Characteristics
- INCI
- Ergothioneine
- CAS
-
497-30-3
This is the substance number in the Chemical Abstracts Service registry. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance regardless of language, trade name, or synonyms.
- EC
-
207-843-5
This is the substance number in the European chemical identification system (EC number), used in European regulatory databases including ECHA/CosIng.
- IUPAC
- Ammonium, [1-Carboxy-2-(2-Mercaptoimidazol-4-Yl)Ethyl]Trimethyl-, Hydroxide, Inner Salt, L-(+)-
- Functions
- antioxidant
Who it's for
Description
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in mushrooms, oats, beans, and some fermented foods. In skincare, it’s used as an antioxidant ingredient, meaning it helps defend skin from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure, pollution, and everyday environmental wear. It’s also interesting because the body has a specific transporter for it, which suggests it’s a molecule skin cells recognize and can make use of.
For skin, ergothioneine is mainly valued for helping support a brighter, more resilient-looking complexion and for complementing other antioxidant ingredients in a routine. It may be a good fit for people focused on early signs of dullness, uneven tone, or general environmental stress. In hair products, it can help support the scalp and fiber by contributing antioxidant protection, though it’s not a dramatic “repair” ingredient on its own.
Caveat: ergothioneine is generally considered a supportive ingredient rather than a heavy-duty treatment. It works best as part of a broader routine with sunscreen and other well-formulated actives. As with any cosmetic ingredient, individual tolerance can vary, so sensitive users should check the full formula if they’re prone to irritation.
Products with Ergothioneine (609 total)
Most often found in Estée Lauder products (40 items)
