Skin & Collagen
Research compounds studied for collagen synthesis, skin elasticity, wound healing, and photoprotection. Many available topically - no injection required for entry-level use.
Most researched for Skin & Collagen
GHK-Cu
The most extensively researched skin peptide with decades of published data. A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that activates collagen and elastin gene expression. Unique because it is effective both topically (as a serum) and systemically (injected). Research shows activation of over 4,000 genes related to tissue remodeling and anti-aging. The most accessible entry point with the strongest evidence base.
Leuphasyl
aka Pentapeptide-18, Pentapeptide-18
How it works: A topical wrinkle peptide that calms the nerve signals behind expression lines, often paired with Argireline for added effect.
Reduction of expression wrinkles; synergy with Argireline
Research dose
2-5 % (topical), 1–2×/day
Real-world (reported)
3–5% serum; combine with Argireline.
Administration
Topical
Timing
Morning and/or evening
Cycle length
Ongoing
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Rare contact dermatitis
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Less well known than Argireline but additive. Formulators combine 3–5% each.
- Onset
- 4–8 wks expression wrinkle reduction
- Half-life
- N/A (topical)
- Storage
- Dry: Room temp or fridge
- Rare side effects
- No serious adverse effects
- Contraindications
- Known sensitivity
- Drug interactions
- No cosmetic interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- None required
- Stacks well with
- Argireline: additive effect demonstrated. Syn-Ake: NMJ modulator complement.
- Secondary uses
- Crow's feet; frown lines; forehead
- Research status
- Lipotec clinical studies; combination Argireline + Leuphasyl efficacy shown
- FDA status
- No (cosmetic ingredient)
- Legal status
- US: Legal OTC cosmetic · UK: Legal OTC cosmetic · Canada: Legal OTC cosmetic · Australia: Legal OTC cosmetic · EU: Legal OTC cosmetic
- Typical price
- $10–$40 / ingredient
Argireline
aka Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
How it works: A topical Botox-style peptide that relaxes the small muscle movements behind expression lines to soften fine wrinkles.
Reduction of facial expression wrinkles (crow's feet, forehead); non-injectable alternative to Botox
Research dose
5-10 % (topical), 1–2×/day (topical serum/cream)
Real-world (reported)
5–10% serum applied to expression lines 1–2×/day. Leave 20 min before other skincare.
Administration
Topical (serum, cream, eye cream)
Timing
Morning and/or evening
Cycle length
Ongoing (cosmetic use)
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Rare contact dermatitis; mild irritation
Community take: [ANECDOTAL – skincare community] Very popular in DIY skincare. At 5–10%, meaningful wrinkle reduction reported. 'Budget Botox.' Must stay on skin long enough to penetrate.
- Onset
- Expression wrinkle reduction 4–8 wks
- Half-life
- N/A (topical)
- Storage
- Dry: Room temperature or fridge; follow product label
- Reconstitution
- N/A (pre-formulated cosmetic)
- Rare side effects
- No serious adverse effects documented at cosmetic concentrations
- Contraindications
- Known sensitivity to any ingredient; Known hypersensitivity to acetyl hexapeptide-8 or any formulation components; Should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment of neuromuscular disord; No significant interactions with other topical skincare ingredients. Compatible
- Drug interactions
- No significant interactions at cosmetic use
- Recommended bloodwork
- None required for cosmetic topical use
- Stacks well with
- GHK-Cu: synergistic collagen + wrinkle combo. Snap-8: similar mechanism, additive.
- Secondary uses
- Skin smoothing; anti-aging
- Research status
- Multiple cosmetic human studies; approved cosmetic ingredient; well-studied topical profile
- FDA status
- No (cosmetic ingredient)
- Legal status
- US: Legal OTC cosmetic ingredient; FDA-regulated as cosmetic not drug · UK: Legal OTC cosmetic · Canada: Legal OTC cosmetic · Australia: Legal OTC cosmetic; TGA cosmetic listed · EU: Legal OTC cosmetic
- Typical price
- $5–$30 / cosmetic serum
- Research evidence
- moderate
- Indications
- Dynamic wrinkle reduction (forehead lines, crow's feet, frown lines); Anti-aging cosmetic formulations; Non-invasive alternative to botulinum toxin injections
- Chemical data
- CAS 616204-22-9 · C34H60N14O12S · 889 Da
- Amino acids
- 46 aa
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
aka Collalift, Collalift
How it works: A topical peptide that helps skin organize its collagen into a firmer, denser structure, studied for anti-aging.
