The subject matter described herein is directed to stable L-cysteine compositions for injection, comprising: L-cysteine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and/or hydrate thereof in an amount from about 10 mg/mL to about 100 mg/mL; Aluminum in an amount from about 1.0 parts per billion (ppb) to about 250 ppb; cystine in an amount from about 0.01 wt % to about 2 wt % relative to L-cysteine; pyruvic acid in an amount from about 0.01 wt % to about 2 wt % relative to L-cysteine; a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, comprising water; headspace O2 that is less than 1.0%; dissolved oxygen present in the carrier in an amount from about 0.01 parts per million (ppm) to about 1 ppm, wherein the composition is enclosed in a single-use container having a volume of from 10 mL to 100 mL. Also described are compositions for a total parenteral nutrition regimen and methods for their use.