Tripeptide-29: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Tripeptide-29?

Tripeptide-29 is a lab-made chain of three amino acids: glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These building blocks are also found in collagen, the protein that helps keep skin firm and smooth. Scientists learned that short pieces of collagen can signal the skin to look and feel healthier, so they created Tripeptide-29 as a consistent, pure version of one of those fragments. It is produced through solid-phase peptide synthesis, a step-by-step process that links each amino acid in a controlled environment then purifies the finished molecule. Peptide technology rose to prominence in the 1990s as researchers searched for alternatives to whole collagen, which was too large to penetrate skin. Today Tripeptide-29 appears in a range of topical products such as anti-aging serums, eye creams, sheet masks, firming moisturizers, after-sun gels and concentrated treatment ampoules.

Tripeptide-29’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care formulas Tripeptide-29 acts as a skin-conditioning agent. By mimicking a fragment of native collagen it helps support the skin’s own repair signals, encouraging a smoother, more supple surface. Regular use can improve the look of fine lines, boost hydration retention and lend an overall healthier appearance to tired or sun-exposed skin.

Who Can Use Tripeptide-29

Because it is lightweight and non greasy Tripeptide-29 suits nearly all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily complexions. Its gentle nature also makes it a good option for sensitive or redness-prone skin, though people with hypersensitive skin should still introduce it slowly in case they react to other ingredients in the formula.

The peptide is produced synthetically without any animal derived materials so it is appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals can generally use products that contain Tripeptide-29, as no evidence links the peptide itself to harm during pregnancy or lactation. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run all skincare products past a qualified health professional for personalized guidance.

Tripeptide-29 does not increase photosensitivity. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended but there is no special need to avoid daylight when using products featuring this ingredient.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Tripeptide-29 can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions even though most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild redness or warmth
  • Temporary itching or tingling
  • Dry patches if the overall formula lacks adequate moisturizers
  • Breakouts in acne-prone skin if the product base is overly occlusive
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitized to peptides or other components in the product

If any irritation or undesirable reaction develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5 (non comedogenic)

Tripeptide-29 is a tiny, water-soluble molecule used at low concentrations so it does not sit on the skin or clog pores. It lacks heavy oils, waxes or fatty acids that typically trigger comedones, which is why it earns the lowest possible rating.

That means the peptide itself is suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, though the overall product base still matters. If the formula pairs the peptide with rich butters or occlusive silicones, pore blockage could come from those ingredients rather than from Tripeptide-29.

No data suggest the peptide feeds acne bacteria or worsens inflammation, and it can even support post-blemish recovery by encouraging smoother texture.

Summary

Tripeptide-29 is a lab-crafted fragment of collagen that conditions skin, boosts its repair signals and helps reduce the look of fine lines while improving hydration. By mimicking part of the body’s own collagen it gently nudges skin to appear firmer and more resilient.

The peptide shows up most often in targeted anti-aging serums, eye creams and sheet masks. It is growing in popularity thanks to the broader boom in peptide technology, though it is still less famous than heavy hitters like retinol or hyaluronic acid.

Overall safety is high because the molecule is non comedogenic, non photosensitising and synthetically produced to a high purity. Adverse reactions are rare but always possible, so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains Tripeptide-29 to make sure your skin plays nicely with the full formula.

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