What Is Aminolevulinoyl Tripeptide-63?
Aminolevulinoyl Tripeptide-63 is a lab crafted peptide that results from combining aminolevulinoyl chloride, a small molecule derived from the amino acid levulinic acid, with a three-amino-acid chain known as Tripeptide-63. The reaction links the two components into a single, stable compound that carries the benefits of both building blocks. Peptides have long been valued in skincare for their ability to signal and support skin functions, and this particular hybrid was developed in the last decade as part of the industry’s push toward multi-tasking active ingredients.
Manufacturing begins with fermenting plant-sourced sugars to produce levulinic acid, which is then converted into aminolevulinoyl chloride. In a controlled setting this chloride is reacted with the pre-synthesized tripeptide, yielding Aminolevulinoyl Tripeptide-63 in a highly purified powder form. The finished ingredient dissolves readily in water-based formulas, making it easy to incorporate into a wide range of products.
You will usually spot Aminolevulinoyl Tripeptide-63 in lightweight serums, leave-on masks, sebium-balancing moisturizers, scalp tonics and anti-aging creams where brands want a single ingredient that can calm oiliness, defend against environmental stress and support both skin and hair vitality.
Aminolevulinoyl Tripeptide-63’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking peptide offers several advantages when added to topical formulas
- Anti-Sebum: Helps regulate excess oil on skin and scalp so complexions look less shiny and hair feels fresher for longer
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals produced by sun exposure and pollution which, in turn, supports a more even tone and delays visible signs of aging
- Hair Conditioning: Forms a light protective film on strands that boosts smoothness and combability without weighing hair down
- Skin Protecting: Strengthens the skin’s surface barrier helping it retain moisture and stay resilient against external irritants
Who Can Use Aminolevulinoyl Tripeptide-63
This peptide is gentle enough for most skin types including oily, combination, normal and slightly dry complexions thanks to its lightweight water-soluble nature and oil-balancing effect. Very dry or sensitized skin may want to layer it under a richer moisturizer because the ingredient itself does not add much fat or occlusion.
Aminolevulinoyl Tripeptide-63 is produced from plant-derived sugars and a lab-made peptide chain with no animal by-products so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current data shows no specific risks for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically at the low levels found in cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a quick chat with their doctor before adding new products just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used day or night without changing your usual sun protection routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Aminolevulinoyl Tripeptide-63 differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects only; most people will not notice any problems when using a well-formulated product.
- Mild redness or warmth right after application
- Tingling or slight stinging in very sensitive skin
- Temporary dryness if used in a product with high alcohol content
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching hives or swelling
- Peptide breakdown if layered directly with strong acids or oxidizing agents which could lessen the product’s benefits
If irritation or any other unexpected reaction occurs stop use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Aminolevulinoyl Tripeptide-63 is fully water soluble and contains no fatty acids, waxes or heavy silicones that can clog pores. It works at very low use levels, typically under 2%, so it has virtually no film-forming weight on the skin. For these reasons it is considered non-comedogenic and is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone users.
The only time pore issues might arise is if the peptide is blended into an overall formula that is itself rich and occlusive, in which case the comedogenic potential would come from those other ingredients rather than the peptide.
Summary
Aminolevulinoyl Tripeptide-63 is a multitasking peptide that helps balance sebum, scavenge free radicals, condition hair and reinforce the skin barrier. It achieves this by combining an oil-regulating aminolevulinoyl fragment with a signaling tripeptide that supports cellular defense and surface smoothing.
The ingredient is still a niche player compared with headline actives like niacinamide or vitamin C, but its broad utility has been gaining quiet traction in new generation serums and scalp treatments.
Current evidence shows it to be low risk for irritation or pore clogging, making it a safe addition for most skin and hair routines. As with any new cosmetic active it is smart to perform a quick patch test when starting a product that contains it, just to be on the safe side.