What Is Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23?
Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23 is a lab-crafted molecule that links myristic acid, a fatty acid often sourced from coconut or palm kernels, with Hexapeptide-23, a chain of six amino acids created through modern peptide synthesis. By attaching the fatty acid to the peptide, chemists give the small protein fragment a lipid tail that helps it mix with skin’s natural oils and penetrate the outer layers more easily.
Peptide technology began gaining traction in skin care in the early 2000s when researchers found that short chains of amino acids could signal skin cells to look and act younger. Formulators soon started adding lipid tails like myristic acid to improve delivery, leading to the development of ingredients such as Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23. Today it is produced on an industrial scale: the peptide is assembled step by step on a solid support, cleaved from the support, then reacted with purified myristic acid before being filtered and tested for cosmetic purity.
You are most likely to find Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23 in lightweight anti-aging serums, eye creams, daily moisturizers, sheet masks and targeted treatments that promise firmer, smoother skin. Its compatibility with both water and oil phases lets brands add it to emulsions, gels and even some lip products.
Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for one key role in skin care.
Skin conditioning: Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23 helps keep skin soft, supple and well hydrated. The fatty acid portion supports the skin barrier while the peptide portion can signal surface cells to boost their own renewal processes, which in turn smooths texture and reduces the look of fine lines.
Who Can Use Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23
Most skin types can benefit from this peptide. It works well for normal, dry, combination and oily skin because it is light in feel yet still supports the skin barrier. Those with very sensitive or reactive skin usually tolerate it too since the molecule is non acidic and fragrance free, though every individual is different. Acne-prone users often like it because the fatty acid portion is not highly comedogenic and the ingredient is used at low concentrations.
Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23 is produced entirely in the lab using plant-derived myristic acid and a synthetically built peptide chain, so it is generally considered suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
The peptide does not contain retinoids or strong actives that normally raise concern during pregnancy. Still, out of an abundance of caution pregnant or breastfeeding women should ask their physician before adding any new skincare product. This is not medical advice.
The ingredient is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it can be used morning or night. As always daily sunscreen is recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23 vary by individual. The following are potential side effects that have been reported but are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild redness or warmth especially on very sensitive skin when first applied
- Temporary itching or tingling as the product absorbs
- Localized dryness or flaking if the formula also contains strong alcohols or exfoliating agents
- Breakouts or clogged pores in rare cases for those extremely prone to comedones
- Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as persistent rash swelling or hives
- Eye irritation if the product migrates into the eyes
If any persistent irritation or other adverse effect occurs stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
While the molecule carries a myristic acid tail, it is used at very low levels and is bound to a relatively bulky peptide, reducing the chance that it will lodge inside pores the way free fatty acids sometimes do. Most formulas that include Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23 are lightweight serums or gels that rinse or absorb quickly, further minimizing clogging risk. For these reasons it sits near the bottom of the scale.
This makes the ingredient generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, though overall pore safety still depends on the rest of the formula.
If the finished product contains additional heavy oils, waxes or high concentrations of other comedogenic ingredients the risk could rise, so always check the full ingredient list.
Summary
Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23 is a lab-made peptide linked to a fatty acid that helps it slip through the skin’s surface. Its main role is skin conditioning: it supports the barrier with its lipid tail and sends gentle signals that encourage smoother texture and better hydration, which can soften fine lines.
The peptide is slowly gaining attention thanks to the broader trend toward signal peptides, yet it remains less famous than staples like Matrixyl or copper peptides. You will mostly see it in mid to high-end anti-aging serums and eye creams rather than mass-market moisturizers.
Overall safety is good with a low rate of irritation or pore clogging when used at typical cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a fresh product on a small area first just to be sure your skin approves.