Role of Peptides and Their Synthesis in Cosmetics

Peptides are part of proteins formed by chains of amino acids that regulate life-sustaining activities by interacting with other cells and system. It has proved to be beneficial when applied topically on the skin, particularly for wound healing and skin repairing. These cosmetic peptides are hydrophilic; moreover, sensitive to heat and presence of other enzymes. Today, various kinds of peptides are used on cosmetic products to increase their efficacy; making them one of the essential ingredients in making personal skin care treatments and products. These peptides have shown good anti-inflammatory effect when transporting active ingredients into the living cell membrane.

Today, specific chains of peptides are being made in the laboratory. Simply adding fatty acid facilitates them to become soluble, stable and active; which is not attainable by peptides independently. Although, not easy to achieve, researchers and scientists strive to make it possible as it has significant potential of being a potent anti-aging skin-care ingredient.

Peptides like Human Histone H4 (acetyl K8), used in skin-care products; need extensive process to exert its benefits. It must meet a number of criteria i.e.

• It must remain stable in their base formula
• It must be paired with a carrier than are specific and can enhance their absorption by skin
• Most importantly, it must be able to reach target cells without breaking

Although most peptides are less stable, they are still revered because of their high therapeutic value and for low toxicity. Therefore, it is difficult of find a good skin care product that doesn’t use peptide and actives. The only downside is the expense as it takes stringent process and sophisticated equipment in making peptides active and stable. Moreover, making synthetic peptides is also an exhaustive process. Today over 20 peptides are used for making anti-aging skin care treatments and many companies are still making peptides for research work and help find peptides with better efficacy.

Peptides are rather small, hence they can easily enter into the protective barriers of the skin and can get into deeper layers. However, their efficacy largely depends on good formulating skills. Peptide synthesis is one the process where artificial peptides are made for research work that helps improve its efficiency. It allows they to make it more stable and find better ways to deliver it to the skin as well as maintain their activity.

About The Author: RS Synthesis

We synthesize virtually every antimicrobial peptide (AMP), such as LL-37, for Host Defense Peptide studies. Contact us today for pricing on your specific AMP of interest.