Ingredient library
Every ingredient SkinAtlas knows about — all 2161 of them. What each one does, what it works well with, and what to watch for.
A synthetic signal peptide composed of palmitic acid, alanine, and histidine that provides antioxidant protection, inhibits glycation, and supports skin barrier function with a well-tolerated safety profile.
A signal peptide used to support firmness and a smoother, conditioned skin surface.
A palmitoyl-modified pentapeptide (Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser) known commercially as Matrixyl. Stimulates collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix production, improving skin firmness and reducing wrinkle depth.
A signal peptide (part of the Matrixyl 3000 system) that helps reduce inflammatory response and supports collagen production for firmer-looking skin.
A collagen-signalling peptide (the second half of Matrixyl 3000) that prompts skin to rebuild structural proteins, improving firmness over time.
A biomimetic signal peptide of palmitic acid and lysine-valine that stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis through the TGF-beta pathway, improving firmness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
A palmitoylated synthetic tripeptide that mimics the anti-inflammatory signaling domain of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Activates melanocortin MC-1R receptors on keratinocytes and immune cells, triggering the same anti-inflammatory cascade as the endogenous neuropeptide. Used in Dr. Jart+ Cicapair formulas and other K-beauty calming products for its potent yet gentle anti-inflammatory and sensitivity-reducing properties.
A synthetic pentapeptide (Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro-Ala-NH2) modeled on waglerin-1 neurotoxin that acts as an acetylcholine receptor antagonist, reducing facial muscle contraction to soften dynamic wrinkles.
The N-acetylated, sodium salt form of sh-oligopeptide-1 (recombinant EGF), a bioengineered epidermal growth factor analogue used to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation, collagen synthesis, and skin renewal.
Lipotec-developed neuropeptide (trade name Leuphasyl) that modulates neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, reducing muscle micro-contractions that deepen expression wrinkles. Structurally related to enkephalin, a natural pain-modulating peptide.
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2 (sequence TFA-Val-Tyr-Val; trade name Progeline™, Lucas Meyer Cosmetics/IFF; CAS 64577-63-5) is an anti-senescence signal peptide that targets progerin — a truncated lamin A splice variant that accumulates in aging fibroblasts and drives cellular senescence. Reducing progerin slows the molecular aging program while simultaneously inhibiting MMP-1/-3/-9 and elastase, upregulating syndecan-1, and activating the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. Clinical trials at 4 ppm (8 weeks) showed +20% firmness and +20.9% elasticity with measurable reduction in jawline sagging. Used at extremely low concentrations (0.0004–0.002%) in premium anti-aging serums and ampoules.
A short synthetic tripeptide that mimics a collagen fragment, used in anti-aging formulations to support collagen production and skin resilience.
A synthetic tripeptide incorporating citrulline; targets the extracellular matrix to improve skin firmness and elasticity by supporting fibulin-7-mediated collagen organization.
A synthetic tripeptide included in multi-peptide anti-aging complexes. Tripeptide-2 has been researched for anti-senescence activity — inhibiting proteins associated with cellular aging — complementing the matrix-building and neuromodulating effects of other peptides in pore-refining ampoule formulas.
A short synthetic tripeptide used in prestige anti-aging ampoules. Tripeptide-3 exerts its effects via neuromodulating pathways, complementing other anti-wrinkle peptides such as Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 in multi-peptide complexes targeting expression lines and skin firmness.
A synthetic tripeptide (Pro-Ser-Thr) marketed as Chronolux, used in anti-aging formulations for its skin-conditioning properties and claimed circadian rhythm-modulating activity.
Polypeptides (short-to-medium chain protein fragments) derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, used as film-forming and skin-conditioning agents in premium formulas.
sh-Decapeptide-7 is a recombinant human decapeptide produced synthetically to be identical to an endogenous neuropeptide sequence. It belongs to the enkephalin/neuropeptide family and functions as a skin-protecting and anti-irritant active, modulating the response to cutaneous stressors. Used as part of multi-factor growth factor complexes in K-beauty anti-aging formulas (cream, serum), typically alongside other sh- peptides such as sh-Octapeptide-4 and sh-Polypeptide-7.
sh-Octapeptide-4 (Neuropeptide-1; trade name SpecPed Sh-O4P by Spec-Chem Industry Inc) is a recombinant human octapeptide produced synthetically to be identical to Leu-Enkephalin, an endogenous opioid neuropeptide. In cosmetics, it functions primarily as an anti-seborrheic and skin-protecting active — modulating sebum output and reducing cutaneous oxidative stress. Its barrier-conditioning and chelating properties complement its neuropeptide-driven activity. Used in multi-peptide anti-aging and skin-balancing formulas.
A synthetic recombinant analog of human Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) comprising 53 amino acids, used in K-beauty actives to support skin repair, regeneration, and fibroblast activity.
A synthetic recombinant analog of human Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) used in K-beauty anti-aging formulas to support fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis.
sh-Oligopeptide-9 is a recombinant human oligopeptide produced synthetically to be identical to an endogenous protein sequence. EU CosIng and INCI Beauty databases list its cosmetic functions as humectant, skin conditioning, and skin protecting. It appears in multi-factor growth factor cream formulas alongside sh-Decapeptide-7, sh-Octapeptide-4, sh-Pentapeptide-19, and sh-Polypeptide-7 as part of an integrated skin rejuvenation complex.
sh-Pentapeptide-19 is a recombinant human pentapeptide identical to a 5-amino-acid endogenous enkephalin-related sequence. It functions as a skin-conditioning and anti-aging active, used in multi-peptide growth factor complexes for improved skin elasticity, firmness, and overall skin quality. It may be paired with Tripeptide-7 in formulations as a complementary complex. Used in K-beauty premium moisturizers alongside other sh- growth factor peptides.
A synthetic recombinant analog of human basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF/FGF2) used in anti-aging formulas to stimulate fibroblasts and support structural protein synthesis.