Skin firmness; collagen fibril organization; dermal density; anti-aging
Research dose
3-6 % (topical), 1–2×/day
Real-world (reported)
3–6% in serum/cream. Combine with Matrixyl.
Administration
Topical
Timing
Morning and/or evening
Cycle length
Ongoing
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Rare contact dermatitis
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Used by sophisticated formulators targeting skin structural improvement beyond just collagen quantity.
- Onset
- Firmness 4–8 wks
- Storage
- Dry: Room temp or fridge
- Rare side effects
- No serious adverse effects
- Contraindications
- Known sensitivity
- Drug interactions
- No cosmetic interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- None required
- Stacks well with
- Matrixyl: collagen synthesis complement (synthesis + organization). Hexapeptide-10: DEJ support.
- Secondary uses
- ECM remodeling; skin structure improvement
- Research status
- Lipotec/Lubrizol clinical studies; marketed as Collalift
- FDA status
- No (cosmetic)
- Legal status
- US: Legal OTC cosmetic · UK: Legal OTC cosmetic · Canada: Legal OTC cosmetic · Australia: Legal OTC cosmetic · EU: Legal OTC cosmetic
- Typical price
- $10–$50 / ingredient
GHK-Cu Topical Serum
aka GHK-Cu topical, Copper Peptide serum
How it works: A topical copper peptide that signals skin to rebuild collagen and elastin, studied for rejuvenation, wound healing, and hair.
Skin rejuvenation; wound healing; collagen; hair growth (scalp)
Research dose
0.05-1 % (topical), 1–2×/day
Real-world (reported)
0.1–0.5% serum daily. Scalp 0.1% for hair. Do NOT use same session as Vitamin C (oxidation).
Administration
Topical
Timing
Morning and/or evening
Cycle length
Ongoing
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Rare contact dermatitis; rare pigmentation at very high %; green tint on skin (normal at application)
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Very popular. 'Best copper peptide serum.' Hair regrowth scalp reports. Wound healing widely reported.
- Onset
- Skin 4–12 wks; scar months
- Half-life
- N/A (topical)
- Storage
- Dry: Fridge preferred; room temp ≤3 mo; light sensitive
- Reconstitution
- N/A (pre-formulated)
- Rare side effects
- No serious effects at cosmetic concentrations
- Contraindications
- Known copper allergy; Wilson's disease
- Drug interactions
- No cosmetic interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- None required
- Stacks well with
- GHK-Cu injectable: same compound different route. Argireline: expression wrinkle complement. Matrixyl: collagen synergy.
- Secondary uses
- Anti-inflammatory; scar reduction; pigmentation improvement
- Research status
- Multiple cosmetic human studies; well-established cosmetic ingredient
- FDA status
- No (cosmetic ingredient)
- Legal status
- US: Legal OTC cosmetic · UK: Legal OTC cosmetic · Canada: Legal OTC cosmetic · Australia: TGA cosmetic listed; injectable regulated separately · EU: Legal OTC cosmetic
- Typical price
- $10–$60 / serum
Snap-8
aka Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1, SNAP8
How it works: A topical peptide and longer cousin of Argireline, studied for easing expression lines to smooth wrinkles.
Reduction of expression wrinkles; anti-aging; 'topical Botox' (enhanced vs Argireline)
Research dose
3-8 % (topical), 1–2×/day
Real-world (reported)
3–8% in serum formulation. Used alongside Argireline for additive effect.
Administration
Topical
Timing
Morning and/or evening
Cycle length
Ongoing
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Rare contact dermatitis; mild irritation
Community take: [ANECDOTAL – skincare community] Preferred over Argireline by some formulators for potentially stronger effect at lower concentration. DIY cosmetics use common.
