What Is Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93?
Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93 is a lab-made peptide that starts its life inside a tank of fermented E. coli. Scientists insert a custom gene that links methionine, the first amino acid in most proteins, to the gene for Sh-Polypeptide-93. Once the bacteria grow, they churn out a 323-amino-acid chain built from the 20 standard amino acids. After purification the peptide is blended into cosmetic bases.
Peptides have been popular skin care actives since the early 2000s for their ability to signal and support the skin’s own repair processes. Adding a methionine starter makes this particular peptide more stable, helping it survive the formulating and packaging stages. Brands now use Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93 in lightweight serums, daily moisturizers, sheet masks, eye creams and targeted anti-aging treatments that aim to strengthen the skin’s outer barrier.
Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for one key role in skin care:
Skin protecting – Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93 helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier. By supporting the proteins that hold surface cells together it can reduce moisture loss, cushion the skin against pollutants and keep it feeling smooth and resilient. Many formulators pair it with hydrating ingredients to boost overall comfort and maintain a healthy looking complexion.
Who Can Use Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93
Because it is gentle and barrier focused, Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93 is considered suitable for most skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skin. It has no known pore clogging properties so people prone to breakouts usually tolerate it well. Those with very reactive or allergy-prone skin might want to introduce it slowly, simply because any new active can spark irritation in an already fragile complexion.
The peptide is made by fermenting a strain of E. coli and is purified without using animal-derived materials. That manufacturing route makes it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians.
No published data links Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93 to problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding when used on intact skin. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product they plan to use to their doctor or midwife.
The peptide does not increase photosensitivity so it can be used morning or night. Daily sunscreen is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93 differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible, not probable. When the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed most people experience no problems.
- Mild redness or stinging – most often linked to very sensitive or compromised skin
- Localized itching – can occur if the peptide is combined with other actives that further stimulate the skin
- Contact dermatitis – a rare allergic response to the peptide itself or to trace fermentation residues
- Breakouts on highly acne-prone skin – uncommon and usually tied to the overall formula rather than the peptide
If any of these reactions appear stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5. Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93 is a water-soluble peptide with no oily or waxy components so it does not block pores. Its large molecular size keeps it on the skin surface rather than sinking into sebaceous ducts, further lowering any clogging risk. It is therefore considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. No published data links this peptide to increased comedones even when used in higher concentrations.
Summary
Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-93 is a lab-crafted fusion peptide that mainly acts as a skin protectant. By supporting key barrier proteins it helps reduce moisture loss, shields against everyday irritants and keeps skin feeling smooth and resilient. Though effective, it is still a niche ingredient and shows up mostly in select serums, moisturizers and eye creams rather than across every shelf.
Current research and user feedback point to a very low risk of irritation or pore clogging. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product that features this peptide before applying it to larger areas.