If your skin has been looking a little tired lately — think fine lines, wrinkles, or that “where did my glow go?” feeling — it’s time to meet your new skincare bestie: glycine.

This mighty little amino acid might not be front and center on most beauty shelves, but it’s quietly doing big things behind the scenes to keep your skin firm, smooth, and youthful.

What Even Is Glycine?

Glycine is an amino acid, which means it’s one of the essential building blocks your body uses to make proteins — and yes, that includes the ones in your skin.

Now here’s the twist: glycine is called a “non-essential” amino acid, not because it’s not important (it totally is), but because your body naturally makes it on its own. That is, until aging starts to slow production down. 😩

As you age, your body’s glycine reserves — along with other skin-saving ingredients like vitamin E and fatty acids — begin to dwindle. That’s when fine lines, sagging, and a loss of elasticity start to show up.

But don’t worry — science (and skincare) is here to help.

Wait… Is It Glycine or Glycine Soja?

Let’s clear this up because skincare labels can be wildly confusing.

• Glycine (amino acid) = the collagen-supporting good stuff we’re talking about here.

• Glycine Soja = a fancy way of saying soy extract. Totally different ingredient.

So if you’re looking to firm and revitalize your skin, make sure your product lists glycine the amino acid — not the soy version.