What Is Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-133 Tetrapeptide-78?
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-133 Tetrapeptide-78 is a lab designed fusion peptide produced inside the leaves of the Australian tobacco plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Scientists insert a copy of a human gene into the plant, either for a short time through a transient expression system or permanently through transgenesis. As the plant grows it uses its own cellular machinery to build the long 1132-amino-acid protein, complete with natural features like disulfide bonds and occasional sugar groups that help the peptide fold and stay stable.
Once the leaves have built enough of the protein they are harvested, blended and filtered. Gentle purification steps isolate the peptide, remove plant debris and concentrate the active. The result is a water-soluble ingredient ready for cosmetic use.
This biotech approach gained popularity in the early 2000s when brands began looking for reliable cruelty-free alternatives to animal-derived growth factors. Plant-made peptides offer large-scale production, traceability and lower risk of animal-borne contaminants, so formulators soon added them to premium skin care lines.
Today you will most often spot Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-133 Tetrapeptide-78 in anti-aging serums, barrier-repair moisturizers, firming eye creams, sheet masks and concentrated booster drops that promise smoother resilient skin.
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-133 Tetrapeptide-78’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this plant-made peptide mainly looks after the feel and resilience of your skin.
- Skin conditioning – helps keep skin soft supple and nicely hydrated, supports a smoother texture and can give a temporarily plumped look that softens fine lines
- Skin protecting – reinforces the surface barrier by forming a lightweight film that shields against pollution dryness and other day-to-day stressors
Who Can Use Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-133 Tetrapeptide-78
This lab grown peptide is gentle enough for nearly all skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive. Because it is water based and lightweight it will not clog pores or add extra oil, while the barrier support makes it comforting for dehydrated or easily irritated skin. The only group that may need caution is those with a known allergy to tobacco plants or nicotine derivatives, though such reactions are rare with the purified cosmetic grade material.
Production takes place entirely inside a plant so the final ingredient is free from animal byproducts or testing, making it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
No published data points to problems for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this peptide is applied topically. That said 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 for personal guidance.
The peptide does not increase photosensitivity so it can be used morning or night without raising the risk of sunburn. Regular daytime sunscreen is still a must to protect against UV damage.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-133 Tetrapeptide-78 differ from one person to another. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes. With proper formulation most users will not notice any negative reaction.
- Mild redness or warmth shortly after application
- Tingling or slight stinging on very sensitive skin
- Localized itching or rash indicating an allergic response
- Watery eyes if applied too close to the lash line
- Interaction with other active ingredients leading to temporary dryness or flakiness
If any of these effects appear stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for further advice.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 (non-comedogenic)
This peptide is large, water soluble and free of oils or waxes so it sits on the skin surface without blocking pores. Because it cannot mix with skin sebum it is very unlikely to trap dead cells or bacteria inside a follicle.
That makes it a safe pick for people who get acne or frequent breakouts.
Keep in mind the finished product formula matters too. If the same peptide is blended into a heavy butter or high-oil cream the other ingredients, not the peptide, could still trigger clogged pores.
Summary
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-133 Tetrapeptide-78 is a plant made fusion peptide that conditions skin by boosting surface hydration and smoothness while adding a light protective film that helps guard against everyday stress. These effects come from its long chain of amino acids which can hold water, support barrier proteins and gently tighten the look of skin.
It shows up mostly in higher end serums and masks, partly because the biotech production process is still pricey, so you will not find it in every drugstore lotion just yet.
Current safety data points to a low risk of irritation or allergy when used as directed, though every skin type is different. Do a quick patch test whenever you start any new product that lists this peptide to make sure your skin agrees with it.