1. Academic Validation
  2. Usage of Synthetic Peptides in Cosmetics for Sensitive Skin

Usage of Synthetic Peptides in Cosmetics for Sensitive Skin

  • Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 Jul 21;14(8):702. doi: 10.3390/ph14080702.
Diana I S P Resende 1 2 Marta Salvador Ferreira 3 4 José Manuel Sousa-Lobo 3 4 Emília Sousa 1 2 Isabel Filipa Almeida 3 4
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
  • 2 Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
  • 3 Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
  • 4 UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, MedTech, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract

Sensitive skin is characterized by symptoms of discomfort when exposed to environmental factors. Peptides are used in cosmetics for sensitive skin and stand out as active ingredients for their ability to interact with skin cells by multiple mechanisms, high potency at low dosage and the ability to penetrate the stratum corneum. This study aimed to analyze the composition of 88 facial cosmetics for sensitive skin from multinational brands regarding usage of Peptides, reviewing their synthetic pathways and the scientific evidence that supports their efficacy. Peptides were found in 17% of the products analyzed, namely: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, palmitoyl tripeptide-8, acetyl tetrapeptide-15, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, acetyl hexapeptide-49, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl oligopeptide. Three out of seven Peptides have a neurotransmitter-inhibiting mechanism of action, while another three are signal Peptides. Only five Peptides present evidence supporting their use in sensitive skin, with only one clinical study including volunteers having this condition. Noteworthy, the available data is mostly found in patents and supplier brochures, and not in randomized placebo-controlled studies. Peptides are useful active ingredients in cosmetics for sensitive skin. Knowing their efficacy and synthetic pathways provides meaningful insight for the development of new and more effective ingredients.

Keywords

chemical synthesis; cosmetics; peptides; sensitive skin.

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