Cosmetic ingredient

VALINE

Valine is an amino acid that may appear on cosmetic labels under the INCI name VALINE. L-valine is one spatial form of this compound and belongs to the group of amino acids that make up proteins, so the name refers to a small molecule rather than to an oil, a plant extract, or a whole protein.

INCIVA1 products
CAS number
516-06-3 / 640-68-6 / 72-18-4
EC number
208-220-0 / 211-368-9 / 200-773-6
Chemical name
2-Amino-3-methylbutanoic acid

VALINE: what it is

Valine is an amino acid that may appear on cosmetic labels under the INCI name VALINE. L-valine is one spatial form of this compound and belongs to the group of amino acids that make up proteins, so the name refers to a small molecule rather than to an oil, a plant extract, or a whole protein.

The difference between L-valine and D-valine is the three-dimensional arrangement of their atoms. The L form is the one found in proteins, while the D form is its mirror image. VALINE on an ingredient list identifies the valine used in the formula; it does not make the ingredient a protein, a supplement, or a skin treatment.

VALINE: what it does in cosmetics

In skin products, valine may be included among skin-conditioning ingredients. In everyday terms, that points to use alongside the rest of the formula to support a pleasant feel at the skin surface; it is not a promise to correct a dermatological condition.

It may also be used for hair conditioning and as an antistatic agent. For hair, controlling static electricity is intended to help reduce electrically charged flyaway strands and give hair a more settled appearance. Its fragrance classification concerns scenting the product and does not, on its own, demonstrate a topical benefit from isolated valine.

Catalogue presence

Products containing this ingredient

See which products include it and the name used in each composition.