Tryptophan

Tryptophan

AKA “L-tryptophan, 73-22-3, L-Tryptophane, Tryptophane, (S)-Tryptophan, trofan, tryptacin, (2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid, Ardeytropin”

Hair Conditioning

Ingredient Facts

Tryptophan

AKA: L-tryptophan, 73-22-3, L-Tryptophane, Tryptophane, (S)-Tryptophan, Trofan, Tryptacin, (2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid, Ardeytropin

Hair Conditioning · Antistatic · EWG: 1

Synthetic

Skin Conditioner

Hair Care

Amino Acid

Clean

2-Amino-3-indol-3-ylpropanoic acid

Solubility 1 to 5 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)

Formula

C11H12N2O2

Mol. Weight

204.22

CAS #

54-12-6, 73-22-3

Form

Powder

State

L-tryptophan is a white powder with a flat taste. An essential amino acid; occurs in isomeric forms. (NTP, 1992)

See origin →

Functions

Antistatic

Hair Conditioning

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

Anti-Aging

Antioxidant

Anti-Inflammatory

Reduces flyaways

Softens and detangles hair

Provides scent

Traditional Use

An amino acid discovered in 1901. While not traditionally used in skincare, tryptophan has been studied in modern cosmetics for its role in protein synthesis and potential skin barrier support, though its primary historical use has been in nutrition and mental health applications.