- Onset
- Expression wrinkle reduction 4–8 wks
- Half-life
- N/A (topical)
- Storage
- Dry: Room temp or fridge
- Reconstitution
- N/A (pre-formulated)
- Rare side effects
- No serious adverse effects
- Contraindications
- Known ingredient sensitivity; Known hypersensitivity to SNAP-8 or related peptide ingredients; Active skin infections or open wounds at application site; Severe inflammatory skin conditions at application siteFrequency distribution of; No significant drug interactions reported for topical SNAP-8
- Drug interactions
- No cosmetic interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- None required
- Stacks well with
- GHK-Cu: collagen synergy. Argireline: similar mechanism (often combined).
- Secondary uses
- Forehead lines; eye wrinkles; facial rejuvenation
- Research status
- Cosmetic human studies; approved cosmetic ingredient; claims better efficacy than Argireline at lower concentration
- FDA status
- No (cosmetic ingredient)
- Legal status
- US: Legal OTC cosmetic · UK: Legal OTC cosmetic · Canada: Legal OTC cosmetic · Australia: Legal OTC cosmetic; TGA cosmetic · EU: Legal OTC cosmetic
- Typical price
- $10–$40 / raw ingredient; $20–$60 / commercial serum
- Research evidence
- low
- Indications
- Anti-wrinkle and anti-aging cosmeceutical research; Topical neuromuscular junction modulation studies; SNARE complex inhibition research; Cosmetic peptide formulation development
- Chemical data
- CAS 868844-74-0 · C41H70N16O16S · 1075.16 Da
- Amino acids
- 215 aa
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
aka Matrixyl, Matrixyl, Pal-KTTKS, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3
How it works: A topical peptide that signals the skin to rebuild collagen, studied for firmer skin and fewer fine lines.
Collagen type I, III, IV synthesis stimulation; skin firmness; wrinkle reduction
Research dose
2-8 % (topical), 1–2×/day
Real-world (reported)
2–8% in serum or cream applied daily. Often combined with GHK-Cu and/or Argireline.
Administration
Topical
Timing
Morning and/or evening
Cycle length
Ongoing
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Rare contact dermatitis; mild irritation
Community take: [ANECDOTAL – skincare community] One of most researched cosmetic peptides. Widely used in anti-aging serums. Clinical studies demonstrate measurable collagen increase.
- Onset
- Collagen changes 4–12 wks; skin firmness 8 wks
- Storage
- Dry: Room temp or fridge; follow label
- Rare side effects
- No serious adverse effects documented
- Contraindications
- Known ingredient sensitivity; Known hypersensitivity to palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 or related cosmetic peptide i; Use on broken; wounded; or severely compromised skin should be avoided unless sp; No significant interactions with other topical skincare ingredients have been id
- Drug interactions
- No cosmetic interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- None required
- Stacks well with
- GHK-Cu: additive collagen stimulation. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1: complementary collagen pathway.
- Secondary uses
- ECM remodeling; skin hydration; anti-aging
- Research status
- Multiple cosmetic human clinical studies; well-established efficacy data
- FDA status
- No (cosmetic ingredient)
- Legal status
- US: Legal OTC cosmetic · UK: Legal OTC cosmetic · Canada: Legal OTC cosmetic · Australia: Legal OTC cosmetic · EU: Legal OTC cosmetic
- Typical price
- $5–$40 / product
- Research evidence
- moderate
- Indications
- Anti-aging skincare (wrinkle and fine line reduction); Collagen stimulation in photoaged skin; Cosmetic formulation active ingredient
- Chemical data
- CAS 214047-00-4 · C39H75N7O10 · 802.05 Da
- Amino acids
- 41 aa
Syn-Ake
aka Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Tripeptide-3
How it works: A topical snake-venom-inspired peptide that relaxes tiny muscle contractions to reduce wrinkle formation, working alongside Argireline.
Reduction of expression wrinkles; eye area; forehead; frown lines
Research dose
2-4 % (topical), 1–2×/day
Real-world (reported)
2–4% serum on expression lines 1–2×/day.
Administration
Topical
Timing
Morning and/or evening
Cycle length
Ongoing
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Rare contact dermatitis; very rare hypersensitivity
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] 2–4% noticeable wrinkle reduction. Different mechanism from Argireline so additive when combined.
