What is Oligopeptide-31?
Oligopeptide-31, also known as Decapeptide-31, is a synthetic peptide that is commonly used in the cosmetic industry. It is composed of 11 amino acids, namely arginine, aspartic acid, glycine, leucine, serine, and tyrosine. This unique combination of amino acids gives Oligopeptide-31 its distinctive properties and makes it a valuable ingredient in various cosmetic products.
The use of Oligopeptide-31 in cosmetics is a relatively recent development. It was synthesized in laboratories with the aim of harnessing the beneficial properties of peptides for skin and hair care. The process of making Oligopeptide-31 involves the careful combination of its constituent amino acids in a lab setting, ensuring the correct sequence and structure for optimal efficacy.
While there are many peptides used in cosmetics, Oligopeptide-31 stands out due to its specific composition and the range of benefits it offers. Unlike some other peptides, which may only offer one or two benefits, Oligopeptide-31 serves multiple functions. According to the CosIng Database, it acts as an antioxidant, chelating agent, hair conditioner, skin conditioner, and skin protector.
What makes Oligopeptide-31 unique is its versatility. Its ability to serve multiple functions makes it a valuable addition to a wide range of cosmetic products. You can typically find this ingredient in products like moisturizers and serums, where it works to improve the texture and appearance of skin and hair, while also offering protective benefits.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Oligopeptide-31:
Antioxidant
Oligopeptide-31 serves as an antioxidant in cosmetic products. In layman’s terms, it helps to protect the skin from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. These molecules can cause oxidative stress, which can lead to premature skin aging. By neutralizing these free radicals, Oligopeptide-31 helps to maintain the health and youthful appearance of the skin.
Chelating
As a chelating agent, Oligopeptide-31 has the ability to bind to metal ions, which can prevent them from causing harm to the skin. This is particularly beneficial in skincare products as it can enhance the stability and effectiveness of the product, ensuring that the other ingredients perform at their best.
Hair Conditioning
Oligopeptide-31 also functions as a hair conditioning agent. This means it helps to improve the texture and manageability of hair, making it smoother, softer, and easier to style. It can also help to reduce static electricity, preventing hair from becoming frizzy and unmanageable.
Skin Conditioning
As a skin conditioning agent, Oligopeptide-31 helps to enhance the appearance and feel of the skin. It can help to keep the skin hydrated, soft, and smooth, improving its overall texture and tone. This can result in a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Skin Protecting
Lastly, Oligopeptide-31 provides skin protection. This means it helps to shield the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays, which can cause damage and lead to premature aging. By offering this protective barrier, Oligopeptide-31 helps to maintain the skin’s health and vitality.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Oligopeptide-31. There may be other benefits and uses that go beyond the scope of these official functions, but for the purpose of this article, we have focused on the direct benefits as per the CosIng Database.
Safety Profile
Oligopeptide-31 is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. However, like any ingredient, it may not be suitable for all skin types and there is always a potential for allergic reactions.
Potential side effects of topical application of Oligopeptide-31 may include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – There is currently insufficient data on the safety of topically applied Oligopeptide-31 during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
While adverse reactions to Oligopeptide-31 are not common, it is always recommended to perform a patch test before widespread usage to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
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.
