L-Carnosine (CAS 305-84-0) 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 | L-Carnosine |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 305-84-0 |
| Alias / Common Name | L-Carnosine; Carnosine; beta-Alanyl-L-histidine; N-beta-Alanyl-L-histidine |
| Molecular Formula | C9H14N4O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 226.23 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Carnosine |
| Peptide Sequence | β-Ala-L-His — natural imidazole-containing dipeptide (anti-glycation / carbonyl scavenging / antioxidant) |
| Functional Class | Anti-glycation dipeptide; carbonyl scavenger; transition-metal chelator; antioxidant imidazole dipeptide |
| Purity / Assay | ≥99% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White crystalline 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; stable across a wider pH range than GSH; 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
L-Carnosine (β-Ala-L-His, CAS 305-84-0) is a naturally occurring endogenous dipeptide concentrated in long-lived tissues — skeletal muscle, brain, olfactory bulb and skin — where it functions as a multi-mechanism antioxidant, anti-glycation active and transition-metal chelator. Published L-Carnosine literature discusses the β-Ala-His imidazole dipeptide as a potent carbonyl scavenger: the primary amine and imidazole ring react with reactive carbonyl species (RCS) — methylglyoxal (MGO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) — forming stable Schiff base and Michael adducts, thereby blocking advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation on collagen and elastin fibres. Cell-based dermal fibroblast studies document collagen cross-link integrity preservation under glycative challenge, alongside copper and zinc chelation activity that suppresses transition-metal-catalysed Fenton-type hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation. Anti-glycation model data also notes carnosinase-mediated hydrolysis of Carnosine to free histidine and β-alanine in serum — the dipeptide has established cosmetic skin-penetration data in formulation contexts, supporting topical application for sub-surface ECM anti-glycation targeting.
Based on available in vitro data, L-Carnosine is positioned for anti-glycation serum, carbonyl-stress protection concentrate, age-care emulsion and anti-pollution leave-on concepts where multi-mechanism RCS/AGE/metal-chelation activity is the formulation direction. The anti-glycation mechanism complements the antioxidant positioning of Ergothioneine (TAUT-transported ROS scavenging) and Ectoin (membrane/protein structure stabilisation), enabling independent mechanism stacking in a three-active anti-aging antioxidant serum.
> Application Concepts
Anti-Glycation Serum and Age-Care Concentrate Architecture
L-Carnosine dissolves freely in deionised water, glycerin–water and buffered aqueous serum bases at 0.1–2.0% (w/w) without co-solvent. Stable in air and thermally robust — can be added to the hot aqueous phase at temperatures up to 80°C or during cool-down, making it formulation-friendly for standard serum and emulsion manufacturing protocols. For anti-glycation positioning, formulate at pH 5.0–7.5 and combine with hyaluronic acid (HA) for simultaneous matrix hydration and collagen protection. Evaluate compatibility with niacinamide and vitamin C at the target pH range. Confirm Carnosine assay retention via HPLC in the finished base after accelerated stability testing at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
Carbonyl Scavenging System Design: Carnosine, Anserine and Balenine Analogs
L-Carnosine (β-Ala-His) is the parent imidazole dipeptide of a naturally occurring carbonyl scavenging family that includes L-Anserine (β-Ala-1-methyl-His) and L-Balenine (β-Ala-3-methyl-His). The N-methylation of the histidine imidazole ring in Anserine and Balenine modifies the antioxidant chemistry — affecting RCS capture rate, carnosinase hydrolysis resistance and formulation compatibility. In premium age-care concentrates, combining Carnosine with Anserine provides complementary imidazole antioxidant coverage with distinct methylation status. All three are freely water-soluble and stable at pH 5.0–8.0 in the same aqueous serum base. Confirm combined activity via carbonyl assay and collagen glycation inhibition in the target formulation system.
