Active ingredient
sh-Octapeptide-4
sh-Octapeptide-4 (Neuropeptide-1; trade name SpecPed Sh-O4P by Spec-Chem Industry Inc) is a recombinant human octapeptide produced synthetically to be identical to Leu-Enkephalin, an endogenous opioid neuropeptide. In cosmetics, it functions primarily as an anti-seborrheic and skin-protecting active — modulating sebum output and reducing cutaneous oxidative stress. Its barrier-conditioning and chelating properties complement its neuropeptide-driven activity. Used in multi-peptide anti-aging and skin-balancing formulas.
Also known as: Neuropeptide-1, SpecPed Sh-O4P
skin-protectingantioxidantanti-seborrheicbarrier-strengtheningskin-conditioning
Benefits
- ✓Synthetic analogue of Leu-Enkephalin (leucine-enkephalin, an endogenous opioid neuropeptide) that modulates sebum production and reduces excess seborrhea — making it particularly relevant for oily, combination, and congestion-prone skin types
- ✓Antioxidant and chelating activity helps protect skin cells against oxidative stress and metal-ion catalyzed free radical damage
- ✓Barrier-strengthening effect via skin conditioning; produced by Spec-Chem Industry Inc under the trade name SpecPed Sh-O4P
Watch for
- ⚠As with other recombinant human peptides, a theoretical growth factor concern applies in specific disease contexts; not demonstrated as a risk at normal cosmetic concentrations
Compatibility
✓ Works well with
+ sh-Decapeptide-7+ sh-Oligopeptide-9+ sh-Pentapeptide-19+ sh-Polypeptide-7+ Copper Tripeptide-1+ Niacinamide
