Is Lysine Vegan? What Is Lysine Made Of?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: April 2023.
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Lysine as an active ingredient in skincare is produced industrially from microorganisms. This means that lysine in skincare is always vegan.

Lysine is an amino acid important for the normal functioning of the body. The body gets lysine from food.

Now let’s take a closer look at which functions lysine contributes to. Also, why it is a good active ingredient in skincare.

What Is Lysine? What Is Lysine Made Of?

Lysine is one of ten essential amino acids. The body needs it for muscle building and the development of other amino acids. It is also involved in bone health, cell division, and collagen production.

In order for the body to function, it needs proteins. They build muscles, transport substances, and regulate chemical reactions. Proteins consist of amino acids and lysine is one of the essential ones.

As already said, this amino acid is particularly important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It promotes bone growth and cell division. But it also plays an important role in wound healing and is involved in the formation of collagen.

Lysine can be obtained from both – animal by-products and plants. The vegan versions of this active ingredient in skin care are mostly made from soybeans or wheat. 

Anyone can get lysine naturally through many foods, including vegan and non-vegan foods. The best vegan sources of lysine are avocados, soybeans, peas, and other protein-rich plant-based foods

However, lysine used in skincare is manufactured only by fermentation. For this, they use strains of microorganisms, which come from a solution of molasses, salts, and ammonium compounds. Therefore, lysine in skincare is vegan.

Lysine is also known as lysine monohydrochloride or L-lysine. As it is mostly consumed through foods, it can also be used topically in skincare.

Why Is Lysine Used In Skincare?

Lysine is used in skincare because it stimulates collagen production. Collagen helps the skin stay young, protects it, and also fights acne.

Lysine helps the body absorb calcium. As a result, it plays an important role in the formation of collagen. A substance essential for bones and connective tissues, including skin, tendons, and cartilage.

Collagen provides structure to the skin and contributes to its elasticity and firmness. Therefore, lysine is often included in skincare products designed for mature skin.

Further, lysine reduces the appearance of acne which causes inflammation. As lysine stimulates collagen production, it might also help treat acne. So it is no surprise when skincare products made for acne-prone skin contain lysine.

As already mentioned, lysine plays a crucial role in absorbing and transporting calcium. So, in addition, it strengthens structural cells of the skin barrier. Therefore, lysine is also a barrier-strengthening ingredient.

Research has also shown that lysine combined with arginine can regulate cortisol levels and stress hormones. A disruption in cortisol levels can trigger acne. As well as aggravate eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis.

FAQ About Lysine

What is lysine?

Lysine is one of ten essential amino acids. The body needs it for muscle building and the development of other amino acids. It is also involved in bone health, cell division, and collagen production. The body gets lysine from food.

Is lysine vegan?

Yes, lysine in skincare is vegan. The body gets lysine from food, both vegan and non-vegan. However, lysine as an active ingredient in skincare is produced industrially from microorganisms. This means that lysine in skincare is vegan.

Why is lysine used in skincare?

Lysine is used in skincare because it stimulates collagen production. It helps the skin stay young, protects it, and also fights acne.

Summary

Lysine is a powerful amino acid that is essential for the body. The body gets it from food, both vegan and non-vegan.

Lysine is also used as an active ingredient in skincare products. It has an anti-aging, skin-protecting, and acne-reducing effect. Lysine in skin care is obtained from microorganisms during fermentation. This means that lysine in skincare is vegan.

However, it can sometimes happen that vegan ingredients are combined with non-vegan components. Therefore we always recommend buying from 100% vegan skincare brands.

See also: Find The Best Vegan Skincare Products

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.