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The ingredient, explained

Carnitine

A primary study examines this ingredient in the specified preparation and setting.

AntistaticCleansingFoam boostingHair conditioningSkin conditioningViscosity controllingSurfactant
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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

1-Propanaminium, 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, inner salt -R--

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Antistatic
Reduces the build-up of static electrical charge on surfaces.
Cleansing
Helps remove material from the body surface.
Foam boosting
Changes the amount, texture or stability of foam.
Hair conditioning
Improves cosmetic hair properties such as softness, shine or combability.
Skin conditioning
A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.
Viscosity controlling
Adjusts how thick or fluid a product is.
Surfactant
Changes surface tension to help a product distribute or interact with other materials.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human topical research

All active creams reduced sebum from baseline; EGCG and combined creams showed greater anti-sebum effects than L-carnitine.

What this does not tell us

No ingredient-free vehicle arm stated. Hydration can reflect shared moisturizer base. Clinical seborrhea, not universal cosmetic efficacy.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 37194909 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Read the 1 selected study

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Products containing this ingredient

All 11 products ↗

From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Names and identifiers

Registry identity

1-Propanaminium, 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, inner salt -R--

INCI name on ingredient lists
CARNITINE
CAS registry number
541-15-1
EC number
208-768-0

Sources for this ingredient record