Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Inhibits neuromuscular acetylcholine release for reduced facial muscle contraction and expression line formation.

Why It's Used: Enhanced argireline analog with improved stability for formulations requiring optimized neuro-inhibiting anti-wrinkle performance.

How It Works: Competes with snap-25 protein for binding to the snare complex, reducing vesicular acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions. reduced acetylcholine binding decreases muscle contraction amplitude, reducing expression line depth with repeated use.

Typically Found In: Anti-wrinkle creams,expression line treatments,forehead/eye area products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptide

Secondary Functions: Enhanced snare inhibition,improved stability

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 3–1000 ppm

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetically produced. encapsulation may improve delivery to neuromuscular junction.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,retinol,moisturizers

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Hexapeptide-8 differs from argireline (hexapeptide-3) in its c-terminal modification that increases resistance to enzymatic degradation by skin proteases. this improved stability extends the bioavailability of the active peptide at the neuromuscular junction, potentially improving clinical anti-wrinkle efficacy vs the original argireline.

Last Verified: Cosing database,lipotec argireline plus data

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Stimulates collagen and elastin, accelerates wound healing, activates antioxidant enzymes, and reduces inflammation with an exceptional evidence base.

Why It's Used: Most extensively studied carrier peptide with proven wound healing, anti-aging, and even hair growth efficacy from 50+ years of peer-reviewed research.

How It Works: Copper delivery to enzyme cofactor sites activates sod (antioxidant), lysyl oxidase (collagen crosslinking), and cytochrome c oxidase (cellular energy). ghk moiety signals tgf-beta1 for fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.

Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,wound healing products,hair growth treatments

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – ghk-cu copper carrier peptide

Secondary Functions: Copper delivery,antioxidant enzyme activation,wound healing

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetically produced; copper-peptide complex requires careful formulation.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: Avoid mixing with high-concentration ahas (copper chelation concern); high-dose vitamin c (ascorbate competes for copper binding)

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ghk-cu has been shown to activate over 4,000 human genes involved in tissue remodeling and wound healing. pickart's seminal work documented the peptide's ability to restore aging skin by activating the same gene expression programs active in wound healing.

Last Verified: Cosing database,pickart et al. ghk-cu 50-year review,hostynek et al. clinical study

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Mimics snake venom neuromuscular junction inhibition to relax expression line-forming muscles.

Why It's Used: Premium neuromodulator peptide based on snake venom biology for potent expression line reduction at forehead, crow's feet, and perioral muscles.

How It Works: Competes with acetylcholine at muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nachr), reducing depolarization and muscle contraction. similar to curare and waglerin-1 mechanisms but at cosmetic concentrations providing partial, reversible relaxation.

Typically Found In: Premium expression line serums,anti-wrinkle treatments

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – syn-ake neuromodulator

Secondary Functions: Nachr antagonism,expression line reduction

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–4% syn-ake solution

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetically produced

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthesized by spps. commercially available as syn-ake (dsm).

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,retinol,moisturizers

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Syn-ake's nachr competitive antagonism provides a mechanistically distinct pathway from argireline's snare mechanism, meaning they target different steps in the neuromuscular junction signal cascade. this complementarity allows effective combination with argireline for superior expression line reduction.

Last Verified: Cosing database,dsm syn-ake technical data,waglerin-1 research

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Glycerin pulls water from the environment and deeper skin layers into the outer skin layer (epidermis), boosting moisture levels and keeping skin soft, smooth, and plump.

Why It's Used: It is used in virtually every moisturizer, serum, and cleanser because it is highly effective at hydrating skin, is well-tolerated by all skin types, and enhances the texture and spreadability of formulations.

How It Works: As a humectant, glycerin forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, trapping them in the skin. it also reinforces the skin barrier by integrating into lipid structures between skin cells.

Typically Found In: Moisturizers,serums,cleansers,toners,sheet masks,sunscreens,body lotions,shampoos,conditioners

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Humectant

Secondary Functions: Skin barrier support,emollient,solvent

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–30% (typical: 3–10%)

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – plant-derived (coconut, soy, palm) or synthetic

Halal Status: Yes – when plant-derived or synthetic; verify source with supplier

Source Notes: Derived from plant oils via hydrolysis or saponification; synthetic versions also available. palm-derived glycerin carries sustainability concerns.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low; non-irritating at all standard concentrations

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Extremely rare allergic reactions; generally safe for all skin types including sensitive and baby skin

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Widely recognized as safe. ewg hazard score: 1. no significant concerns for irritation, sensitization, or toxicity at typical concentrations (up to 50%).

Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,niacinamide,panthenol,urea,peptides,retinol,ahas/bhas

Avoid Combining With: No known incompatibilities at standard concentrations

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Glycerin is an endogenous skin component found naturally in the stratum corneum. aquaporin-3 channels in keratinocytes facilitate glycerin transport, making it integral to natural skin hydration pathways.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,ewg skin deep,inci decoder

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Lactococcus ferment lysate has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,lactococcus ferment lysate technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Reduces inflammatory cytokine il-6, calms skin inflammation, and stimulates ecm components for anti-aging.

Why It's Used: Used as the anti-inflammatory component of matrixyl 3000 for complementary anti-aging via inflammation-driven aging pathway inhibition.

How It Works: Pal-gqpr mimics immunomodulatory beta-msh peptide. binds mc receptors reducing il-6, a pro-aging inflammatory cytokine that inhibits collagen synthesis. works synergistically with pal-kttks in matrixyl 3000.

Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,anti-inflammatory formulations,redness relief with anti-aging benefits

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – anti-inflammatory signal peptide

Secondary Functions: Il-6 reduction,anti-inflammatory signaling

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 50–1000 ppm

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetically produced

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthesized by spps with palmitoyl esterification. commercially supplied as matrixyl 3000 with pal-kttks (sederma).

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,retinol,vitamin c,niacinamide

Avoid Combining With: Avoid mixing with high-concentration ahas at same ph (may hydrolyze peptide bonds)

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

The pal-kttks + pal-gqpr combination in matrixyl 3000 addresses two complementary aging pathways simultaneously: collagen stimulation (pal-kttks) and inflammation-driven collagen suppression reduction (pal-gqpr), providing superior anti-aging efficacy vs either peptide alone.

Last Verified: Cosing database,sederma matrixyl 3000 technical data,gorouhi & maibach peptide review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts for wrinkle reduction and skin firming.

Why It's Used: Lipophilic collagen stimulating peptide providing enhanced penetration vs non-palmitoylated forms, used in matrixyl 3000 ha complex.

How It Works: Ghk sequence mimics n-terminal collagen fragment activating collagen and elastin synthesis in fibroblasts. palmitoyl moiety enables passive diffusion through lipid-rich stratum corneum. also promotes glycosaminoglycan (ha) synthesis.

Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,night creams,anti-wrinkle products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – matrixyl 3000 component

Secondary Functions: Collagen stimulation,elastin stimulation,ha synthesis

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 50–500 ppm

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetically produced

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthesized by spps with c-terminal palmitoyl esterification.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,retinol,vitamin c,niacinamide

Avoid Combining With: Avoid mixing with high-concentration ahas at same ph (may hydrolyze peptide bonds)

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ghk tripeptide sequence is a fragment of the n-terminal sequence of collagen alpha-1 chain released during collagen remodeling. it acts as a tissue repair signal to fibroblasts, stimulating collagen types i and iv, elastin, decorin, and glycosaminoglycans.

Last Verified: Cosing database,pickart & margolina ghk review,sederma technical data

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides simultaneous stimulation of 6 major skin matrix proteins for comprehensive anti-aging matrix restoration.

Why It's Used: The most comprehensive matrix-stimulating peptide — matrixyl synthe'6's simultaneous upregulation of all six major skin matrix proteins provides more complete extracellular matrix restoration than any single-target peptide.

How It Works: Activates multiple fibroblast receptor pathways simultaneously. upregulates collagen i, iii, iv synthesis. stimulates fibronectin, laminin-5, and ha synthase (has2) expression. comprehensive matrix restoration reduces wrinkle depth from all collagen and ha-dependent skin architecture components.

Typically Found In: Premium anti-aging serums,comprehensive anti-aging products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – signal peptide

Secondary Functions: Collagen stimulation,skin firming,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.0001%–0.01%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetically produced by solid-phase peptide synthesis (spps). may be palmitoylated for stability.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,retinol,vitamin c,niacinamide

Avoid Combining With: Avoid mixing with high-concentration ahas at same ph (may hydrolyze peptide bonds)

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Matrixyl synthe'6's six-protein stimulation was characterised by sederma's research demonstrating simultaneous mrna upregulation for all six matrix proteins in human skin explants. the breadth of matrix stimulation from a single tripeptide reflects the convergent gene regulation of extracellular matrix proteins — many share common transcription factor binding sites (ap-1, sp1) allowing coordinated upregulation from a single signalling peptide.

Last Verified: Cosing database,sederma matrixyl synthe'6 technical data

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Inhibits neurotransmitter release via opioid receptor-mediated pathway, reducing expression wrinkle formation.

Why It's Used: Used as an opioid receptor-mediated expression line reducer, particularly effective in combination with snap-25 inhibitors for complementary synergistic effect.

How It Works: Enkephalin sequence analog binds mu/delta opioid receptors on motor neurons, activating gi-protein signaling that reduces camp and calcium channel opening, thereby decreasing acetylcholine vesicle release.

Typically Found In: Expression line treatments,anti-wrinkle serums

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – leuphasyl companion peptide

Secondary Functions: Opioid receptor neuromodulation,expression line reduction

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 100–500 ppm

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetically produced

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetically produced. encapsulation may improve delivery to neuromuscular junction.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,retinol,moisturizers

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Pentapeptide-18's opioid receptor mechanism represents the same pathway as leuphasyl (enkephalin receptor inhibition), providing the same complementarity with snap-25 inhibitors like argireline for synergistic expression line reduction.

Last Verified: Cosing database,gorouhi & maibach peptide review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Forms a protective ha mesh on skin surface providing extended-duration deep hydration beyond linear ha.

Why It's Used: Used for long-lasting hydration in products where standard ha's brief action is insufficient – particularly long-wear products.

How It Works: Crosslinked polymer chains resist degradation and enzymatic breakdown, maintaining higher molecular weight longer than linear ha. forms a protective hydrogel film on skin surface providing extended water retention.

Typically Found In: Long-wear moisturizers,anti-aging serums,protective formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – crosslinked hyaluronic acid

Secondary Functions: Extended hydration,protective film

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – biotechnology-derived

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Produced by crosslinking sodium hyaluronate using bdde or similar agents under controlled conditions.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Crosslinking ha chains increases resistance to hyaluronidase enzymatic breakdown, extending the time ha remains on skin from hours (linear ha) to days (crosslinked), providing superior sustained hydration kinetics confirmed in in vivo studies.

Last Verified: Cosing database,hyaluronic acid crosspolymer technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12