula | C8H14N4O |
| Molecular Weight | 182.22 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Decarboxy Carnosine |
| Peptide Sequence | β-Ala-histamine — decarboxylated carnosine analog (imidazole antioxidant; anti-glycation) |
| Functional Class | Carnosine decarboxylated analog; imidazole antioxidant; histamine derivative; anti-glycation active |
| Purity / Assay | ≥98% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility / Handling | Freely water-soluble; dissolve in deionised water or aqueous phase at ambient temperature; no co-solvent required |
| pH Stability | Optimal stability at pH 5.0–8.0 in aqueous systems; confirm in formulation after all actives |
| Storage | Store sealed below 25°C in cool, dry, light-protected conditions; follow batch COA and SDS |
> Mechanism & Positioning
Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine, β-alanyl-histamine, CAS 56897-53-1) is the carboxyl-terminus decarboxylated analog of L-Carnosine — formed by replacing the carboxyl-bearing L-histidine with histamine (imidazolyl-ethylamine), removing the carboxylic acid terminal group while retaining the imidazole ring antioxidant pharmacophore. Published Decarboxy Carnosine literature discusses the imidazole ring-based free radical scavenging activity analogous to L-Carnosine, including carbonyl capture of reactive carbonyl species (RCS) such as methylglyoxal and malondialdehyde through Schiff base formation at the primary amine group and imidazole ring Michael addition pathway. Cell-based studies document antioxidant and anti-glycation activity in oxidative challenge model systems, with the decarboxylated structure providing carnosinase-hydrolysis resistance relative to native L-Carnosine — since Decarboxy Carnosine lacks the carboxyl terminus that carnosinase requires for efficient hydrolysis. Anti-glycation model data also notes the distinct reactivity profile of the decarboxylated β-alanylhistamine structure compared to native L-Carnosine, with the free histamine moiety contributing additional imidazole-based antioxidant capacity at the study concentrations reported.
Based on available in vitro data, Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) is positioned for anti-glycation serum, carbonyl-stress protection and advanced age-care formulation concepts where the carnosinase-resistant imidazole antioxidant profile provides a complementary approach to native L-Carnosine. Carcinine may be evaluated alongside L-Carnosine and N-Acetyl Carnosine for a multi-variant carnosine-family anti-glycation system covering distinct structural modifications — decarboxylated, native and N-acetylated forms — for comprehensive AGE pathway modulation.
> Application Concepts
Anti-Glycation Serum Architecture with Carnosine-Family Actives
Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) dissolves freely in deionised water and aqueous serum bases at 0.1–2.0% (w/w) without co-solvent, and is thermally robust (compatible with processing up to 80°C). Introduce during the hot aqueous phase or cool-down at standard temperatures. For multi-carnosine-family positioning, evaluate alongside L-Carnosine and N-Acetyl Carnosine — each provides the imidazole antioxidant pharmacophore with distinct structural modifications affecting carnosinase stability, receptor interaction profile and formulation compatibility. Confirm pH within 5.0–8.0 and combined assay retention via HPLC after accelerated stability at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
Carnosinase-Resistance Profile and Stability Comparison
Unlike native L-Carnosine, which is susceptible to carnosinase (CN1/CN2) hydrolysis in both serum and skin tissue, Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) lacks the carboxyl terminus required for efficient carnosinase-mediated cleavage. This structural modification provides theoretical stability against enzymatic breakdown at the site of application — relevant to topical anti-glycation and antioxidant activity duration in the skin environment. Compare with N-Acetyl Carnosine, which achieves carnosinase resistance via N-terminal acetylation, and with L-Carnosine (native form, susceptible to CN). In a premium formulation, all three can be evaluated at 0.1–0.5% each, providing multi-route anti-glycation coverage. Confirm activity in the target biological assay system.
Anti-Pollution and Carbonyl Scavenging Formulation Concepts
Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) provides imidazole-based carbonyl scavenging for anti-pollution and blue-light shield formulations where reactive carbonyl species from PM2.5 and lipid peroxidation are the primary stress. The β-alanylhistamine structure maintains the primary amine nucleophile for MGO/MDA capture while providing distinct receptor interaction profile. At 0.1–2.0% in aqueous serum or light emulsion bases, combine with Ergothioneine (TAUT-specific ROS scavenging) and Ectoin (membrane stabilisation) for three-mechanism anti-pollution positioning. All three are freely water-soluble, thermally stable and pH-compatible at 5.0–8.0. Confirm combined clarity and stability before scale-up.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve Decarboxy Carnosine in deionised water or the aqueous phase at ambient temperature at 0.1–2.0% (w/w). Freely water-soluble and thermally stable — compatible with hot aqueous phase addition up to 80°C or standard cool-down protocols. No co-solvent, nitrogen blanket or special handling required. Maintain pH within 5.0–8.0.
Evaluate compatibility with oxidising preservative systems and strongly acidic actives at pH below 4.0. Confirm Decarboxy Carnosine assay retention by HPLC after accelerated stability testing at 40°C/75% RH. Compare activity data with L-Carnosine and N-Acetyl Carnosine in the specific anti-glycation assay system used for formulation claim support.
