What Is Sh-Polypeptide-111?
Sh-Polypeptide-111 is a lab made version of a human protein created through fermentation in the common bacterium E. coli. Scientists start with a synthesized copy of the human gene that codes for a protein called Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Domain-containing Protein 15. The gene is inserted into E. coli, which then works like a tiny factory, turning out the peptide in large amounts. After fermentation the peptide is purified, checked for quality and shaped into a stable form suitable for skin care.
Chemically, Sh-Polypeptide-111 is a single chain made up of up to 863 of the standard 20 amino acids. The chain can form disulfide bonds and may be glycosylated, both of which help the peptide keep its structure and stay active on the skin.
The cosmetic industry became interested in this peptide as research on growth factors and skin cell communication grew in the early 2000s. Brands looking for gentler options than animal sourced proteins turned to recombinant technology, and Sh-Polypeptide-111 made its way into premium anti-aging lines a few years later.
Today you will most often see Sh-Polypeptide-111 in serums, sheet masks, eye creams, concentrated anti-aging ampoules and post-procedure soothing gels. It is prized for formulas aimed at boosting firmness, evening skin tone and supporting the skin barrier.
Sh-Polypeptide-111’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Below are the main ways this peptide can improve a skin care formula
- Skin Conditioning – helps skin feel softer and look smoother by supporting natural cell renewal and providing lightweight moisture
- Skin Protecting – reinforces the skin barrier, making it more resilient against everyday irritants and moisture loss
Who Can Use Sh-Polypeptide-111
Sh-Polypeptide-111 is considered friendly for all major skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its lightweight texture and barrier supporting action make it especially helpful for sensitive or mature skin that needs gentle reinforcement. Those with highly reactive or allergy-prone skin should still read full ingredient lists because irritation is more often linked to supporting ingredients than to the peptide itself.
The peptide is produced through fermentation in E. coli, not harvested from animals, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian preferences.
Current safety data does not flag topical Sh-Polypeptide-111 as a concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said, this is not medical advice. Anyone expecting or nursing should have their doctor review any skincare product before use.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used in morning or evening routines without increasing the risk of sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sh-Polypeptide-111 can differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but not likely for most users when the product is formulated and used as intended.
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin during the first few uses
- Itchiness or tightness if the formula combines the peptide with a high level of alcohol or fragrance
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where an individual is specifically sensitized to the peptide or another ingredient in the product
If you notice persistent discomfort swelling or a rash stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Sh-Polypeptide-111 is a large water-soluble protein that stays on the surface of the skin rather than settling into pores, so it has virtually no potential to clog them. It contains no oils, waxes or fatty acids that typically raise comedogenicity.
Because of this, it is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
Keep in mind that overall pore-clogging risk depends on the full formula. A serum or cream packed with heavy emollients could still trigger congestion even if the peptide itself does not.
Summary
Sh-Polypeptide-111 works mainly as a skin-conditioning and skin-protecting agent. By mimicking a naturally occurring human protein it helps skin cells communicate more efficiently, supports healthy turnover and reinforces the barrier so moisture stays in and irritants stay out.
The ingredient enjoys moderate popularity, turning up mostly in higher-end serums, post-procedure gels and specialty ampoules rather than in everyday moisturizers at the drugstore.
Current research and in-use data show it to be safe for topical use with few reported side effects. Still, skin can react to almost any new product so it is smart to patch test whenever you try a formula containing Sh-Polypeptide-111.