INCI: Glycine, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Arginine
A targeted blend of amino acids that helps support skin hydration, moisture balance, and a smooth, conditioned appearance.
What Is an Amino Acid Complex?
Amino acids are small organic compounds that serve as building blocks throughout the body and also occur naturally within the skin.
In skincare, carefully selected amino acids can be combined into a multi-component complex designed to complement the skin's natural moisture-supporting systems.
The Amino Acid Complex used by Pure Intox includes Glycine, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Alanine, Aspartic Acid, and Arginine. Together, these ingredients provide lightweight conditioning and hydration support without adding the richness of oils or butters.
Benefits
Amino acids help support hydration and conditioning within the skin's outermost layers, contributing to a softer, smoother, and more supple-looking complexion.
Because several amino acids are naturally associated with the skin's moisture-maintaining systems, incorporating them into a skincare formulation can complement ingredients such as humectants, ferments, and other hydration-supportive actives.
Amino Acids + Natural Moisturizing Factor
One of the most important reasons amino acids are used in skincare is their relationship to the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, commonly abbreviated as NMF.
NMF is a naturally occurring mixture of water-soluble compounds found within the outermost layer of the skin. Free amino acids are among its components and contribute to the skin's ability to maintain appropriate hydration and flexibility.
When skin becomes moisture-depleted, it may feel tight, rough, or less supple. Amino-acid-containing formulations can help complement a broader hydration strategy designed to maintain a comfortable, well-conditioned skin surface.
Why Use Multiple Amino Acids?
Skin naturally contains a variety of amino acids rather than relying on a single one. Using a complex allows multiple amino acids to contribute their individual conditioning and moisture-supportive characteristics within one formulation.
The Pure Intox Amino Acid Complex includes:
- Glycine
- Serine
- Threonine
- Valine
- Isoleucine
- Histidine
- Phenylalanine
- Alanine
- Aspartic Acid
- Arginine
Together, they create a more comprehensive amino acid profile than a formulation built around a single amino acid.
Amino Acids + the Skin Barrier
The skin barrier depends on both lipids and water-soluble components to function effectively. Botanical oils and emollients help replenish and condition the lipid portion of the skin's surface, while humectants and components associated with NMF help support hydration.
Amino acids contribute to the hydration side of this relationship. Supporting adequate moisture within the outermost layers helps maintain skin that feels flexible, comfortable, and smooth.
This is why we prefer to describe amino acids as supporting healthy barrier function and moisture balance rather than simply claiming that they "strengthen" the skin barrier.
Amino Acids + Fermented Skincare
Amino acids pair particularly well with lightweight fermented skincare formulations because both can be incorporated into water-based products without creating a heavy or occlusive feel.
In an essence, this allows multiple hydration-supportive ingredients to be layered together in a fluid format that can be applied immediately after cleansing and before richer serums, oils, or moisturizers.
Why We Use an Amino Acid Complex
At Pure Intox, the Amino Acid Complex is incorporated into Hydrating Ferment Essence as part of a layered approach to hydration.
Saccharomyces/Sea Silt Ferment provides mineral-rich, fermentation-derived conditioning support, while the Amino Acid Complex complements the skin's natural moisture-supporting components.
Together with the essence's other hydration-focused ingredients, this creates a lightweight treatment designed to leave freshly cleansed skin feeling soft, smooth, comfortable, and prepared for the next step in the skincare ritual.
Sourcing & Quality
The individual amino acids in our complex are selected for cosmetic purity, consistency, and compatibility with water-based skincare formulations.
Rather than evaluating each amino acid in isolation, the complex is incorporated as part of the complete formulation, where concentration, compatibility, and interaction with the essence's other moisture-supportive ingredients are considered together.
Found In Pure Intox Rituals
Amino Acid Complex is featured in: