Humectant

Methionine

Sulfur-containing essential amino acid — methionine has antioxidant potential due to the sulfide group. In cosmetics, it supports the amino acid profile of NMF and is used in formulas for skin facing oxidative stress.

AntioxidantNMFProtein protectionSulfur-containing

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Methionine (метіонін, Met) — an essential aliphatic amino acid with a thioether group. In INCI: Methionine. It is the only source of reactive sulfur among proteinogenic amino acids (along with cysteine). It is part of the skin's NMF. It is a direct trap for reactive oxygen species — oxidized to methionine sulfoxide, which can be reduced by the enzyme methionine sulfoxide reductase.

Antioxidant and NMF component in serums for oxidative stress and formulas for mature and tired skin. It most often works as part of an amino acid or antioxidant complex, rather than as the main active ingredient of the formula.

Key Benefits

✦

Antioxidant potential

The thioether group of methionine can react with reactive oxygen species, including peroxides. In cosmetics, this is an auxiliary antioxidant support that works best alongside more classical antioxidants.

◈

Protein protection from oxidation

Methionine residues in structural proteins can serve as "buffer" antioxidants. Topical methionine should be viewed as support for the amino acid pool and the formula's antioxidant system.

✧

NMF-moisturization and barrier support

As an NMF-amino acid, it retains moisture in the stratum corneum. In complex formulas with other amino acids, it restores the complete amino acid profile of the Natural Moisturizing Factor.

Suitable for

Mature skinSkin under stressDehydrated skinAll skin types

Main Actions

✓ Antioxidant protection✓ Protection of proteins from oxidation✓ NMF-moisturization

Auxiliary antioxidant in the complex

Methionine should not be placed in the same category as high-evidence anti-aging actives like retinoids, SPF, or stable forms of vitamin C. Its strength lies in the gentle support of NMF and the antioxidant network in complex formulas.

CategoryHumectants

Check if this ingredient works for your skin — analyze your full product formula for free.

Analyze your product