> Supply & Documentation
Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) (CAS 56897-53-1) is available from TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic raw material projects. Standard documentation: COA, TDS, SDS. Sample and bulk quantities are discussed on a per-project basis; contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a sourcing review.
TCS NEXUS S.L. supports procurement and formulation teams in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Sweden and Portugal, as well as international buyers in the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
> Packaging & Storage
Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) is supplied in sealed aluminium foil bags or bulk containers. Minimum quantities and packaging configurations are confirmed per order. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry location, away from moisture and direct light. Follow batch COA and SDS for specific storage and handling conditions.
> FAQ
What is Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine)?
Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) (CAS 56897-53-1) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. In cosmetic literature, Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine; β-alanylhistamine) is positioned as a carnosinase-resistant carnosine analogue with distinct antioxidant and anti-glycation activity — evaluated in premium anti-ageing serums where the free histamine moiety (replacing histidine via decarboxylation) confers stronger imidazole-based carbonyl quenching and complete carnosinase resistance relative to native L-Carnosine. TCS NEXUS S.L. supplies Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) as a B2B cosmetic active for anti-ageing and anti-glycation formulation specialists.
What is the CAS number for Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine)?
The CAS number for Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) is 56897-53-1. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Decarboxy Carnosine; confirm CAS 56897-53-1 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does Carcinine scavenge carbonyls — and why is decarboxylation useful?
Decarboxy Carnosine, or Carcinine (β-alanylhistamine), is L-Carnosine with the carboxyl group removed. Losing the carboxyl makes it resistant to carnosinase and a robust reactive-carbonyl and free-radical scavenger, so it traps AGE-precursor aldehydes and quenches oxidative species with the same imidazole chemistry as carnosine but greater metabolic stability.
What use level of Carcinine is typical, and how should it be evaluated?
Treat the use level as project-specific: start low and evaluate conservatively in your target base, since a single fixed figure rarely transfers between formulations. We supply pure Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) with COA; contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation with your target.
Which actives pair with Carcinine in an anti-glycation, anti-pollution system?
Carcinine layers with antioxidant and anti-glycation actives — niacinamide, vitamins C/E, ectoine-type protectants — for age-care and anti-pollution positioning. It is freely water-soluble; keep the system mildly acidic-to-neutral and confirm combined stability away from strongly oxidising co-actives.
How does Carcinine differ from L-Carnosine and N-Acetyl Carnosine?
All three share the carnosine imidazole scavenging chemistry but resist enzymatic breakdown differently: free L-Carnosine is cleaved by carnosinase; N-Acetyl Carnosine blocks that with an acetyl group as a depot; and Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) removes the carboxyl entirely, giving an enzyme-resistant, potent carbonyl scavenger. Carcinine is freely water-soluble and enters the aqueous phase directly.
What addition temperature is recommended for Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) during manufacturing?
Introduce Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) during the cool-down phase at temperatures below 80°C; avoid prolonged exposure above this threshold. Standard aqueous or emulsion cool-down protocols are fully compatible with this addition requirement. Confirm thermal stability in the specific manufacturing process with accelerated stability data before committing to production scale.
What pH range keeps Carcinine stable in a finished formula?
Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) is stable across roughly pH 4.0–7.0; confirm the finished-product pH after all actives are incorporated and avoid strongly oxidising or alkaline bases to preserve its scavenging activity.
Is Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) compatible with other actives in multi-active cosmetic systems?
Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) is compatible with standard cosmetic actives at pH 5.0–8.0 in aqueous or emulsion systems. Evaluate combined system pH drift, clarity and assay retention; confirm preservative compatibility. Run accelerated stability testing at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
Is Decarboxy Carnosine (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
Decarboxy Carnosine is not listed as a restricted, prohibited or regulated substance under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annexes II–VI. The finished product manufacturer is responsible for the CPSR and CPNP notification. Use CAS 56897-53-1 and INCI name Decarboxy Carnosine consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) be stored?
Store Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) sealed below 25°C in a cool, dry location protected from direct light and moisture. Once opened, reseal the container immediately. Follow specific storage and handling conditions stated in the SDS and batch COA. Confirm shelf life for the specific batch before incorporating into production formulations.
What documentation does TCS NEXUS S.L. provide for Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine)?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 56897-53-1 and HPLC purity ≥98% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine). Additional documentation such as specification sheets and INCI confirmation letters is available on a per-project basis. Contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a documentation and sourcing discussion.
What MOQ and sample options are available for Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine)?
Sample and bulk quantities for Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) are confirmed on a per-project basis through TCS NEXUS S.L. Minimum order quantities depend on current stock, packaging configuration and project scope. R&D teams are encouraged to request samples for stability and concentration-range evaluation before bulk planning. Contact info@tcspeptides.com with project specification to begin a sourcing review.
> Technical Support and Samples
Request COA documents, sample availability, or support for custom synthesis.