Tyrosine
Amino acid; melanin precursor in skin. Functional formulation ingredient with no standalone activity on the skin.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Inert formulation ingredient. Safe, no standalone activity.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
About this ingredient
Tyrosine is a non-essential aromatic amino acid and a melanin precursor in skin. Melanocytes use tyrosine as a substrate for tyrosinase – the key enzyme of melanogenesis. In cosmetics – a component of NMF and amino acid complexes. Mechanism. Within NMF it retains moisture via its aromatic ring and amino-acid groups. Controversy: it is marketed in self-tanners as a 'melanin activator', but topical tyrosine does not reach melanocytes in the basal layer and does not stimulate tanning – a 1980s myth debunked in the Garcin 1990 review. Where applied. Amino acid complexes in creams and serums, sensitive-skin products. It used to appear in self-tanners and 'safe-tan' products (0.5-1%), now replaced by dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as a more honest marketing ingredient. Evidence base. Functional NMF ingredient without specific RCTs. Marketing claims of 'tanning stimulation' have been disproven – Garcin 1990 showed topical tyrosine does not raise MED or speed up pigmentation. Safety. CIR confirmed the safety of all cosmetic amino acids in 2017. Non-sensitising, non-comedogenic. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Usable without restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tyrosine safe during pregnancy?
Tyrosine is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What is Tyrosine and what does it do in cosmetics?
Amino acid; melanin precursor in skin.
What's the INCI name for Tyrosine?
The INCI name is Tyrosine.
See Tyrosine in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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