Aspartic Acid

L-Aspartic acid is the biologically active L-enantiomer of Aspartic Acid, an amino acid that bears the carboxyl group directly attached to the α-amino group. It represents an amino acid that is not essential and can therefore be produced in adequate amounts by the human body, with no requirement to form any part of the diet. It contributes to the synthesis of a wide range of proteins and is an important precursor for neurotransmitters in nervous tissue, acting as a neurotransmitter in pathways responsible for excitatory neurotransmission. L-aspartic acid also takes part in the urea cycle, which helps the body get rid of the excess ammonia and maintains metabolic balance.
L-Aspartic acid contributes in many aspects to skincare, as it boosts the level of skin hydration and helps to repair the skin barrier. It can stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin-two of the most important substances responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. Besides this, L-aspartic acid naturally attracts water into the skin, improving hydration and thus being very beneficial for dehydrated or dry skin.
Chemical, L-aspartic acid is an α-amino acid, with the amino group (-NH2) and carboxyl group (-COOH) connected to the same carbon atom, thereby allowing it to take part in a wide range of biochemical reactions. For the most part, it acts as a conjugate acid of the deprotonated form called L-aspartate, representative of its importance in biological systems through enzymatic reactions. While the D-enantiomer does not, L-aspartic acid is an amino acid that plays a part in the structure and function of proteins in living organisms. This immediately gives reason for dichotomy in activity, a certain illustration of the specificity of amino acid activity and, in general, the role of enantiomers within biological systems. Overall, it is not only crucial to basic biological processes but also a promising active for skincare formulation aimed at skincare improvement.