How to Use Amino Acids for Plumper, Smoother Skin

Trying to grasp atomic structures and ionic compounds in science wasn't always all that thrilling for us, and presumably—and it's amazing if it is—it's not your forte. Yet poring over the ingredient lists on skincare products is practically a hobby. We all love hearing about the latest skincare ingredients to deliver big results and usually rush to the nearest shop to find them afterward. This is the kind of science we can all get excited about. So for strictly educational purposes, it's our duty to share something that might have had your eyes glazing over in chemistry, but with these serious skin claims, you'll want to know all about it.

We're talking about amino acids for skin. They're essential throughout the body but may be especially beneficial for your skin. To steer you in the right direction, we spoke to the experts, who gave us the full scoop on amino acids.

Keep reading to reap all the benefits of amino acids for your skin.

What Are Amino Acids?

First up, why should we be paying attention to amino acids at all? We know skincare ingredients come and go in waves of popularity, but these are keepers. Justine Kluk, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC reminds us of something you may have learned in AP Bio (we sure did)—that "amino acids are the building blocks that make up proteins and have a role in virtually all the biological processes that occur in our bodies. The sequence in which they combine determines which particular protein they will form and how they will function."

As Richard Bottiglione, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dermatologist’s Choice Skincare explains, "There are 20 amino acids, 11 of which are considered 'nonessential' and nine that are considered 'essential,' yet all are vital for the body’s survival. Nonessential means that the body can make them on its own. Essential amino acids must be obtained through the diet (the body cannot make them on its own)." In other words: amino acids are vital components in making our bodies work, so it stands to reason that they would also be vital in anything happening on a skin level, too.

Benefits of Amino Acids for Skin

• Hydrate the skin: We already have amino acids in the top layers of our skin, and they're very busy working on keeping our skin hydrated by pushing moisture through and into the skin. We've all known the tragic impact a lack of moisture makes on our skin. It's not just dryness—everything from acne to rough textures to those pesky lines might pop up—so we're all for an extra boost of hydration in whatever form it comes.

• Increase water retention: When used in conjunction with other ingredients, amino acids may plump the skin by helping increase moisture: "Amino acids work the best with additional ingredients that help retain moisture in the skin, think hyaluronic acid and glycerin," says Rachel Ho, a cosmetic chemist.

• Protect the skin via antioxidants: As we know, science class gets way more interesting when it leads to noticeable results for our skin, and amino acids for your skin certainly do. See, amino acids "promote cellular repair, hydrate the skin, and provide antioxidant protection," says Kluk.

• Reduce inflammation: Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care, notes that amino acids "increase hydration, plump the skin, reduce inflammation and build collagen."

• Build collagen: "Amino acids are either made by the body or essential amino acids must be absorbed from food," says Michele Farber, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. "They are fabulous for collagen regeneration, but to make it worth your while, be sure to choose a product from a clinically tested brand so you know what you’re getting."

• Make other products work harder: We know there's a lot happening on your bathroom shelves, so luckily, amino acids don't require an entirely new step in your routine. They're just an addition; one that will make your products work harder. As Kluk explains, this is because "amino acids can combine to form protein fragments known as peptides, which have been studied and proven to increase skin firmness and texture and to reduce wrinkles when applied topically to the skin."

• Promote cellular repair: As Farber explains, "In skincare, peptides can be absorbed from topical creams and help to stimulate collagen production. Certain peptides help reduce wrinkle formation and others help reduce inflammation and promote skin repair." That's right: when you see peptides as an ingredient in your products you're essentially getting something built by amino acids; it's just an evolved form.

• Smooth fine lines: "Amino acids in skincare can target various concerns to help soothe the skin, firm the skin, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles," notes Ho.

Side Effects of Amino Acids

Amino acids as a group have no known side effects but, as always, you should exercise caution when introducing a new product into your daily skincare routine. "Irritation is always a possibility due to one's skin chemistry," says Ho. "It's best to perform a patch test prior to using a product if there is any concern. In general, amino acids should work well for most skin types."

How to Use Them

The easiest way to reap the benefits of amino acids is via the diet. "Dietary sources containing essential amino acids are indispensable," says Bottiglione. "The nine essential amino acids are found in complete proteins. Examples of complete proteins are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. For individuals following a vegan diet, essential protein options include quinoa, buckwheat, and soybeans."

But it's also become clear that using amino acids in your skin routine gives you an extra boost. As explained by Farber, "Amino acids are great in a skincare regimen to help with collagen regeneration. The ingredient is most commonly found in facial creams, especially those for sensitive areas like around the eyes." Kluk adds that "if you would like to introduce these into your skincare routine, a moisturizer or eye cream would be a good place to start." When you're looking for amino acids in skincare specifically, some of the acids you might want to look out for (the ones claimed to work the best topically) are arginine, lysine, histidine, glycine, and leucine.

The Best Products with Amino Acids

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser $38.00

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Glycine is an amino acid with great potential for elasticity and smoothing fine lines when taken orally. It can be found in soy, but there are only so many soybeans that you can eat. Thankfully, this gentle cleanser has bottled all of that glycine goodness so you can get the benefits straight on your skin. 

Verso 5 Super Eye Serum $91.00

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This do-it-all eye cream not only boasts a variety of puff-reducing amino acids and magically plumping hyaluronic acid but also the brand's Retinol 8 meant for serious wrinkle smoothing. It will also significantly reduce your yearly concealer bill. Leave this product on overnight for the best results, as Ho notes that amino acids "can be found most effective in overnight masks, treatments, and moisturizers."

SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence Serum $245.00

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This potent serum is made with the brand's signature fermented Pitera complex, a powerhouse combo of organic acids, minerals, and amino acids. Niacinamide is proven to brighten, and Siberian ginseng extract is meant to firm and tone the skin. 

Herbivore Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil $58.00

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Hemp seed oil (what this product is based around) is full of amino acids to keep your skin healthy. However, that's not the only punch this oil is packing. It's also loaded with ashwagandha and turmeric, adaptogens that keep environmental pollution and UV damage at bay.

Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Nectar $65.00

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This ointment-to-serum concoction is our go-to for any skin irritation, and one of the founders of the brand even claims it's the only thing that has cured her eczema. It's chock-full of the brand's proprietary tulip-based complex, which is meant to provide a rich source of amino acids to soothe whatever maladies may come your way. It also utilizes white horehound and hyaluronic acid meant to draw in and seal away moisture.

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Eye Cream $35.00

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We all wake up without enough sleep sometimes, and Paula's Choice eye treatment is here to help with that. Lightweight and moisturizing, this product promises to get blood flowing under your eyes, help with cell turnover, and stop hyperpigmentation in its tracks.

Bathing Culture Outer Being Face & Body Oil $32.00

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Only have room to pack one oil on your next trip? Let it be this one, which is chock full of jojoba, MCT, marula, sea buckthorn, and other essential oils. It's dual-use (face and body), and the ingredient list means it's packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and amino acids.