The Science of Carnosine in Skincare
Written by: Radhika Sen
Updated on: 3rd September 2025
Ageing is a natural process to be embraced, and modern skincare now focuses on well-ageing, preserving and protecting skin, rather than just reversing visible signs. Skin naturally ages through processes like glycation and oxidative stress, which can silently damage its structure. Carnosine, an advanced multi-functional peptide, targets these processes, supporting skin health at a cellular level. Medik8 leads the way in science-driven, accessible skincare innovation.
What are AGEs, and how do they affect the skin?
AGEs, or Advanced Glycation End Products, form when sugars bind to proteins such as collagen and elastin in a process called glycation. This process is accelerated by high sugar intake, UV exposure, pollution, and natural ageing. Over time, AGEs stiffen collagen, reduce elasticity, and contribute to wrinkles and dullness, making the skin appear older and less resilient.
What is carnosine?
Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide, made from beta-alanine and histidine, and is naturally present in the skin. This protective peptide blocks skin-damaging sugars from binding to collagen in the skin in a process called glycation. Carnosine also acts as a powerful antioxidant, defending against oxidative stress, a major trigger of AGEs, supporting skin’s structure and helping to reduce the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Topical vs supplements: Does it matter?
Available in both oral supplements and topical formulas, carnosine is sourced from animal products, or lab-made. In skincare, carnosine in topical form delivers benefits directly to skin cells, where glycation occurs, offering targeted protection. Clinical research shows topical carnosine improves elasticity and reduces wrinkle depth. While supplements may provide systemic antioxidant support, they are less focused on the skin. Topical application is therefore best for visible, targeted skin ageing results. All Medik8 products use lab-made carnosine, Certified By The Vegan Society.
Carnosine for anti-ageing
Ageing is inevitable, but the way our skin ages can be supported at a molecular level. Carnosine is a powerful peptide that helps skin age with strength, clarity, and resilience, focusing on preservation rather than simply reversing the signs of ageing. It works proactively to protect, strengthen, and maintain skin’s structure over time.
Carnosine in skincare: A powerful anti-A.G.Es peptide
Carnosine is a multi-tasking peptide that defends skin from the inside out, targeting the molecular processes behind premature ageing and environmental stress. Backed by science, it delivers a range of benefits that go beyond traditional anti-ageing, supporting healthier, stronger, and more resilient skin.
How does carnosine compare to other peptides
Not all peptides work the same way, and this is where carnosine stands out. While most peptides focus on stimulating collagen production, carnosine helps preserve what already exists by protecting it from glycation damage. Signal peptides like Matrixyl® encourage new collagen, carrier peptides deliver essential minerals, and neurotransmitter peptides help relax muscle contractions. Carnosine instead acts as a protective ‘shield’, working synergistically with builder peptides, copper peptides, retinal, and vitamin C to deliver a full-spectrum approach to anti-ageing - offering a unique pathway other peptides don’t directly target.
Medik8’s Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream
Introducing Medik8’s latest innovation in advanced peptide skincare, Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream. Featuring a multi-pathway peptide complex - featuring Anti-A.G.E. Peptide (Carnosine) that helps prevent the appearance of future signs of ageing by blocking skin-damaging sugars from binding collagen in the skin. With a lightweight, indulgent skin-cushioning texture that melts seamlessly into the skin, this high-performance formula delivers visible improvements in firmness, elasticity and resilience. Dermatologically tested and artificial fragrance-free, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.
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Is carnosine right for your skin?
Carnosine is ideal for anyone concerned with fine lines, sagging, or dullness, and especially beneficial for ageing or mature skin. Those living in urban environments can also benefit from its protective, anti-pollution properties. Suitable from your 30s onwards as part of a preventative approach, carnosine integrates seamlessly into routines with vitamin A, vitamin C, and peptides, complementing the Medik8 CSA PhilosophyⓇ .
Protect your skin from the inside out
The future of intelligent, targeted well-ageing lies in ingredients that work at the root of skin ageing. One of the few actives proven to directly combat glycation, a hidden yet powerful driver of wrinkles and loss of firmness, carnosine also defends against oxidative stress for multi-layered protection. Going beyond traditional peptides, it safeguards the structure of youthful skin. With Medik8’s science-driven innovations, experience skincare that is gentle, proactive, and age-defying. Discover the difference today.
FAQ's
Yes. Carnosine helps to slow visible ageing by protecting collagen and elastin from glycation, a hidden process that stiffens these vital proteins. By preserving skin’s structure and defending against oxidative stress, it helps maintain firmness, elasticity, and radiance over time.
Carnosine is a multi-functional peptide that defends skin from within. It prevents sugars from binding to collagen, supports natural repair enzymes, neutralises free radicals, and helps reduce oxidative stress. The result is smoother, firmer, and more resilient-looking skin, making it an advanced addition to age-defying skincare.
It does not reverse wrinkles, but helps prevent new ones from forming and softens the appearance of existing lines. By protecting collagen integrity and boosting skin resilience, carnosine supports a smoother, more youthful look as part of a consistent, well-ageing routine.
Visible improvements, such as smoother texture and increased firmness, can typically be noticed within a few weeks of consistent topical use. However, results build over time as carnosine works at a molecular level to protect collagen, defend against oxidative stress, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Carnosine is considered safe for topical use and is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. In Medik8 formulations, carnosine is combined with gentle, proven technologies for optimal skin comfort.
Yes. Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide, made up of two amino acids: beta-alanine and histidine. In skincare, it acts as a protective peptide, shielding collagen from glycation and oxidative stress, while complementing other peptides that stimulate collagen production for full-spectrum age-defying benefits.
Radhika Sen
Radhika Sen is a skincare enthusiast and beauty writer. She's always on the lookout for a stellar serum and moisturiser combination, topped by a sunscreen that protects and primes. Her idea of self care is to pop on a face mask, light a scented candle and call it an early night.