- Onset
- Expression wrinkle reduction 4–8 wks
- Half-life
- N/A (topical)
- Storage
- Dry: Room temp or fridge
- Reconstitution
- N/A (pre-formulated)
- Rare side effects
- No serious adverse effects at cosmetic concentrations
- Contraindications
- Known sensitivity
- Drug interactions
- No cosmetic interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- None required
- Stacks well with
- Argireline: complementary SNARE mechanism (additive). Snap-8: additional SNARE complement.
- Secondary uses
- Skin smoothing; anti-aging
- Research status
- Cosmetic clinical studies; marketed by DSM Nutritional Products
- FDA status
- No (cosmetic ingredient)
- Legal status
- US: Legal OTC cosmetic · UK: Legal OTC cosmetic · Canada: Legal OTC cosmetic · Australia: Legal OTC cosmetic · EU: Legal OTC cosmetic
- Typical price
- $10–$60 / cosmetic product
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
aka Biopeptide EL, Pal-GHK, Biopeptide EL
How it works: A topical, copper-free peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, studied for firmer, smoother skin.
Collagen I synthesis; skin firmness; anti-aging; wrinkle reduction
Research dose
2-8 % (topical), 1–2×/day
Real-world (reported)
3–8% in serum/cream daily.
Administration
Topical
Timing
Morning and/or evening
Cycle length
Ongoing
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Rare contact dermatitis; mild irritation
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Classic collagen peptide. Frequently combined with Matrixyl 3000 in commercial formulations.
- Onset
- Collagen changes 4–12 wks; firmness 8 wks
- Storage
- Dry: Room temp or fridge
- Rare side effects
- No serious adverse effects
- Contraindications
- Known sensitivity
- Drug interactions
- No cosmetic interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- None required
- Stacks well with
- Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl): additive collagen stimulation. GHK-Cu injectable: injectable complement.
- Secondary uses
- Fibronectin; skin texture
- Research status
- Multiple cosmetic human studies; decades-established ingredient
- FDA status
- No (cosmetic ingredient)
- Legal status
- US: Legal OTC cosmetic · UK: Legal OTC cosmetic · Canada: Legal OTC cosmetic · Australia: Legal OTC cosmetic · EU: Legal OTC cosmetic
- Typical price
- $5–$40 / product
Hexapeptide-10
aka Serilesine, Serilesine
How it works: A topical peptide that boosts skin-anchoring proteins (laminin) to improve firmness and density.
Skin firmness; anti-aging; dermal-epidermal junction support
Research dose
2-5 % (topical), 1–2×/day
Real-world (reported)
3–5% serum. Combine with Matrixyl.
Administration
Topical
Timing
Morning and/or evening
Cycle length
Ongoing
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Rare contact dermatitis
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Less mainstream than Matrixyl but valued for DEJ support in premium formulations.
- Onset
- Firmness 4–12 wks
- Storage
- Dry: Room temp or fridge
- Rare side effects
- No serious adverse effects
- Contraindications
- Known sensitivity
- Drug interactions
- No cosmetic interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- None required
- Stacks well with
- Matrixyl: collagen complement. GHK-Cu: comprehensive anti-aging skin stack.
- Secondary uses
- Hair follicle anchoring (niche)
- Research status
- Lipotec/Lubrizol clinical studies
- FDA status
- No (cosmetic ingredient)
- Legal status
- US: Legal OTC cosmetic · UK: Legal OTC cosmetic · Canada: Legal OTC cosmetic · Australia: Legal OTC cosmetic · EU: Legal OTC cosmetic
- Typical price
- $10–$50 / ingredient
Collagen Peptides
aka Hydrolyzed, Hydrolyzed Collagen, CH-Alpha, Peptan
How it works: Pre-broken-down collagen that is absorbed and signals your skin and joints to make more of their own collagen, studied for elasticity and joint support.
Skin elasticity; wrinkle reduction; joint health; tendon/ligament support
Research dose
5-15 g, Once daily
Real-world (reported)
10g/day oral. Take with 200mg Vitamin C.
