Humectant

Threonine

Essential amino acid — a building block of collagen, elastin, and mucin. Due to the hydroxyl group, it plays a key role in the glycosylation of proteins. In cosmetics, it moisturizes as an NMF component and supports the synthesis of structural proteins in the skin.

essential amino acidNMF componentmoisturizingbuilding block of collagen

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

L-Threonine (INCI: Threonine) — an essential amino acid obtained from food (meat, dairy, eggs, legumes). Molecular weight ~119 Da. Well soluble in water. Hydroxyl group: allows O-phosphorylation and O-glycosylation — key for the structure of glycoproteins. In the skin: part of NMF, a component of collagen (~1.4% of amino acids), elastin, and mucin (which forms the protective "slime" of the skin). Functions in cosmetics: moisturizer, component of "complete amino acid" formulas, supports the synthesis of glycoproteins.

Moisturizers with a complete amino acid complex, barrier-strengthening products, anti-aging formulas with support for structural proteins.

Key Benefits

✦

Moisturizing and NMF support

Threonine — a hygroscopic amino acid in NMF. The hydroxyl group (-OH) binds water molecules well → effective moisture retention in the stratum corneum. In complex amino acid formulas together with serine, glycine, proline, and others: recreates the full NMF of the skin. Reduces TEWL, improves hydration of the stratum corneum with regular use.

◈

Support for the synthesis of glycoproteins and mucin

Threonine — together with serine — the main site of O-glycosylation in skin proteins. Glycoproteins: important components of the extracellular matrix that provide hydration and protection. Mucin: a protective glycoprotein of the skin that retains water and provides slipperiness. Sufficient threonine supports the normal synthesis of these molecules in keratinocytes.

✧

Building block of collagen and elastin

Threonine is part of collagen and elastin — key structural proteins of the dermis. Although the percentage is low, together with other amino acids, it provides a "raw material reserve" for the synthesis of new extracellular matrix. Topical application in the form of free amino acid: available for fibroblasts and keratinocytes for the synthesis of structural proteins.

Suitable for

dehydrated skindry skinmature skin

Main Actions

✓ hygroscopic moisturizing NMF✓ support for the synthesis of glycoproteins✓ building block of collagen

Threonine vs Serine — similar but different

Both are hydroxy amino acids with -OH groups. Serine: higher concentration in NMF, better moisturizer, ~3% of amino acids in collagen. Threonine: lower, but important for glycosylation and mucin, ~1.4% of amino acids in collagen. Both are essential in "complete amino acid" formulas. Threonine in INCI: "Threonine" or "L-Threonine". Vegan: synthetic or plant-derived — suitable for vegan formulas.

CategoryHumectants

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