Chemical synthesis of amino acids from renewable sources is an alternative route to the current processes based on fermentation. Here, we report visible-light-driven amination of biomass-derived α-hydroxyl acids and glucose into amino acids using NH3 at 50 °C. Ultrathin CdS nanosheets are identified as an efficient and stable catalyst, exhibiting an order of magnitude higher activity towards alanine production from lactic acid compared to commercial CdS as well as CdS nanoobjects bearing other morphologies. Its unique catalytic property is attributed mainly to the preferential formation of oxygen-centered radicals to promote α-hydroxyl acids conversion to α-keto acids, and partially to the poor H2 evolution which is an undesired side reaction. Encouragingly, a number of amino acids are prepared using the current protocol, and one-pot photocatalytic conversion of glucose to alanine is also achieved. This work offers an effective catalytic system for amino acid synthesis from biomass feedstocks under mild conditions.