Administration
Oral
Timing
Any time
Cycle length
12 wks (skin); 24 wks (joints)
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Rare GI discomfort at high doses
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Well-established supplement with good RCT base. 10g/day minimum; bovine or marine; 12+ weeks. Vitamin C co-administration important.
- Onset
- Skin 4–8 wks; joint 12–24 wks; bone months
- Half-life
- Hours
- Storage
- Dry: Room temperature; dry
- Reconstitution
- N/A (food/supplement)
- Rare side effects
- No serious effects; long safety record as food supplement
- Contraindications
- Animal-derived hypersensitivity (bovine/marine/porcine)
- Drug interactions
- No significant interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- Optional PINP/P1NP (bone collagen marker)
- Stacks well with
- GHK-Cu topical: systemic (oral) + local (topical) collagen synergy. Vitamin C: essential co-factor.
- Secondary uses
- Bone density; muscle mass (adjunct); hair and nails; wound healing
- Research status
- Multiple human RCTs for skin, joints, bone; well-established at 10g/day
- FDA status
- No
- Legal status
- US: Dietary supplement (FDA 21 CFR) · UK: Dietary supplement / food ingredient · Canada: NHP (Natural Health Product) · Australia: TGA-listed therapeutic / food · EU: Food supplement; member state level
- Typical price
- $20–$60 / month supply
Melanotan II
aka MT-2, MT-II, MT2
How it works: Activates melanocortin receptors to stimulate melanin production, providing UV-induced pigmentation and some photoprotection.
Skin tanning/pigmentation; libido enhancement; erectile function
Research dose
250-1000 mcg, Daily (loading) then maintenance 2–3×/week
Real-world (reported)
Start low 250 mcg; build to 500–1000 mcg. Evening dose to sleep through nausea. UV exposure needed for tanning effect.
Administration
SubQ
Timing
Evening (nausea management)
Cycle length
Loading 1–2 wks; maintenance ongoing (with UV exposure for tanning)
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Nausea (common, especially first dose); flushing; facial flushing; spontaneous erections (males); darkening of existing moles
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Very popular for tanning. 'Barbie drug' in media. Community concern about mole changes — dermatology visits recommended. Libido effect strong.
- Onset
- Tanning 2–4 wks with UV; libido hours
- Half-life
- ~33h (Cmax ~1h)
- Storage
- Dry: Fridge 2–8°C; freeze long-term; protect from light · Reconstituted: Refrigerate; use within 28 days
- Reconstitution
- Add 2 mL BAC water to 10 mg vial = 5 mg/mL; 500 mcg dose = 10 IU
- Rare side effects
- Darkening/enlargement of moles (melanoma risk concern); melanoma case reports; prolonged erection; hypertension; hyperpigmentation of normal skin
- Contraindications
- Personal or family history of melanoma; active malignancy; pregnancy; cardiovascular disease; PT-141 preferred for pure sexual health (fewer pigmentation concerns); Uncontrolled hypertension or significant cardiovascular disease; History or risk of priapism; Pregnancy and lactation; Severe renal impairment
- Drug interactions
- Antihypertensives (additive BP effects); sexual function medications
- Recommended bloodwork
- Dermatology check (mole mapping) before and every 6 months; BP monitoring
- Stacks well with
- PT-141 (more selective; no tanning — choose one or the other based on goal).
- Secondary uses
- Appetite suppression; fat loss (secondary)
- Research status
- Mostly preclinical and Phase 1/2 human data; not FDA-approved; under FDA PCAC review
- FDA status
- No
- Legal status
- US: Research use only; PCAC review pending; Import Alert 66-78 · UK: Legal for research; not scheduled · Canada: Legal research chemical · Australia: Schedule 4; importation risk · EU: Unregulated most EU
- Typical price
- $25–$60 / 10 mg vial
- Research evidence
- low
- Indications
- Melanogenesis and tanning research; Melanocortin receptor pharmacology studies; Sexual function research (led to development of PT-141); Appetite regulation and energy homeostasis studies
- Chemical data
- CAS 121062-08-6 · C50H69N15O9 · 1024.18 Da
- Amino acids
- 243 aa
Epitalon Oral
aka Oral Epitalon, Oral Epithalon capsules
How it works: An oral form of Epitalon, the telomere and sleep peptide, studied for circadian rhythm and anti-aging without injections.
