What Is Octacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 Lysinamide?
Octacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 Lysinamide is a lab made version of a tiny protein fragment known as Dipeptide-12. Chemists have attached extra carboxymethyl groups to the original molecule to give it eight added “arms” that love water. This tweak turns the peptide into a strong moisture magnet without changing its gentle nature on skin. The ingredient has no natural plant or animal source; it comes straight from modern peptide chemistry that became popular in skin care labs in the early 2000s when brands looked for safer synthetic moisturizers.
Making Octacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 Lysinamide starts with two amino acids linked together to form Dipeptide-12. Through controlled reactions, each amino acid gets bonded to carboxymethyl groups and a lysinamide tail. The final powder is purified, dried and sent to formulators.
Because it holds water so well and stays stable in many formulas, this peptide shows up in lightweight serums, sheet masks, gel moisturizers, eye creams, after-sun gels and “anti-fatigue” treatments that promise fresh looking skin.
Octacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 Lysinamide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for its ability to attract and bind moisture to the skin.
As a humectant it pulls water from the surrounding air and from the deeper layers of the skin to the surface. This helps keep skin soft plump and smooth, reduces the look of fine lines caused by dryness and can boost the spreadability of a formula so it feels silky rather than greasy.
Who Can Use Octacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 Lysinamide
This moisture loving peptide is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, dry, combination and even sensitive skin because it is light non greasy and free of common irritants. Extremely compromised or cracked skin may feel a brief tingle when any humectant is applied but this usually settles quickly once the area is sealed with a richer cream.
Because the molecule is fully synthetic and contains no animal derived components it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Current safety data shows no specific risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically in standard cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should double check any skin care routine with a qualified health professional just to be safe.
Octacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 Lysinamide does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is fine to use morning or night. As with most humectants it works best when followed by a light cream or sunscreen to lock the water in and limit evaporation in very dry climates.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Octacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 Lysinamide differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects but most users will experience none of them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or warmth shortly after application
- Temporary itching or tingling on very dry or broken skin
- Transient stinging when layered with strong acids or retinoids
- Rare cases of contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific peptide sensitivity
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Octacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 Lysinamide is a small water-loving molecule that dissolves fully in water based formulations and leaves no oily residue. It lacks long fatty chains that could block pores which is why it earns a solid 0 on the comedogenic scale.
This makes it perfectly suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts, provided the rest of the formula is also non-comedogenic. Only heavy waxes or oils paired with the peptide would change that picture.
Because humectants can draw water out of skin in very arid climates if not sealed with a light moisturizer, users in desert environments may want to layer a simple lotion or gel cream on top to keep skin balanced.
Summary
Octacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 Lysinamide is a lab crafted humectant that latches onto water and holds it at the skin surface. Its extra carboxymethyl arms create multiple bonding sites so each molecule can grab several water molecules at once, giving quick plumping and smoothing benefits without heaviness.
You will mainly spot it in modern serums eye gels and sheet masks from niche or mid-tier brands rather than mass market lines, but its use is slowly growing as formulators hunt for lightweight vegan hydrators.
Current research shows the peptide is low risk, vegan friendly and non-comedogenic. Still, everyone’s skin is different so it is wise to patch test any new product that features Octacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 Lysinamide just to make sure your skin stays happy.