Peptides have become prevalent in skincare products, typically playing the part of wrinkle relaxers. However, these amino acid chains have untapped potential, ranging from soothing sensitivity to managing acne to lightening hyperpigmentation.
Currently, the crystalline compound hydroquinone is the considered the gold standard of skin-lightening ingredients due to its long-proven ability to inhibit tyrosinase, a primary enzyme in melanin production. However, some doctors and patients are reluctant to use it because of its potential toxicity and temporary or persistent, albeit rare, side effects. Some people have found limited lightening success in unproven natural alternatives to hydroquinone, but a recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology sheds light on what may be an ideal and demonstrable substitute.
Investigating two oligopeptides known as P3 and P4, researchers from California’s Elixir Institute of Regenerative Medicine found that they not only bind to tyrosinase like hydroquinone, but they do so with no toxic effects. Even more impressive, however, is the evidence that these oligopeptides are up to 17 times more potent than hydroquinone.
The possibility of a less toxic, more effective alternative to hydroquinone is an exciting one, but more steps must be taken before these oligopeptides can be implemented in topical creams and serums. Among those steps is improving the ability of the peptides to cross the skin barrier, which, interestingly, could be achieved with the help of another kind of peptide.