Telomere support; circadian regulation; anti-aging — oral route convenience
Research dose
20-30 mg, Daily (oral)
Real-world (reported)
20–30 mg oral daily ×10–20 consecutive days. 2 cycles/year.
Administration
Oral
Timing
Morning
Cycle length
10–20 day course; 2× per year
Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.
Common side effects: Generally well tolerated; rare mild GI
Community take: [ANECDOTAL] Many longevity users prefer oral for convenience vs injectable. Debate: injectable may have superior bioavailability. Community divided.
- Onset
- Sleep effects 1–2 wks; biomarker changes months
- Half-life
- Variable
- Storage
- Dry: Room temperature; dry
- Reconstitution
- N/A (pre-formulated)
- Rare side effects
- Same theoretical concerns as injectable; less studied than injectable
- Contraindications
- Active malignancy (theoretical); pregnancy
- Drug interactions
- No significant interactions
- Recommended bloodwork
- Melatonin; telomere length (research context)
- Stacks well with
- Thymalin: immune complement. GHK-Cu: tissue repair longevity stack.
- Secondary uses
- Oral convenience vs injectable; lower bioavailability debated
- Research status
- Same as injectable Epitalon; oral bioavailability based on peptide simplicity principle
- FDA status
- No
- Legal status
- US: Research use only; PCAC July 2026 · UK: Legal for research · Canada: Legal research chemical · Australia: Schedule 4 · EU: Unregulated
- Typical price
- $30–$60 / pack
Afamelanotide
aka Scenesse, Melanotan I, Melanotan-1
How it works: Afamelanotide (Scenesse) is a synthetic tridecapeptide analog of alpha-MSH that activates the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) to stimulate eumelanin production. FDA-approved in 2019 for increasing pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), it is administered as a subcutaneous implant every 2 months.New to skin peptides?Browse all skin peptides →Table of Contents📌T
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) photoprotection (FDA/EMA approved); Vitiligo repigmentation (Phase 3 investigational)
Administration
SC
Timing
Administered by certified healthcare provider as a bioresorbable implant above the anterior supra-iliac crest. Typically 5-6 implants per year.
Cycle length
Seasonal (spring through fall)
- Half-life
- Approximately 15 hours (from subcutaneous implant with sustained release over 60
- Reconstitution
- Sterile water
- Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to afamelanotide or any component of the implant; Patients should not have unexamined suspicious melanocytic lesions prior to impl; No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified. Afamelanotide; Afamelanotide does not replace the need for sun protection measures. Patients sh
- Research status
- Approved
- FDA status
- FDA approved
- Legal status
- US: Approved
- Research evidence
- high
- Indications
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) photoprotection (FDA/EMA approved); Vitiligo repigmentation (Phase 3 investigational)
- Chemical data
- CAS 75921-69-6 · C78H111N21O19 · 1647 Da
- Amino acids
- 260 aa
Botulinum Toxin
aka Botox, OnabotulinumtoxinA, AbobotulinumtoxinA
How it works: Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum that blocks acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions. It is FDA-approved for multiple therapeutic and cosmetic indications including chronic migraine, cervical dystonia, spasticity, blepharospasm, overactive bladder, hyperhidrosis, and glabellar lines.New to cosmetic peptides?Browse all cosmetic peptides →Table of Con
Chronic migraine prophylaxis; Cervical dystonia; Upper and lower limb spasticity; Blepharospasm; Cosmetic treatment of facial wrinkles; Axillary hyperhidrosis; Overactive bladder
Administration
IM
Timing
No specific time of day; administered in clinic by trained healthcare professional
Cycle length
Ongoing; repeated every 12 weeks as needed
- Half-life
- Intracellular half-life of the catalytic light chain is estimated at several wee
- Storage
- Dry: Store unopened vials refrigerated at 2-8C (or frozen at or below -5C for some formulations). Reconstituted solution: store refrigerated and use within
- Reconstitution
- Sterile 0.9% salineUse within: 24 hours
- Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin or any formulation component; Infection at the proposed injection site; Pre-existing neuromuscular disorders (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome,; Pregnancy and breastfeeding (Category C; insufficient data)Frequency distributio
