What Is Abietoyl Dipeptide-22?
Abietoyl Dipeptide-22 is a skin care ingredient created by linking abietic acid, a resin acid found in pine trees, with a tiny chain of two amino acids known as Dipeptide-22. The blend of a plant-derived acid and a lab-crafted peptide gives this molecule both soothing plant properties and the signaling benefits of peptides. First introduced in specialty anti-aging lines in the early 2010s, it quickly gained attention for its ability to make mature skin feel smoother and more resilient.
To produce Abietoyl Dipeptide-22, chemists first isolate abietic acid from pine resin, purify it, then couple it to Dipeptide-22 through a controlled reaction that protects the fragile peptide bonds. The final material is filtered, tested for purity, and turned into a water-dispersible powder or solution that formulators can blend into creams and serums.
You will most often spot Abietoyl Dipeptide-22 in face and neck moisturizers, firming masks, eye creams, ampoules, and multi-step anti-aging treatments aimed at improving skin texture and comfort.
Abietoyl Dipeptide-22’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin care formulas Abietoyl Dipeptide-22 serves one main role that brings several visible perks.
Skin conditioning: By reinforcing the skin’s surface proteins and drawing in light moisture, this ingredient helps skin feel softer, look smoother, and maintain a balanced, healthy appearance.
Who Can Use Abietoyl Dipeptide-22
Most skin types, including normal, dry, combination and mature skin, can comfortably use products containing Abietoyl Dipeptide-22 because it is generally gentle and focused on conditioning rather than exfoliation or strong stimulation. Oily and acne-prone skin usually tolerate it as well since it is lightweight and not known to clog pores, although very sensitive or highly reactive skin should introduce any new peptide slowly to watch for irritation.
The molecule is created from pine resin and a synthetically produced dipeptide, so it contains no animal-derived material. This makes it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians when the full formula is also free of animal ingredients.
There is no evidence that Abietoyl Dipeptide-22 poses specific risks to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but research in these groups is limited. This information is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a qualified healthcare provider before use to be safe.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended as part of any good skincare routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Abietoyl Dipeptide-22 can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues only; most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild redness or warmth
- Itching or tingling in very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to pine-derived substances
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any discomfort, rash or other unexpected reaction occurs, stop using the product and seek medical advice as needed.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Abietoyl Dipeptide-22 is water dispersible and used at very low levels, so it does not leave an oily residue that could plug pores. Its structure is closer to a small peptide than a heavy wax, which keeps the risk of breakouts minimal.
This makes it generally suitable for skin that is prone to acne or congestion, provided the overall formula is also lightweight and non-greasy.
As always, the finished product matters: if the peptide sits in a thick butter or rich cream the breakout risk comes from those carriers rather than the peptide itself.
Summary
Abietoyl Dipeptide-22 is a skin conditioning active that helps soften, smooth and support the feel of the skin by linking pine-derived abietic acid with a short peptide. The plant acid calms while the peptide signals the skin to stay resilient, giving a two-pronged boost to texture and comfort.
It has carved out a small but loyal following in niche anti-aging lotions, eye creams and firming masks. You will not see it everywhere like hyaluronic acid yet brands that use it often highlight its gentle peptide technology as a selling point.
Current safety data show it is low in irritation potential and non-comedogenic at normal use levels. Still, individual skin can react differently so performing a quick patch test with any new product that contains Abietoyl Dipeptide-22 is the smartest way to ensure a smooth experience.