What Is Oligopeptide-82?
Oligopeptide-82 is a lab-made chain of 13 amino acids built from arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, proline, serine and tyrosine. Chemists create it by solid-phase peptide synthesis, a step-by-step method that links each amino acid in a precise order then purifies the finished peptide for cosmetic use. Interest in short peptides for skin care took off in the 1990s when researchers learned they could signal skin renewal and defend against environmental stress. Oligopeptide-82 entered the market in the early 2000s as brands looked for lightweight antioxidants that fit easily into water-based formulas.
Today the ingredient appears in a range of leave-on products where its small size can stay in contact with the skin. You will most often spot it in serums, anti-aging creams, daily moisturizers, sheet masks, eye gels and after-sun treatments that focus on calming and shielding the skin surface.
Oligopeptide-82’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose Oligopeptide-82 for two core actions that keep skin looking healthy.
- Antioxidant – helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV light or pollution which can otherwise trigger dullness and premature lines
- Skin protecting – supports the skin’s natural barrier so it can better retain moisture and stay resilient when exposed to daily aggressors like wind and temperature changes
Who Can Use Oligopeptide-82
Oligopeptide-82 is gentle and water soluble so it suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and even sensitive or redness-prone skin. It is non occlusive and lightweight so it will not exacerbate oiliness or clog pores, yet its barrier support can still comfort drier complexions. There are no known concerns for mature skin or darker skin tones.
The peptide is produced entirely through laboratory synthesis with no animal by-products, which makes it appropriate for both vegetarians and vegans.
No data suggest any risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but formal safety studies in these groups are limited. This information is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding a new skincare product.
Oligopeptide-82 does not increase photosensitivity, so it can be used day or night. Routine daytime sunscreen is still essential to protect skin from UV damage.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Oligopeptide-82 vary from person to person. The effects below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic levels in a well-formulated product.
- Mild transient redness or warmth shortly after application
- Temporary itching or tingling as the formula settles
- Localised dry patches if combined with very high levels of other active ingredients
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis for individuals sensitised to a specific amino acid in the peptide
- Stinging when applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
If any persistent irritation or discomfort occurs stop use and consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Oligopeptide-82 is a tiny water-based molecule with no oily or waxy residues so it does not block follicles or trap sebum. Peptides of this size are rapidly absorbed or rinsed away and have no record of promoting microcomedone formation in published testing. For acne-prone or breakout-prone skin this ingredient is considered suitable.
If the peptide appears in a formula rich in heavy oils, butters or silicones the overall product could still feel occlusive, yet that risk comes from the carrier ingredients rather than Oligopeptide-82 itself.
Summary
Oligopeptide-82 delivers two main benefits: it scavenges free radicals to curb dullness and early wrinkles and it reinforces the skin barrier so moisture stays in and irritants stay out. It does this by mimicking the signaling fragments naturally found in skin, prompting cells to bolster antioxidant defenses and make more barrier lipids.
The peptide is a niche player compared with crowd favorites like vitamin C or niacinamide yet it is quietly gaining traction in serums and lightweight moisturizers thanks to its gentle profile and compatibility with water-based formulas.
Current data show a strong safety record, very low irritation potential and zero comedogenicity, but everyone’s skin is unique so patch testing any new product that features Oligopeptide-82 is a smart precaution.