Skin and cosmetic

GHK-Cu is a natural copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine plus copper) the body uses in tissue repair, and levels fall with age. In plain terms: applied to skin it signals collagen and healing, which is why it is a popular anti-aging skincare ingredient.

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is an analog of alpha-MSH, the hormone that tells skin to make the pigment melanin. In plain terms: it builds a slow, even, protective tan and shifts your skin toward real sun defense. It is FDA-approved (as Scenesse) for a rare light-sensitivity disorder.

Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8) is a cosmetic peptide that mildly limits the release of the signal muscles use to contract. In plain terms: applied topically, it softens fine expression lines a bit like a gentle, needle-free version of Botox.

SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a longer cousin of Argireline used in skincare. In plain terms: applied to the skin, it relaxes the tiny muscles under expression lines to soften forehead and eye wrinkles.

Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) is a cosmetic peptide that signals skin to rebuild collagen. In plain terms: used in serums over time, it firms skin and smooths fine lines.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a cosmetic collagen-signal peptide, often paired with Matrixyl. In plain terms: applied to skin, it tells the skin to make more collagen to firm and smooth.

Tetrapeptide-21 is a cosmetic peptide that boosts skin's production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. In plain terms: used topically, it helps skin look firmer and plumper.