- Research status
- Approved
- FDA status
- FDA approved
- Legal status
- US: Approved
- Research evidence
- high
- Indications
- Chronic migraine prophylaxis; Cervical dystonia; Upper and lower limb spasticity; Blepharospasm; Cosmetic treatment of facial wrinkles; Axillary hyperhidrosis; Overactive bladder
- Chemical data
- CAS 93384-43-1 · Complex protein · 149000 Da
- Amino acids
- 296 aa
Icotrokinra
aka JNJ-2113, JNJ-77242113, PN-235
How it works: Icotrokinra (JNJ-2113) is a first-in-class targeted oral peptide that selectively antagonizes the interleukin-23 receptor. In the phase 3 ICONIC-LEAD trial, once-daily oral dosing achieved 65% IGA 0/1 response at week 16 vs 8% placebo (P<0.001). Johnson & Johnson submitted an NDA to the FDA in July 2025.New to skin peptides?Browse all skin peptides →Table of Contents📌TL;DR•First oral peptide ther
Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (adults and adolescents 12+); Scalp and genital psoriasis (high-impact sites); Ulcerative colitis (Phase 2b, under investigation)
Administration
Oral
Timing
Once-daily oral tablet; no specific timing relative to meals reported
Cycle length
OngoingStep-wise Titration
- Half-life
- Supports once-daily oral dosing based on pharmacokinetic modeling
- Storage
- Dry: Store at room temperature; protect from moisture and light
- Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to icotrokinra or any excipient; Active serious infections (consistent with immunomodulatory therapy guidelines)F; No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified in clinical tri; Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment, consistent with recomm
- Research status
- Phase 3
- FDA status
- Not approved
- Legal status
- US: Investigational
- Research evidence
- high
- Indications
- Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (adults and adolescents 12+); Scalp and genital psoriasis (high-impact sites); Ulcerative colitis (Phase 2b, under investigation)
- Chemical data
- CAS 2763602-16-8 · C90H120N20O22S2 · 1898.19 Da
- Amino acids
- 160 aa
OS-01
aka Peptide 14, Peptide 14, OneSkin Peptide, Decapeptide-52
How it works: OS-01 (Peptide 14, Decapeptide-52) is the first commercialized senotherapeutic peptide, developed by OneSkin and available in topical skincare formulations. It targets cellular senescence by modulating protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), reducing senescence markers including p16INK4a, and promoting DNA repair pathways. Published clinical trials demonstrate improvements in skin barrier function, hydrati
Topical skin rejuvenation (cosmetic product); Skin barrier function improvement; Reduction of visible signs of skin aging
Administration
Topical
Timing
Apply to clean skin before moisturizer; morning and evening
Cycle length
Ongoing (minimum 8-12 weeks for results)Step-wise Titration
- Half-life
- Not publicly reported
- Contraindications
- Known allergy to any component of the OneSkin formulation; Open wounds or severely damaged skin (not studied in this population)Frequency d; No drug interactions have been formally studied for topical OS-01 formulations👥
- Research status
- Preclinical
- FDA status
- Not approved
- Legal status
- US: Preclinical Research
- Research evidence
- low
- Indications
- Topical skin rejuvenation (cosmetic product); Skin barrier function improvement; Reduction of visible signs of skin aging
- Amino acids
- 10 aa
Example stacks
Skin & Collagen - Beginner
Topical GHK-Cu serum is the most accessible entry point - no injections, widely available, and decades of evidence behind it.
- • Apply to clean dry skin after cleansing
- • Use AM and PM consistently
- • Choose a serum with GHK-Cu listed as a primary active
Skin & Collagen - Intermediate
Systemic GHK-Cu via injection delivers peptide throughout the whole body. Combined with Epithalon it addresses skin aging from both structural and cellular angles.
- • Rotate injection sites for daily GHK-Cu
- • Take before and after photos at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12
- • Combine systemic with topical GHK-Cu
Community outcome data
Collected from users researching this goal. Not a clinical database - for general reference only.
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For educational and research purposes only. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any research compound.