Introduction
Cosmetic and dermatological peptides represent a significant area of skin biology research. These compounds interact with fibroblasts, melanocytes, and extracellular matrix components to modulate collagen synthesis, pigmentation, wound healing, and skin ageing processes in preclinical and in vitro models.
For research and laboratory use only. Not intended for human or veterinary administration.
Key Research Compounds
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
A naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex (Gly-His-Lys-Cu²⁺) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. GHK-Cu is one of the most extensively studied cosmetic peptides, with research demonstrating its ability to stimulate collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts. Additional research has explored its antioxidant properties, wound healing promotion, and anti-inflammatory effects. GHK-Cu has also been studied for its ability to reset gene expression patterns in aged cells towards a more youthful profile.
AHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
A copper-binding tripeptide analogue studied for similar mechanisms to GHK-Cu, with research suggesting potent stimulation of hair follicle activity and dermal matrix synthesis. AHK-Cu has been investigated in models of hair loss and scalp health.
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)
A lipopeptide consisting of a palmitic acid chain linked to the pentapeptide Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser. Matrixyl acts as a matrikine — a peptide fragment that signals to fibroblasts to upregulate collagen I, III, and IV synthesis, as well as fibronectin and hyaluronic acid production. Research has demonstrated significant pro-collagen activity in dermal fibroblast models.
Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3)
An octapeptide analogue of the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, a protein involved in the release of neurotransmitters at the neuromuscular junction. Snap-8 has been studied for its ability to modulate muscle contraction in expression wrinkle models by competing with SNAP-25 for the SNARE complex. Research applications include in vitro neuromuscular junction models.
Snap-9
A related peptide to Snap-8, studied for similar mechanisms in neuromuscular signalling and expression line research models.
Melanotan I & II
Synthetic analogues of α-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone). Both peptides act as agonists at melanocortin receptors (MC1R for Melanotan I; MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R for Melanotan II). Research applications include pigmentation biology, UV protection mechanisms, and melanocortin receptor pharmacology. Melanotan II has additionally been studied in models of sexual function and appetite regulation due to its broader receptor activity.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
A cyclic analogue of Melanotan II that acts as a melanocortin receptor agonist. PT-141 has been studied primarily in the context of sexual function research through MC4R activation, distinct from the vascular mechanisms of other compounds in this class.
GLOW Blend (BPC-157 + GHK-Cu + TB-500)
A research blend combining the tissue repair properties of BPC-157 and TB-500 with the collagen-stimulating and antioxidant properties of GHK-Cu. Of interest in dermal repair and wound healing research models where multiple mechanisms of action are desired simultaneously.
Research Applications
- Collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix remodelling models
- Wound healing and dermal repair research
- Pigmentation biology and melanocortin receptor pharmacology
- Hair follicle biology and androgenetic alopecia models
- Neuromuscular junction and SNARE complex research
- Skin ageing and photoprotection models
Storage and Handling
Store lyophilised cosmetic peptides at −20°C. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu are sensitive to oxidation — minimise air exposure after reconstitution.
All products supplied by Vanta Labs are intended strictly for laboratory and research purposes.