Serine

TL;DR. This ingredient functions mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping bind water in the stratum corneum and support the skin’s natural moisturizing factor profile.

What does Serine do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient functions mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping bind water in the stratum corneum and support the skin’s natural moisturizing factor profile.

Is Serine clean?

It is generally well tolerated, with low irritation and sensitization concern in typical cosmetic use. It has no major clean-standard restricted-list friction when sourced and processed appropriately.

Is Serine sustainable?

This material can be sourced through plant protein hydrolysis or fermentation, and it is readily biodegradable. Its sustainability profile is strongest when made from renewable feedstocks using water-based processing.

Is Serine COSMOS-approved?

It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when produced from compliant natural or fermentation-based sources. It fits Green Chemistry principles well because it is biodegradable, water compatible, and can be made from renewable inputs.

How does Serine work chemically?

The molecule is a small polar alpha-amino acid with a hydroxyl-bearing side chain, which gives it strong water-binding behavior in aqueous formulas. It is typically used around 0.1 to 2% in leave-on hydration products, is water soluble, and is most compatible with skin-friendly pH ranges.

Last updated 2026-05-13