Anti-Pollution and Blue-Light Protection Formulations
The carbonyl scavenging and transition-metal chelation activity of L-Carnosine makes it particularly relevant for anti-pollution and blue-light protection formulations where oxidative and glycative stress from environmental pollutants, PM2.5 and HEV light are the formulation targets. At 0.5–2.0% in a serum or light emulsion, Carnosine captures reactive carbonyls generated by pollutant-driven lipid peroxidation and chelates iron and copper released from exhaust and industrial particulates that catalyse skin surface radical production. Combine with Ergothioneine (singlet oxygen/ROS) and Ectoin (membrane protection) for comprehensive three-mechanism urban-care positioning. Confirm pH alignment (5.0–7.5) across all actives before scale-up.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve L-Carnosine in deionised water or the aqueous phase at ambient temperature at 0.1–2.0% (w/w). L-Carnosine is freely water-soluble, thermally stable (processable at up to 80°C) and stable in air — no special oxygen-exclusion or low-temperature handling required. Add to the hot aqueous phase or during cool-down at standard temperatures below 80°C. Maintain pH within 5.0–8.0 for optimal stability.
Evaluate compatibility with strongly acidic actives (ascorbic acid, AHAs) that may drive pH below 4.0 — at very low pH, Carnosine may be more susceptible to acid-catalysed hydrolysis over extended storage. Confirm Carnosine assay retention by HPLC after accelerated stability testing (40°C/75% RH) before production. Standard preservative systems (phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin) are compatible at typical use concentrations.
> Supply & Documentation
L-Carnosine (CAS 305-84-0) 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
L-Carnosine 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 L-Carnosine?
L-Carnosine (CAS 305-84-0) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. It is positioned for anti-glycation serum, carbonyl-stress-protection and advanced age-care formulation concepts at 0.1–2.0% (w/w).
What is the CAS number for L-Carnosine?
The CAS number for L-Carnosine is 305-84-0. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Carnosine; confirm CAS 305-84-0 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does L-Carnosine block glycation — what is the carbonyl-scavenging mechanism?
L-Carnosine (β-Ala-L-His) is a natural imidazole dipeptide whose histidine imidazole ring traps reactive carbonyl species such as methylglyoxal and 4-HNE before they can crosslink proteins into advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). It also quenches reactive oxygen species and chelates transition metals such as copper and zinc, giving a combined anti-glycation and antioxidant profile relevant to age-care and “anti-glycation” claim directions.
What use level of L-Carnosine is typical, and how should it be evaluated?
There is no one-size-fits-all dose: establish the use level conservatively for your specific base and claim rather than copying a fixed number. We supply pure L-Carnosine with COA for precise pure-material dosing; contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation with your target and stability plan.
Which actives pair with L-Carnosine in an anti-glycation system?
L-Carnosine layers with other anti-glycation and antioxidant actives — niacinamide, vitamin C and E, and blueberry/AGE-focused extracts — and with matrix-support peptides for age-care positioning. It is freely water-soluble; keep the system near pH 4–7 and confirm combined stability, since the imidazole activity is best preserved away from strongly oxidising co-actives.
How does free L-Carnosine differ from its HCl salt and acetylated/decarboxylated analogs?
Free L-Carnosine is the natural parent dipeptide and is freely water-soluble, but in biological systems it is cleaved by the enzyme carnosinase — which is why more resistant analogs exist. Carnosine HCl is the same molecule as a defined hydrochloride salt; N-Acetyl Carnosine is acetylated to resist carnosinase as a depot form; and Decarboxy Carnosine (Carcinine) removes the carboxyl for a more robust carbonyl scavenger. Choose the form based on stability, penetration and claim needs.
What addition temperature is recommended for L-Carnosine during manufacturing?
Introduce L-Carnosine 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 L-Carnosine stable in a finished formula?
L-Carnosine is stable across a broad mildly-acidic-to-neutral window (about pH 4.0–7.0) suited to serums and emulsions; confirm the finished-product pH after all actives are incorporated and avoid prolonged exposure to strongly alkaline or strongly oxidising bases that can blunt the imidazole antioxidant activity.
Is L-Carnosine compatible with other actives in multi-active cosmetic systems?
L-Carnosine 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 Carnosine (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
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 305-84-0 and INCI name Carnosine consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should L-Carnosine be stored?
Store L-Carnosine 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 L-Carnosine?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 305-84-0 and HPLC purity ≥99% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for L-Carnosine. 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 L-Carnosine?
Sample and bulk quantities for L-Carnosine 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.