ION BLUE RESEARCH DIRECTORY
Explore research-indexed skincare peptides with science-referenced information.
Discover mechanisms of action, benefits, evidence levels, and real-world applications for skincare professionals.
PEPTIDE
Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) is a synthetic peptide used in cosmetics and marketed for the appearance of expression lines. Ex vivo studies indicate limited skin penetration, and the cited human improvement was reported using a microneedle patch combined with other actives rather than topical application alone.
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PEPTIDE
Acetyl octapeptide-3 (SNAP-8) is a synthetic peptide marketed for the appearance of expression lines. Cited human evidence comes from dissolving microneedle patches containing multiple actives, so effects cannot be attributed to acetyl octapeptide-3 or to conventional topical application alone.
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PEPTIDE
Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) found in muscle and brain tissue and available as a dietary supplement. Human trials to date are mixed and limited: a randomized trial reported a null result for musculoskeletal and body-composition outcomes, and a cognitive signal came only from a post-hoc secondary analysis in younger participants; broader benefit is not established.
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PEPTIDE
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) examined in a small number of human and animal studies. It is a research chemical and is not an approved therapeutic. As of June 2026 it sits in a regulatory gray zone: CJC-1295 was removed from the FDA 503A Category 2 bulk-substances list in April 2026 but not added to Category 1, and it remains not FDA-approved.
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PEPTIDE
Copper Tripeptide-1 is a naturally occurring copper peptide complex (GHK-Cu). In laboratory and cell studies, GHK-Cu has been examined for proposed roles in collagen and elastin synthesis, the activity of collagen-degrading enzymes, and antioxidant activity. It is one of the more extensively studied peptides in skin-aging and firmness research.
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PEPTIDE
Matrixyl 3000 is a cosmetic peptide blend of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. A cited 12-week human study of a multi-component formula containing both peptides reported measured skin improvements; because the formula included additional actives, effects cannot be attributed to the peptide blend alone.
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PEPTIDE
Matrixyl Synthe'6 (INCI palmitoyl tripeptide-38) is a lipidated tripeptide cosmetic ingredient. Cited human evidence comes from multi-ingredient serums that include palmitoyl tripeptide-38 among other actives, several with commercial or manufacturer affiliation, so effects cannot be attributed to this peptide alone.
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PEPTIDE
Melanotan II is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist studied in animal models and a small number of early human reports. It is an unlicensed research chemical not approved for human use, and its unregulated use has been associated with adverse effects, including changes in pigmented skin lesions.
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PEPTIDE
Palmitoyl oligopeptide is a lipidated peptide cosmetic ingredient, cited within a peptide blend with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. Evidence is from a multi-ingredient blend, so effects cannot be attributed to palmitoyl oligopeptide alone.
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PEPTIDE
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (pal-KTTKS, the peptide in the cosmetic ingredient Matrixyl) is a lipidated fragment of type I collagen used in skincare. Published primary evidence is largely in vitro and ex vivo (stability, skin-permeation, and fibroblast studies); independent controlled evidence for appearance benefits is limited.
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PEPTIDE
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (pal-GQPR) is a lipidated tetrapeptide cosmetic ingredient, frequently used with palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (Matrixyl 3000) or palmitoyl oligopeptide. Cited human and ex vivo evidence comes from multi-ingredient blends, so effects cannot be attributed to this peptide alone.
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PEPTIDE
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (pal-GHK) is a lipidated tripeptide cosmetic ingredient, often combined with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (the pair is marketed as Matrixyl 3000). Cited human evidence comes from a multi-ingredient formula, so effects cannot be attributed to this peptide alone.
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PEPTIDE
TB-500 refers to a synthetic peptide related to thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring regenerative peptide. Most published evidence concerns Tβ4 in preclinical (cell and animal) models of tissue repair. TB-500 is sold as a research chemical and is not approved for human use. As of June 2026 it sits in a regulatory gray zone: thymosin beta-4 / TB-500 was removed from the FDA 503A Category 2 bulk-substances list in April 2026 but not added to Category 1, and it remains not FDA-approved; it is under FDA PCAC review (July 2026).
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PEPTIDE
Tripeptide-1 (GHK; glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide used in cosmetics. Much of the skin literature concerns its copper complex (copper tripeptide-1 / GHK-Cu, summarized separately); cited evidence for the copper-free tripeptide is largely in vitro and review-level.
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