Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle

6-AMINOCAPROIC ACID.

Valuable CAS 60-32-2 / NOT REPORTED

A lysine-derived amino acid that functions as a potent anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening agent through protease inhibition. Originally developed as a hemostatic drug, this ingredient has found its way into skincare for its ability to calm irritated skin and reduce redness by blocking inflammatory enzyme pathways.

soothing skin-conditioning anti-inflammatory barrier repair

Science

Functions as an antifibrinolytic agent that competitively inhibits plasminogen activation and plasmin activity in skin tissue. By blocking these proteolytic enzymes and specifically targeting Kallikrein 5 (KLK5), it helps stabilize the skin barrier matrix and reduces inflammation associated with protease overactivity, particularly beneficial for rosacea-prone skin.


Research

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.001–25%
Optimal

0.001%

Key findings

  1. 01 25% concentration investigated for rosacea treatment via KLK5 inhibition (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01398280)
  2. 02 0.001% in amino acid complex demonstrated significant skin repair, redness reduction, and moisturization enhancement (J Cosmet Dermatol 2021)

Transparency

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.001%
Red flag below
0.0005%

Effective concentrations start as low as 0.001%, making dusting less likely. However, formulations below 0.0005% may provide insufficient therapeutic benefit given the specific enzyme inhibition mechanism required.


The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 7 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Exceptionally water-soluble (330-500 mg/mL) with excellent stability in light and air. As a zwitterionic compound, solubility decreases near its isoelectric point of 7.6, requiring careful pH management.

Synergies

  • other amino acids
  • barrier repair peptides
  • anti-inflammatory actives

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
25%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

CIR-reviewed as part of alpha-amino acids group with established safety profile. FDA-approved for systemic use as hemostatic agent, indicating robust safety data.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Valuable

A scientifically-backed amino acid with proven anti-inflammatory properties and excellent safety profile, particularly valuable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin at very low concentrations.


Related

Finding similar ingredients…