What is Nonapeptide-10?
Nonapeptide-10 is a synthetic peptide that is used in the cosmetic industry for its skin-protecting, antioxidant, and chelating properties. This ingredient is composed of five amino acids: cysteine, histidine, lysine, proline, and serine. These amino acids are combined in a laboratory setting to create the peptide chain known as Nonapeptide-10.
The use of peptides in skincare products has a relatively recent history, with the first peptide-based products appearing on the market in the early 2000s. Nonapeptide-10 was developed as part of this wave of innovation, offering a unique combination of amino acids designed to provide specific benefits to the skin.
The production of Nonapeptide-10 involves a process known as solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). This method allows for the precise combination of the necessary amino acids in the correct order to form the Nonapeptide-10 chain. The resulting peptide is then purified and tested for quality before being used in cosmetic formulations.
While there are many peptides used in skincare products, Nonapeptide-10 stands out for its specific combination of amino acids. Each amino acid in the chain plays a role in the overall function of the peptide, contributing to its antioxidant, skin-protecting, and chelating properties. This makes Nonapeptide-10 a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of skincare products.
Nonapeptide-10 is typically found in products designed to protect and nourish the skin. This includes moisturizers, serums, and anti-aging creams. Its antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from environmental stressors, while its chelating abilities help to remove harmful substances from the skin. As a skin-protecting ingredient, Nonapeptide-10 also helps to maintain the skin’s natural barrier, keeping it healthy and hydrated.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Nonapeptide-10:
Antioxidant Properties
Nonapeptide-10, as an antioxidant, plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from harmful free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to healthy cells, leading to premature aging and other skin issues. The antioxidant properties of Nonapeptide-10 help to neutralize these free radicals, thereby preventing them from causing harm to the skin. This means that products containing Nonapeptide-10 can help to maintain the skin’s youthful appearance and overall health.
Chelating Abilities
Another official function of Nonapeptide-10 is its chelating abilities. In a cosmetic context, chelating agents are substances that can bind to and neutralize metal ions, which can often be found in tap water and can potentially damage the skin. By neutralizing these metal ions, Nonapeptide-10 helps to protect the skin from potential harm, enhancing the effectiveness of other skincare ingredients and improving the overall performance of the cosmetic product.
Skin Protecting
Nonapeptide-10 also serves as a skin-protecting agent. This means that it helps to maintain the skin’s barrier function, which is vital for keeping out harmful substances and retaining moisture. A strong skin barrier is essential for healthy, hydrated, and resilient skin. Therefore, products with Nonapeptide-10 can contribute to the maintenance and improvement of skin health and appearance.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Nonapeptide-10. There may be other benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond the scope of these official functions. However, these additional benefits are not officially recognized and should be considered with caution until further research is conducted.
Safety Profile
Nonapeptide-10 is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products. However, as with any ingredient, individual reactions can vary and it is always recommended to conduct a patch test before widespread usage.
As an antioxidant, chelating, and skin-protecting ingredient, Nonapeptide-10 has a low allergenic potential. However, potential side effects of topical application of this ingredient could include:
- Minor skin irritation
- Redness
- Dryness
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – there is currently a lack of data regarding the safety of topically applied Nonapeptide-10 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. As such, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Adverse reactions to Nonapeptide-10 are not common, but it is always recommended to conduct a patch test before widespread usage to ensure there is no individual sensitivity or allergic reaction to the ingredient.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The analysis was conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant whose sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as well as other various publicly available sources.
