L-carnitine in cosmetics: where can it be found?

L-carnitine as a cosmetic ingredient: in which skincare products can it be found?

L-carnitine, an amino acid naturally found in the body, is increasingly used in the cosmetics industry for its various benefits to skin and hair. In which products can it be found? Here you will find the different formats and formulations likely to contain L-carnitine.

Published on August 8, 2025, by Jamal, PhD, Doctor of human pathology and infectious diseases — 8 min of reading

Which cosmetic care products contain L-carnitine?

The L-carnitine is a molecule naturally present in our body, derived from the combination of two amino acids: lysine and methionine. Its primary biological function is to transport long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses, where they are broken down to produce energy. In cosmetics, L-carnitine is mainly used to care for oily skin due to its lipolytic properties. This active ingredient is also valued for its soothing and antioxidant properties. L-carnitine can be incorporated into various types of cosmetic products.

Hydrating cream.
L-carnitine enriched moisturising creams provide not only water and emollient agents to the skin, but may also support its energy metabolism. By promoting fatty acid oxidation, L-carnitine helps regulate excess sebum while reinforcing the barrier function. This dual action is particularly beneficial for combination to oily skin types, which require hydration without lipid overload.
Solar protection.
Although it does not possess photoprotective properties, L-carnitine is frequently incorporated into sun creams or sprays due to its antioxidant properties. These allow it to reduce oxidative damage from UV rays and help preserve the integrity of cell membranes, which is compromised by free radicals generated during sun exposure.
Exfoliating pad.
L-carnitine can also be found in exfoliating pads. Impregnated with exfoliating active ingredients, such as glycolic acid or the gluconolactone, these leave-on formulations, when applied for a few minutes, function as exfoliating lotions or masks and remove dead cells that have built up on the skin’s surface. Exfoliating pads containing L-carnitine are primarily aimed at oily skin and also help to control excess sebum.
Mask.
It’s not uncommon to find L-carnitine in purifying masks, often designed for combination to oily skin. These treatments aim to absorb excess sebum and refine the appearance of pores, delivering a matte finish to the skin. L-carnitine plays an active role by promoting the beta-oxidation of fatty acids present in sebum, notably triglycerides and free fatty acids such as palmitic acid. By stimulating this metabolic pathway, it helps reduce sebum accumulation on the skin’s surface, thus contributing to the desired mattifying effect.
Shampoo.
It is credited with L-carnitine the ability to stimulate hair growth. It may strengthen microcirculation around the hair follicles, thereby improving the supply of nutrients and oxygen and, consequently, promoting better hair growth. These effects, demonstrated in vitro, still need to be confirmed in clinical trials. Nevertheless, L-carnitine is incorporated into numerous shampoos aimed at densifying hair.
Shower gel.
Some ‘anti-cellulite’ shower gels also contain L-carnitine. When massaging the skin in the shower, these products assume that L-carnitine can slightly penetrate the superficial layers of the skin and support the local breakdown of fatty acids stored in adipocytes by activating their transport to the mitochondria. That said, it is important to note that the ability of topical L-carnitine to reduce cellulite still requires further investigation.
Powder, gelatine capsule or capsule.
In the form of a dietary supplement, the L-carnitine is frequently used by athletes for its fat-burning potential. As mentioned previously, it facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria, where they are oxidised to produce ATP, the primary cellular energy source. This effect is particularly relevant during physical exertion, as it may promote greater fat loss. Furthermore, the metabolic support provided by L-carnitine could enhance athletic performance. However, the efficacy of this supplementation heavily depends on the type of exercise performed, diet and consistency of intake.