L-carnitine as a cosmetic ingredient: in which skincare products can it be found?

The L-carnitine is a molecule naturally present in our bodies, derived from the combination of two amino acids: lysine and methionine. Its primary biological role is to transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells, where they are broken down to produce energy. In cosmetics, L-carnitine is primarily used to care for oily skin due to its lipolytic properties. This active ingredient is also valued for its soothing and antioxidant benefits. L-carnitine can be incorporated into various types of cosmetic products.

• Moisturizing cream.

  Moisturizing creams enriched with L-carnitine supply not only water and emollient agents to the skin but may also support its energy metabolism. By promoting fatty acid oxidation, L-carnitine helps regulate excess sebum while strengthening the barrier function. This dual effect is particularly beneficial for combination-to-oily skin, which needs hydration without lipid overload.

• Sun protection.

  Although it does not have photoprotective properties, L-carnitine is often incorporated into sunscreen creams or sprays because of its antioxidant benefits. These benefits enable it to reduce UV-induced oxidative damage and help preserve the integrity of cell membranes, which can be compromised by the free radicals generated during sun exposure.

• Exfoliating pad.

  L-carnitine can also be found in exfoliating pads. Impregnated with exfoliating active ingredients, such as glycolic acid or gluconolactone, these leave-on products act like lotions or exfoliating masks when left on for a few minutes, removing dead skin cells accumulated on the skin surface. Exfoliating pads containing L-carnitine are primarily intended for oily skin and simultaneously target excess sebum.

• Mask.

  It is not uncommon to find L-carnitine in purifying masks, often designed for combination and oily skin. These treatments aim to absorb excess sebum and tighten the appearance of pores to give the skin a matte finish. L-carnitine plays an active role by promoting the beta-oxidation of fatty acids in sebum, particularly triglycerides and free fatty acids such as palmitic acid. By stimulating this metabolic pathway, it helps reduce sebum accumulation on the skin’s surface, contributing to the desired mattifying effect.

• Shampoo.

  One often attributes to L-carnitine the ability to stimulate hair growth. It may indeed enhance microcirculation around hair follicles, thereby improving the delivery of nutrients and oxygen and, consequently, promoting better hair development. These effects, demonstrated in vitro, however, still need to be confirmed in clinical trials. Nevertheless, L-carnitine is included in many shampoos designed to increase hair density.

• Shower gel.

  Some “anti-cellulite” shower gels also contain L-carnitine. During skin massage in the shower, these products presume that L-carnitine can slightly penetrate the superficial layers of the skin and support the local breakdown of fatty acids stored in adipocytes by facilitating their transport to the mitochondria. That said, it is important to note that the ability of topical L-carnitine to reduce cellulite still requires further study.

• Powder, softgel, or hard capsule.

  In the form of a dietary supplement, the L-carnitine is often used by athletes for its fat-burning potential. As mentioned above, it facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria, where they are oxidized to produce ATP, the main source of cellular energy. This effect can be particularly beneficial during exercise, as it allows for greater fat loss. Furthermore, the metabolic support provided by L-carnitine could enhance athletic performance. However, the efficacy of this supplementation depends strongly on the type of physical activity, diet, and consistency of intake.

Before beginning any supplementation, whether with L-carnitine or otherwise, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional.

• CALVANI M. & al. The carnitine system and bodycomposition. Acta Diabetologica (2003).

• GÜLÇIN I. Antioxidant and antiradical activities of L-carnitine. Life Sciences (2006).

• PAUS R. & al. L-carnitine–L-tartrate promotes human hair growth in vitro. Experimental Dermatology (2007).

• KIM S.-J. & al. Formation of skin lotions using various vehicles and skin hydration effects for a skin. Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology (2009).

• TUZUN S. & al. Preliminary study comparing the effects of locally and systemically applied L-carnitine on the healing of full-thickness skin defects. Scandinavian Journal of Surgery (2010).

• MOLDOVAN M. Efficacy evaluation of different cream formulations on healthy skin properties. Farmacia (2010).

• GE S. & al. Nanomechanical characterization of skin and skin cream. Journal of Microscopy (2010).

• HAN Z. W. & al. Single dose administration of L-carnitine improves antioxidant activities in healthy subjects. The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine (2011).

• GREENHAFF P. L. & al. Skeletal muscle carnitine loading increases energy expenditure, modulates fuel metabolism gene networks and prevents body fat accumulation in humans. The Journal of Physiology (2013).

• BLUME-PEYTAVI U. & al. The effectiveness of using a bath oil to reduce signs of dry skin: A randomized controlled pragmatic study. International Journal of Nursing Studies (2017).

• KANG N. G. & al. Identification and validation of amino acid-based mild exfoliating agents through a de novo screening method. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2019).

• HAGAVANE S. & al. Review on lotion as skincare products. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2022).

• SONG Y.-S. & al. Anti-acne activity of carnitine salicylate and magnolol through the regulation of exfoliation, lipogenesis, bacterial growth and inflammation. Skin Research and Technology (2023).

• DETUDOM P. & al. Efficacy of anti-sebum moisturizing cream containing 2% l-carnitine and 5% epigallocatechin gallate in seborrhea: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2023).

• KHAN N. & al. Pharmaceutical based cosmetic serums. Profiles of Drug Substances, Excipients and Related Methodology (2023).

• JEON H. & al. Enhancement of exfoliating effects through the novel cosmetic ingredient mandelic acid_carnitine ion‐pairing complex. Skin Research and Technology (2024).