Can Taurine Help Delay Skin Aging? Here's What Dermatologists Have to Say

If taurine hasn't yet come across your radar in the skincare world, it soon will. While we'll dive into the specifics of this ingredient shortly, here's a brief overview: taurine is a naturally occurring compound in the body, applied both topically and consumed orally. The buzz around it is promising, with claims ranging from helping to retain moisture to providing anti-inflammatory effects, which could mean big things for anti-aging. But do these claims hold up? Should taurine be part of your skincare routine, and if so, how? To answer these questions and more, we consulted with Robyn Gmyrek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

What exactly is taurine?

Taurine is an amino acid, which, as a quick reminder, amino acids are the building blocks of protein. It’s naturally found in our bodies, but we also obtain it through our diet, with animal proteins being its primary sources, according to Dr. Gmyrek. Taurine can also be found in our skin, specifically in the epidermis, where it plays a key role in managing the skin’s moisture levels, Dr. Gmyrek explains.

What effects does taurine have on the skin?

Regarding moisture, Dr. Gmyrek says, "Taurine aids in rehydration and minimizes water loss. It also functions as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties." These attributes are especially beneficial for aging skin, which tends to lose moisture as we get older, and is more prone to inflammation and damage from free radicals. Dr. Gmyrek also points out that taurine levels decline with age. While adding taurine to your anti-aging skincare routine seems logical, she emphasizes a key concern: "There are very few studies on the effects of topical taurine." In lab studies, taurine has been shown to boost hydration and promote the production of ceramides and hyaluronic acid—two vital components for maintaining youthful skin. However, there’s not enough data to support taurine’s effectiveness in the same way as other well-established anti-aging ingredients like retinoids or glycolic acid. Besides its anti-aging benefits, there are also some reports—and Reddit discussions—that suggest topical taurine may help with acne.

Oral taurine is also a potential option.

Although the focus has been on topical taurine, it’s worth mentioning that oral taurine might offer skin benefits as well. For instance, Dr. Gmyrek notes that it has been shown to reduce wrinkle formation caused by UV exposure—though the study was conducted on mice, not humans. (Additionally, taurine is commonly found in pre-workout and energy supplements, as it may help reduce muscle fatigue, Dr. Gmyrek adds.)

Incorporating taurine into your skincare regimen

So, is taurine worth adding to your routine? The answer is yes—it’s generally safe. Dr. Gmyrek points out that taurine has no known harmful effects, even when consumed orally, and it mixes well with virtually all ingredients. To make the most of it, look for products that combine taurine with other potent ingredients. Dr. Gmyrek also notes that it would likely work especially well when paired with hydrating agents like glycerin, due to its ability to lock in moisture.