Arginine

hydrating · barrier support
by cipher skincare published: oct 4, 2019 revised: feb 17, 2026 1 min read
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why we use arginine

The Basics

Arginine is an amino acid. Applied topically, it has antioxidant properties, is an excellent hydration booster, and supports collagen production.

  • protects from free radical damage.
  • serves as a humectant and helps to synthesize components of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF) such as ceramides, urea, and glycosaminoglycans.
  • when arginine is metabolized into urea and ornithine by the enzyme arginase-1, l-proline is generated. l-proline is an amino acid that is a substrate for collagen synthesis.

In the body, arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is a key component to building protein. It also releases nitric oxide in the blood, which may help certain circulatory conditions. Arginine also plays an important role in cell division, wound healing, immune function, and hormone regulation.

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