Clearer science for better conversations.

Why evidence type matters

Different studies answer different questions.

Before using a finding, check how carnosine was studied. Every card on our Research page carries one of these labels.

1. 01

   Carnosine biology & muscle research

   Studies of carnosine itself: where it is found, how much is in muscle and what it does in the body. They describe biology. On their own they don't show a benefit from any topical product.

2. 02

   Beta-alanine / oral supplementation

   Most exercise evidence. Beta-alanine taken by mouth raises muscle carnosine over weeks. The overall effect is small and depends on the type of exercise. It isn't evidence for carnosine applied to skin.

3. 03

   Topical / skin application

   Research involving application to skin. Few studies, mostly small. None we know of has measured whether topical carnosine reaches or raises carnosine in human muscle.

4. 04

   Animal research

   Useful for generating ideas, but results in animals don't automatically apply to people.

5. 05

   Laboratory / cell research

   Shows what can happen in cells or a skin model. It doesn't show what happens in a living person.

6. 06

   Product-specific evidence

   Applies only to the exact product and formula that was tested. It shouldn't be transferred to other products. A patent describes an invention; it isn't evidence that a product works.