Valine Good Humectant Hydration Soothing Valine at a glance An essential amino acid that provides hydrating benefits One part of a soothing peptide also made of lysine and proline Works in the body with leucine and isoleucine to synthesize collagens May be animal-derived or synthetic Valine description Valine is an amino acid that’s considered essential for health since the body is unable to manufacture it so this amino must be obtained via food or supplements. It may be animal-derived or synthetic, with Paula’s Choice Skincare using the latter form. Valine has soothing properties when combined with amino acids lysine and proline to form a peptide. It works in the body by aiding the synthesis of the skin’s primary collagens, those being 1 and 3. Research hasn’t shown topical application of valine promotes collagen formation, although as with most of the essential aminos, it helps improve skin hydration by improving its natural moisturizing factor (NMF). Usage levels of valine in skin care range from 0.00004%–0.5% in leave-on products, with rinse-off formulas containing up to 1%. Related ingredients: Amino Acids