Skin & Cosmetic

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 · Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Argireline is a synthetic hexapeptide derived from the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25 protein, a key component of the SNARE complex that mediates acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions. It competitively inhibits neurotransmitter vesicle docking, reducing muscle contraction and expression-line formation. Often called "topical Botox," clinical studies show measurable reductions in peri-orbital wrinkle depth with consistent use.

Hydrolyzed Collagen · Collagen Hydrolysate

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are short-chain amino acid sequences (2–20 amino acids) produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen. Research demonstrates that specific collagen dipeptides and tripeptides (Pro-Hyp, Hyp-Gly) are absorbed intact, reach fibroblasts in skin and joints, and stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis. Meta-analyses support effects on skin elasticity, wrinkle depth, joint pain, and muscle mass when combined with resistance exercise.

Copper Peptide GHK · Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Research demonstrates it stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation, and activates protective antioxidant genes. Plasma levels decline with age, making it a significant anti-aging research target.

C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ · 340.84 Da (free ligand)

Pentapeptide-18

Leuphasyl is a pentapeptide that acts as an enkephalin analog, binding to δ-opioid receptors on muscle cells and neuronal cells to modulate acetylcholine release and reduce muscle contraction. Often combined with Argireline in cosmetic formulations for a synergistic anti-wrinkle effect, studies show the combination outperforms either compound alone in reducing crow's feet and forehead lines.

Afamelanotide · Scenesse

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic α-MSH analog with higher selectivity for MC1R than MT-II. FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), where it reduces phototoxic pain by enhancing melanin production and UV protection. Research explores broader applications in vitiligo, polymorphous light eruption, and other photosensitive disorders.

MT-II · MT2

Melanotan II is a cyclic synthetic analog of α-MSH that non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R). It induces skin tanning (via MC1R), erectile function (via MC4R), and sexual arousal while also suppressing appetite. It was the precursor compound from which PT-141 was developed. Research continues despite regulatory concerns due to its broad receptor activity profile.

Matrixyl · Pal-KTTKS

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) is a lipopeptide widely used in cosmetic anti-aging formulations. It is derived from the procollagen type I sequence and acts as a matrikine, signaling skin cells to produce collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid. Clinical studies demonstrate measurable reduction in wrinkle depth and improved skin elasticity with topical application.

Pal-GHK · Matrixyl component

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a lipopeptide created by palmitoylating GHK (glycyl-histidyl-lysine), the same sequence as GHK-Cu without copper. The palmitoyl group enhances skin penetration, while the GHK sequence signals fibroblasts to upregulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid synthesis. It is a primary active ingredient in Matrixyl formulations and widely used in anti-aging cosmetics with clinical data supporting wrinkle reduction.

Arg-Gly-Asp · Integrin-binding peptide

RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) is a tripeptide sequence found in many extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin, vitronectin, collagen) that serves as the primary recognition motif for integrin receptors. RGD-containing peptides and scaffolds are extensively used in biomaterials research to promote cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation for tissue engineering, wound healing, and regenerative medicine applications.

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

SNAP-8 is an extended version of Argireline (an octapeptide vs hexapeptide), designed with enhanced SNARE-inhibiting potency. By more completely blocking the formation of the SNARE complex, it more effectively reduces muscle contraction at treated sites. Cosmetic research shows superior wrinkle reduction efficacy compared to Argireline at equivalent concentrations, particularly in forehead lines.

Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate

Syn-Ake is a synthetic dipeptide that mimics the mechanism of waglerin-1, a peptide found in Temple Viper venom, by antagonizing muscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and reducing muscle contraction. Applied topically, it reduces the depth of expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles. It has become a common high-end cosmetic ingredient positioned as a non-injectable alternative to botulinum toxin.

Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone · α-Melanotropin

α-MSH is an endogenous 13-amino-acid peptide derived from POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin). It activates MC1R to stimulate melanin production in skin, MC4R to suppress appetite and regulate energy expenditure, and MC3R/MC1R to exert potent anti-inflammatory effects. It is the parent compound from which many synthetic melanocortin analogs (Melanotan I, II, PT-141, KPV) were derived and remains a cornerstone of melanocortin pharmacology research.