In the current field of functional skincare, scientific research is constantly innovating, and various ingredients are emerging one after another. Among them, acetyl hydroxyproline (NAHP) , as a natural amino acid derivative, has gradually gained popularity in recent years due to its excellent “glycation-resistant and repairing” effects.
1. What is acetylhydroxyproline?
Acetyl hydroxyproline (NAHP) is a derivative of the natural amino acid hydroxyproline, which is an important component of collagen. Acetylation modification makes it more stable, more permeable, and easier for the skin to absorb and utilize.
2. What is “Yutang’an”?
1. Prevent moisture loss and maintain the skin barrier
Ceramides are a key component of the skin barrier, accounting for approximately 50%. When ceramides are properly arranged, they form a layered water-oil structure that effectively locks in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. Research has found that acetylhydroxyproline is a powerful moisturizing ingredient that significantly enhances ceramide synthesis by activating the STPLC1 gene (a key enzyme in ceramide synthesis) in the epidermis, thereby strengthening the skin barrier and reducing moisture loss.
Acetylhydroxyproline provides long-lasting hydration, leaving skin soft, smooth, and with a healthy glow. Whether you’re dealing with dry climates or want to maintain youthful skin, this ingredient offers powerful support, leaving your skin hydrated and plump!
References:
1.C Zhu et al., Int. J. Biol., 2023, 19(1), 311.
2.E Hashizume et al., Clinical, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2013: 6 43–49
II. Powerful anti-glycation, leaving skin radiant and firm.
Glycation is a major cause of skin aging. When reducing sugars in the skin react with proteins, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are generated. Once formed, these AGEs are irreversible and cannot be metabolized and eliminated from the body, thus accelerating skin aging and pigmentation. Market research shows that over 98.8% of users have lifestyle habits that promote glycation, such as a fondness for barbecued and fried foods, milk tea and cakes, and frequent late nights.
To combat glycation, Julia Weise and her team screened approximately 1,700 compounds and discovered that acetylhydroxyproline (NAHP) can react with reducing sugars, competitively inhibiting non-enzymatic glycation reactions, thereby reducing the formation of AGEs. Simultaneously, this also helps prevent abnormal cross-linking of collagen in the extracellular matrix, maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, and further delaying skin aging. Experimental data showed that only 0.15% acetylhydroxyproline achieved an AGE inhibition rate of approximately 80%.
Verified by an enzyme product efficacy research laboratory, acetylhydroxyproline possesses remarkable anti-glycation capabilities, comparable to the well-known anti-aging ingredient L-carnosine. This groundbreaking discovery makes acetylhydroxyproline a rising star in the field of anti-glycation, effectively combating skin aging and improving symptoms such as sagging and dullness, helping you reverse the signs of aging and radiate youthful vitality!
III. Anti-inflammatory and soothing, calming the skin
Laboratory studies on the efficacy of enzyme products have found that acetylhydroxyproline also has significant anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce skin inflammation and soothe sensitive skin. Acetylhydroxyproline can inhibit the production of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF- α , thereby relieving discomfort symptoms such as skin redness, swelling, and itching, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
● Safety and stability
As a natural amino acid derivative, acetylated hydroxyproline is harmless to the human body and has extremely high safety within the recommended usage concentration range (0.5–2.5%). Acetylation modification not only improves its stability but also makes it less susceptible to enzymatic degradation in the human body, further enhancing its suitability for use in skincare products.
● Application Recommendations
When choosing skincare products, it’s recommended to select those containing acetylhydroxyproline based on your individual skin needs. Those hoping to improve fine lines and enhance skin firmness can choose high-concentration serums or creams; those requiring deep hydration and anti-glycation can opt for moisturizing lotions or masks. Acetylhydroxyproline can also be used in combination with other active ingredients such as peptides, sugars, and plant extracts for even better results.
● Precautions
Acetylhydroxyproline has a low pH in a 1% aqueous solution, so it is recommended to use an ion-resistant thickener. In addition, avoid mixing it with strong bases and complexing metal ions (such as copper peptides).
3. Regarding finished enzyme products
Enzyme Products is committed to becoming a global leader in green active ingredients, employing next-generation synthetic biology technologies to focus on the green production of active ingredients such as peptides, proteins, sugars, and nucleic acids. Leveraging over 20 years of research and industry experience accumulated by its founding team, the company has established a leading multidisciplinary technology platform in China. It has now achieved mass production of dozens of green active ingredients, including Smegglutinin, Telborpeptide, S-Pros-Xylane, NAD+, Blue Copper Peptide, HMOs, and various peptides. It has cumulatively provided high-quality green active ingredients to over a thousand well-known companies in the fields of biopharmaceuticals , functional skincare, nutritional health, and pet and animal health .
After seven years of rapid development, the company has achieved a leading position among global companies of its kind in terms of R&D investment, scale, and output. It has applied for more than 100 invention patents and has received more than ten national and local titles, including National Specialized and Innovative Small Giant, National High-tech Enterprise, Shenzhen Specialized and Innovative Small and Medium Enterprise, Shenzhen Potential Unicorn Enterprise, Shenzhen Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base, Shenzhen Top 30 Medical and Health Innovation Team, Zhuhai Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team, and Gansu Specialized and Innovative Small and Medium Enterprise. In 2022, it was selected as one of Shenzhen’s Top 100 High-Growth Enterprises (ranked first among unlisted biotech companies), and in 2023, it was selected as a Harvard Business Review High-Energy Innovation Team.