Ingredient Encyclopedia

Argireline

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A synthetic hexapeptide marketed as a topical alternative to neurotoxin injections for expression lines.

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

A synthetic eight-amino-acid peptide sold as a topical route to softening expression lines, and closely related in concept to acetyl hexapeptide-8. It is meant to interfere with the signalling that drives repeated muscle contraction.

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5

A peptide used mainly in eye products to support the look of firmer, less puffy skin and reduce the appearance of under-eye shadows. It is positioned for the delicate eye area.

Adenosine

Smooths fine lines and calms skin by supporting cellular energy and repair processes.

Bakuchiol

Delivers retinol-like smoothing and firming without the flaking or sun sensitivity.

Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)

Copper Tripeptide-1

A copper-binding tripeptide studied for stimulating collagen production and supporting wound healing and skin firmness.

Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate

A synthetic peptide marketed to soften the look of expression lines by dampening muscle-contraction signaling at the skin surface, sometimes called a topical 'snake-venom-inspired' peptide. Its effect is far milder than injectable treatments.

Exosomes

Tiny membrane vesicles that cells release to send signals to other cells, harvested from cell cultures or plants and sold as a topical anti-ageing ingredient.

Granactive Retinoid

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

Binds directly to retinoid receptors without requiring conversion, offering retinoid effects with less irritation.

Pro-Xylane

Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol

A small molecule made from the plant sugar xylose, formulated to support glycosaminoglycan synthesis in the layer that joins epidermis to dermis.

Oligopeptides

Oligopeptide-1

Short chains of amino acids that signal skin cells to behave younger — more collagen, better repair.

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

A conditioning signal peptide used in anti-aging formulas to support the look of smoother, firmer skin. It is often combined with other peptides in blends.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

A signal peptide, sold as Matrixyl, that mimics a collagen fragment and prompts fibroblasts to build more matrix.

Peptides (Matrixyl)

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Signals skin to produce more collagen, gradually softening fine lines.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic signal peptide anchored to palmitic acid, intended to inhibit interleukin-6, an inflammatory cytokine implicated in inflammaging and collagen breakdown.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A fatty-acid-conjugated peptide fragment of collagen, studied for stimulating collagen synthesis in aging skin.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

A short peptide with a fatty acid tail attached so it mixes into the skin's lipids more readily. Suppliers describe it as a signal peptide meant to nudge the pathways involved in collagen production, and it is usually blended with other peptides.

Ginseng

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Supplies ginsenosides that fight oxidative stress and support firmer, more radiant-looking skin.

Retinal (Retinaldehyde)

Retinal

A fast-acting retinoid, one conversion step from retinoic acid, that speeds cell turnover and rebuilds collagen.

Retinol

Speeds up cell turnover and stimulates collagen, smoothing texture and softening fine lines over months.

Retinyl Acetate

Retinol with an acetate group attached. Skin has to cut that group off before anything else can happen, which puts it one conversion step further out than retinol on the same chain.

Retinyl Palmitate

Provides the mildest, slowest-converting retinoid ester, offering gentle anti-aging support.

Retinyl Propionate

An ester form of vitamin A that converts in the skin to support renewal and the look of smoother, firmer skin, offering a gentler retinoid option. It is milder than retinol for sensitive users.

Retinyl Retinoate

A hybrid vitamin A derivative combining retinol and retinoic-acid fragments, designed to support skin renewal and the look of firmness while aiming for better stability than plain retinol. It is a next-generation cosmetic retinoid.

EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor)

sh-Oligopeptide-1

A signaling protein that tells skin cells to proliferate and repair, supporting firmer, more resilient skin over time.

PDRN (Salmon DNA)

Sodium DNA

A polydeoxyribonucleotide derived from salmon DNA, used in serums for tissue regeneration and skin repair support.