CARNITINE (Carnitine) – function in cosmetics

A small quaternary ammonium compound with many listed cosmetic functions.

What it is

Carnitine is a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compound (3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylpropanaminium, inner salt). CosIng lists it as antistatic, cleansing, foam boosting, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, cleansing surfactant and viscosity controlling.

Where it is used

Found in creams, serums, body care products, shampoos and hair care products.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

The INCI name does not reveal whether it is made synthetically or by fermentation.

Functions

Antistatic

Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Surfactant – foam boosting

Increasing foaming capacity and/or stabilize foams in general.

Hair conditioning

Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.

Skin conditioning

Maintaining the skin in good condition.

Surfactant – cleansing

Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

Viscosity controlling

Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

CARNITINE

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (37)