Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide: 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 27, 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 Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide?

Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide is a lab made compound created by linking gallic acid, a plant based antioxidant found in green tea and grapes, with a short chain of two amino acids known as Dipeptide-50. The C-end of this peptide is converted to an amide, which helps make the final molecule more stable and skin friendly. Researchers first explored this blend in the early 2000s while looking for gentle yet powerful moisturizers that could also guard the skin against daily stress. Its promising results in early tests soon led formulators to add it to high end skincare lines.

Production starts with purified gallic acid mixed with the chosen dipeptide under controlled heat and pH. A coupling agent helps the two pieces bond, then the mixture is neutralized, filtered and dried into a fine powder ready for cosmetic use. Because it dissolves well in water based systems and stays active over a wide pH range, it fits smoothly into many product types.

You will most often spot Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide in lightweight serums, hydrating masks, anti-aging creams, daily moisturizers and after-sun treatments where its blend of moisture holding and skin comforting abilities can shine.

Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multi-talented ingredient supports skin health in several ways:

  • Humectant – pulls water from the environment and deeper skin layers toward the surface, helping keep skin plump and reducing the look of fine lines
  • Skin Conditioning – softens and smooths the skin’s surface so it feels silky and looks more even
  • Emollient – fills tiny gaps between skin cells to create a supple feel and limit moisture loss
  • Skin Protecting – forms a light shield that helps defend against pollution and daily wear while the gallic acid part offers antioxidant support

Who Can Use Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide

This ingredient is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin. Its humectant and emollient traits make it especially welcome in dry or mature routines that crave extra moisture. Those with very oily or acne-prone skin can still benefit thanks to its light texture, though they may prefer it in water based formulas such as serums or gels rather than rich creams.

Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide is suitable for vegans and vegetarians because both gallic acid and the dipeptide are produced synthetically or sourced from plants, with no animal derived components used during manufacturing.

No data indicate that this ingredient poses a special risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when applied topically at cosmetic levels. That said, this information does not replace medical advice. Expectant or nursing mothers should run any skincare product past their healthcare provider just to be safe.

The molecule is not known to trigger photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daily sunscreen use is still recommended with any routine.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated in a product.

  • Mild redness or warmth shortly after application
  • Temporary stinging on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Itchiness caused by individual sensitivity to peptides
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as persistent rash or swelling

If any uncomfortable reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide carries a comedogenic rating of 0–1. The molecule is small, water loving and does not form an occlusive film that could trap oil or debris in pores, which keeps the clogging potential very low.

This score means the ingredient is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.

Keep in mind the finished product still matters. If the peptide is placed in a heavy, oil rich cream the other ingredients could lift the overall pore-clogging risk, so oily skin users may want gel or serum formats.

Summary

Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide hydrates, softens, fills micro cracks and shields skin from daily stress through its combined humectant, skin conditioning, emollient and protecting actions. Gallic acid draws and holds water while offering antioxidant support, and the attached dipeptide helps the compound settle comfortably on the skin surface to reinforce the barrier.

The ingredient is still a quiet achiever, turning up mostly in upscale serums or masks rather than mainstream shelves, but interest is growing as brands hunt for gentle plant inspired hydrators.

Overall safety data are favorable with low irritation or allergy risk at cosmetic doses. Even so, skin can be unpredictable so perform a patch test when trying any new product that features Galloyl Dipeptide-50 Amide.

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