Decapeptide-4

Decapeptide-4 is a synthetic peptide most commonly found in anti-aging moisturizers and serums, with claims that it can help boost collagen and elasticity within skin. At the time of this writing, there isn’t enough independent research to definitively evaluate this ingredient’s efficacy in skin care, but it’s likely to offer some level of skin restorative benefits as peptides of this nature are generally proven to do so. Chemically speaking, decapeptide-4 is made up of the amino acids arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, leucine, methionine and tyrosine. On their own, these amino acids/antioxidants deliver anti-aging and hydrating benefits, boding well for what they could do together. Some suppliers of decapeptide-4 also tout its use in hair care, claiming it can promote hair growth. However, we did not find solid research to support those claims, nor is it approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a topical active for such. At the last check, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel had not yet assessed decapeptide-4 for safety. Our research review did not raise any red flags for concern. Use levels of decapeptide-4 in cosmetics range from 0.005 - 0.1%.

Related ingredients: Peptides