Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-cysteine is an amino acid that plays a significant role in the synthesis of glutathione, one of the body's most important antioxidants. In the context of skin care, L-cysteine is believed to support skin health primarily due to its antioxidant properties and its involvement in the biosynthesis of keratin, a key structural protein in skin, hair, and nails. Some studies suggest that antioxidants like L-cysteine may help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental factors, which can contribute to premature aging and skin damage.

There is also evidence that L-cysteine may promote skin healing and regeneration. Limited clinical studies have explored oral or topical L-cysteine for conditions like melasma and hyperpigmentation, showing some benefit in reducing pigmentation when combined with other agents. However, the data are not robust, and most studies are small or preliminary. The cosmetic industry sometimes includes L-cysteine in formulations targeting skin lightening or general skin health, but often in combination with other compounds.

Overall, while there is some scientific rationale and early evidence supporting L-cysteine’s use in skin care, the clinical evidence is limited and not conclusive. Therefore, its use for general skin care is best described as having a modest scientific basis, with stronger evidence needed from larger, well-designed human trials to confirm its efficacy and optimal application.

More about L-cysteine
More about Skin Care (general)

Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)

Other health conditions supported by L-cysteine

Products containing L-cysteine

Metagenics BioPure Protein® Powder
Metagenics Bone Builder Active
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Berry
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Pineapple Banana
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Pineapple Banana
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Vanilla
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Berry
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Pineapple Banana
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Vanilla
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Pineapple Banana
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Vanilla
Metagenics Collagenics®
Metagenics Echinacea Synergy
Metagenics GI Sustain™ Powder
Integrative Therapeutics Glutathione Cell Defense
Vitabase Hair, Skin & Nails Formula
Metagenics ImmuCore
Metagenics Immune Defense Pack
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™ Detox Program
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™Chocolate Detox Kit
Metagenics Perfect Protein® Pea & Rice Chocolate Powder
Metagenics Perfect Protein Pea & Rice Vanilla Powder
Metagenics Perfect Protein Whey Chocolate
Metagenics Perfect Protein Whey Vanilla
Designs For Health Plant Protein Cleanse
Designs For Health Plant Protein Cleanse Plus™ 570g
Vitabase Super Antioxidant Formula
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics Ultra Potent-C 1000
Metagenics Ultra Potent-C 500
Metagenics Ultra Potent-C Chewable
Metagenics Ultra Potent-C Powder
Metagenics UltraClear Detox Powder
Metagenics UltraClear Plus® Detox Powder
Metagenics UltraClear Plus Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics UltraClear Plus Detox Powder Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraClear Plus pH Detox Powder Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraClear Plus pH Detox Powder Vanilla
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla