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be sonatural, Face masks, read from the back

Arginine

Well toleratedpH adjusterph-adjusterneutraliserhumectant

No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.

Also written as: L-Arginine

What it is

Arginine is one of the twenty standard amino acids and is naturally alkaline, which lets it stand in for sodium hydroxide when a formulator wants a milder, more 'natural-label' neutraliser. It is also a component of skin's own natural moisturising factor, so at higher levels it contributes a small amount of water-binding.

What it does well

  • Raises pH gently and doubles as a mild humectant

    As a weak base it neutralises carbomer without the sharp pH swings of a strong alkali, and being part of skin's natural moisturising factor it is well tolerated.

    Moderate evidence

Where the EU stands

No specific restriction

Not restricted for cosmetic use in the EU; it appears in no Annex of the Cosmetics Regulation.

Masks that contain Arginine