Skin & Hair

Overview

Skin and hair peptide research focuses on extracellular matrix remodeling, melanogenesis modulation, hair-follicle cycling, and dermal pigmentation. Copper-binding tripeptides (GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu) are the most-studied class, with decades of cosmetic-active literature on collagen and proteoglycan synthesis, anti-oxidant effects, and wound contraction. Adjacent compounds include SNAP-8, an acetyl-octapeptide marketed as a topical neuromuscular inhibitor of glabellar lines, and the melanocortin agonists. Most cosmetic peptide evidence is topical-formulation data; injectable use carries different pharmacokinetics and is largely off-label or research-only.