Citrulline ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping bind water in the stratum corneum and improve skin feel.
What does Citrulline do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily used as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping bind water in the stratum corneum and improve skin feel.
Is Citrulline clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated and has no common restricted-list flags. Sensitization concerns are low compared with fragrance allergens, harsh surfactants, or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
Is Citrulline sustainable?
This material can be made by fermentation or derived from plant-based feedstocks, and it is expected to be readily biodegradable. Its sustainability profile depends mainly on feedstock sourcing, fermentation inputs, and supplier energy practices.
Is Citrulline COSMOS-approved?
It is generally compatible with COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when produced from permitted natural or biotechnological processes. It fits Green Chemistry principles well because it is water soluble, biodegradable, and can be produced from renewable feedstocks.
How does Citrulline work chemically?
The molecule is a water-soluble, zwitterionic, non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid with a ureido side chain, giving it strong hydrogen-bonding capacity. In skin care it is typically used at low levels, often around 0.1 to 2%, and is best suited to aqueous formulas in a mildly acidic to neutral pH range.
Last updated 2026-05-13