Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine

AKA “L-phenylalanine, 63-91-2, (2S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid, (S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid, 3-Phenyl-L-alanine, (S)-Phenylalanine, (L)-Phenylalanine, 3-Phenylalanine, beta-Phenyl-L-alanine”

Skin Conditioning

Ingredient Facts

Phenylalanine

AKA: L-phenylalanine, 63-91-2, (2S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid, (S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid, 3-Phenyl-L-alanine, (S)-Phenylalanine, (L)-Phenylalanine, 3-Phenylalanine, Beta-Phenyl-L-alanine

Skin Conditioning · Hair Conditioning · EWG: 1

Synthetic

Skin Conditioner

Hair Care

Clean

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and the precursor for the amino acid tyrosine. Like tyrosine, it is the precursor of catecholamines in the body (tyramine, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine). The psychotropic drugs (mescaline, morphine, codeine, and papaverine) also have phenylalanine as a constituent. Phenylalanine is a precursor of the neurotransmitters called catecholamines, which are adrenalin-like substances. Phenylalanine is highly concentrated in the human brain and plasma. Normal metabolism of phenylalanine requires biopterin, iron, niacin, vitamin B6, copper and vitamin C. An average adult ingests 5 g of phenylalanine per day and may optimally need up to 8 g daily. Phenylalanine is highly concentrated in high protein foods, such as meat, cottage cheese and wheat germ. A new dietary source of phenylalanine is artificial sweeteners containing aspartame. Aspartame appears to be nutritious except in hot beverages; however, it should be avoided by phenylketonurics an

Effective at 0.05%

Solubility 10 to 50 mg/mL at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)

Formula

C9H11NO2

Mol. Weight

165.19

CAS #

63-91-2, 150-30-1

Form

Powder

State

L-phenylalanine is an odorless white crystalline powder. Slightly bitter taste. pH (1% aqueous solution) 5.4 to 6. (NTP, 1992)

See origin →

Functions

Hair Conditioning

A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.

Skin Conditioning

A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.

Locks in moisture

Traditional Use

An essential amino acid discovered in the early 20th century; historically used in skincare formulations to support skin hydration and as a precursor to neurotransmitters that may improve skin health. Limited traditional use prior to modern biochemistry.