Decapeptide-4

Average

Peptide

Decapeptide-4 at a glance

  • Peptide made up of amino acids/antioxidants
  • Commonly found in anti-aging products
  • Likely to offer skin restoration but needs more research
  • Claims around hair growth have not been proven

Decapeptide-4 description

Decapeptide-4 is a synthetic peptide most commonly found in anti-aging moisturizers and serums, with claims that it can help boost collagen and elasticity within skin. At the time of this writing, there isn’t enough independent research to definitively evaluate this ingredient’s efficacy in skin care, but it’s likely to offer some level of skin restorative benefits as peptides of this nature are generally proven to do so. Chemically speaking, decapeptide-4 is made up of the amino acids arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, leucine, methionine and tyrosine. On their own, these amino acids/antioxidants deliver anti-aging and hydrating benefits, boding well for what they could do together. Some suppliers of decapeptide-4 also tout its use in hair care, claiming it can promote hair growth. However, we did not find solid research to support those claims, nor is it approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a topical active for such. At the last check, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel had not yet assessed decapeptide-4 for safety. Our research review did not raise any red flags for concern. Use levels of decapeptide-4 in cosmetics range from 0.005 - 0.1%.

Decapeptide-4 references

  • Personal Care Products Council, Accessed November 2024, ePublication
  • CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Accessed November 2024, ePublication

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.