Antioxidant ingredient
Ergothioneine
Ergothioneine (L-ergothioneine, EGT) is a naturally occurring amino thione acid originally found in ergot fungi. It is synthesized in nature only by fungi and certain bacteria, but is avidly accumulated by human cells (especially tissues under oxidative stress) via the highly specific OCTN1 transporter. This unique cellular uptake mechanism distinguishes ergothioneine from most antioxidants — it is actively concentrated inside cells rather than merely acting on the surface. In cosmetics it functions as a premium anti-aging antioxidant active used in high-performance vitamin C ampoules and anti-aging serums.
Also known as: L-ergothioneine, EGT
antioxidantanti-agingskin-conditioning
Benefits
- ✓Ergothioneine (EGT) is a rare sulfur-containing amino acid synthesized exclusively by fungi (especially mushrooms), mycobacteria, and select cyanobacteria — not produced endogenously by humans but concentrated in high-metabolic-demand tissues via a specific transporter (OCTN1/SLC22A4)
- ✓Exceptionally potent antioxidant: directly quenches hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, and hypochlorous acid, and protects mitochondrial DNA and membrane lipids from oxidative damage — demonstrably more stable and persistent in biological tissue than glutathione or ascorbic acid
- ✓Skin expresses the OCTN1 ergothioneine transporter at high levels — topically applied EGT is actively taken up into keratinocytes and fibroblasts, suggesting genuine cellular bioavailability beyond surface antioxidant activity; linked to DNA damage protection and anti-inflammatory signaling
No known watch-fors.
Compatibility
✓ Works well with
+ Ascorbic Acid+ Tocopherol+ Glutathione+ Niacinamide
