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Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine — a rare amino acid-antioxidant that the body cannot synthesize on its own. It protects cells from oxidative stress better than vitamin C, accumulates in the skin, and is stored for weeks.

antioxidantcellular protectionanti-agingrare

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Ergothioneine (EGT) — a sulfur-containing amino acid produced exclusively by fungi and certain bacteria. The human body has a specific transport protein OCTN1 that actively accumulates EGT in cells. INCI: Ergothioneine. Sources for cosmetics: Hericium erinaceus (mushroom), Boletus edulis, microbial fermentation. Concentration in products: 0.01–1%.

Anti-aging serums and products for protection against oxidative stress. Popular in premium formulas alongside vitamin C and resveratrol. Especially valuable for urban skin exposed to pollution.

Key Benefits

✦

Unique cellular antioxidant

EGT accumulates inside cells through the transport protein OCTN1 — almost no other antioxidant has such a mechanism. It protects the nucleus and mitochondria from oxidation, which is key to slowing cellular aging. Stable — does not oxidize upon contact with air.

◈

Protection from UV and pollution

Studies show: EGT protects against UV-induced DNA damage in skin cells. It also neutralizes reactive oxygen species from pollution (PM2.5). Effective protection for the skin of city dwellers in poor ecological conditions.

✧

Long-lasting action without degradation

Unlike most antioxidants, EGT is restored to its original form after neutralizing a free radical — it does not degrade. This means prolonged protective action from a single application. Synergistic with vitamin E and CoQ10.

Suitable for

for all skin typesurban skinmature skinsensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ cellular antioxidant protection✓ protection from UV and pollution✓ anti-aging

Why is ergothioneine so special?

Most antioxidants simply neutralize free radicals outside the cell. Ergothioneine is one of the few that penetrates inside the cell through its own transporter and protects DNA and mitochondria from within. That’s why it is called the "longevity vitamin" — scientists are studying the connection between EGT levels and the duration of healthy life.

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