What Is Oligopeptide-173?
Oligopeptide-173 is a lab made chain of 14 amino acids that include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine and threonine. Because it is created in a lab it is classed as synthetic, which means its makeup can be kept very pure and steady from batch to batch. The peptide was developed in the early 2000s as part of the boom in peptide research for skin care, where scientists looked for short amino acid chains that could signal the skin to stay healthy and strong.
Making Oligopeptide-173 starts with solid phase peptide synthesis, a step by step process that links amino acids in the right order on a resin support. After the chain is built, the peptide is cut free, cleaned up by filtration and dried into a white powder that blends well with water based formulas.
Thanks to its skin friendly nature Oligopeptide-173 is now found in light serums, anti aging creams, sheet masks, soothing gels for use after sun or cosmetic procedures, eye creams and even some high end moisturizers that aim to boost skin strength.
Oligopeptide-173’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This peptide brings two key jobs to a formula
- Skin conditioning – helps the skin feel softer and look smoother by supporting its natural repair work and keeping hydration balanced
- Skin protecting – forms a light shield on the surface that can reduce the impact of daily stress like pollution and weather making the skin feel calmer and less reactive
Who Can Use Oligopeptide-173
Oligopeptide-173 is generally suitable for all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its lightweight watery texture sits well on oily or acne-prone skin while the conditioning action supports drier complexions. People with very sensitive or highly reactive skin should check the full ingredient list of any finished product since other additives, not the peptide itself, may cause problems.
Because the peptide is synthesized in a lab and contains no animal-derived materials, it is considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
No data suggests that topical Oligopeptide-173 poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in standard cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should discuss new skincare choices with a qualified doctor to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so daytime use is fine. Standard sun protection habits are still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Oligopeptide-173 vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues that could occur, though most users will not notice any of them when the ingredient is used at the levels approved for cosmetics.
- Mild redness or warmth shortly after application
- Temporary tingling or stinging, especially on broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Localized itching due to individual sensitivity
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases for those who react to peptides or formula preservatives
- Interaction with highly acidic or highly alkaline products that may destabilize the peptide and irritate the skin
If you experience any unwanted reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Oligopeptide-173 is a small water-soluble molecule that contains no oils, waxes or heavy emollients so it does not clog pores or trap debris inside follicles. Because it sits lightly on the skin and rinses away easily during cleansing it earns the lowest possible comedogenic score.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
No special interactions with sebum have been reported and its typical use level in formulas is well below 1 percent which further minimizes any pore-blocking risk.
Summary
Oligopeptide-173 is a lab crafted 14-amino-acid peptide that conditions and protects skin. It supports the skin’s natural repair signals helping it stay smooth and resilient while forming a light protective film that shields against daily environmental stress.
The peptide is still a niche player compared with blockbuster actives like retinol or vitamin C but its inclusion is growing in prestige serums eye creams and post-procedure soothing gels where a gentle barrier boost is valued.
Current research and real-world use suggest it is very safe for topical application with low irritation and zero comedogenicity. As with any new skincare ingredient a cautious patch test is wise to rule out individual sensitivities before full-face use.