What Is Oleanoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-4?
Oleanoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-4 is a skin care ingredient made by linking two well known actives: oleanolic acid and a lab made five-amino-acid peptide often called pentapeptide-4. Oleanolic acid comes from olive leaves and other plants and is valued for its natural protective qualities. Pentapeptide-4 was designed to mimic small pieces of skin protein that tell cells to renew themselves. When chemists join the fatty oleanolic acid to the water-loving peptide, they create a single molecule that can slip into skin more easily and stay stable in a jar.
The idea of bonding plant compounds to peptides took off in the early 2000s as brands searched for multitasking anti-aging tools. Suppliers developed Oleanoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-4 through a controlled coupling reaction carried out in water-free tanks, then purified it into a fine powder that blends well with creams and serums.
Today you can spot it in firming serums, eye creams, wrinkle-fighting moisturizers, sheet masks and concentrated ampoules where it teams up with vitamins and hydrators to guard skin against daily stress.
Oleanoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-4’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This peptide-plant hybrid brings one clear benefit to skin care formulas.
Antioxidant: It helps neutralize free radicals produced by sun, pollution and normal skin functions. By reducing this oxidative stress, it supports a fresher looking complexion and can limit the appearance of fine lines, dullness and uneven tone.
Who Can Use Oleanoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-4
This antioxidant suits almost every skin type. Normal, dry, oily and combination skins can all benefit because the molecule is lightweight and non greasy. Sensitive skin users usually tolerate it as it is free of common irritants like fragrance and essential oils. There are no known reasons to avoid it if you have acne prone skin, though everyone responds differently.
The ingredient is made from a plant sourced acid and a lab created peptide so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are used during manufacturing.
Current research has not linked topical Oleanoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-4 with problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should show any product they plan to use to their doctor to be sure.
It does not increase photosensitivity. Regular daytime sunscreen is still advised to protect skin overall but you do not need extra sun precautions specifically because of this peptide.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical use of Oleanoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-4 can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues yet most people will not notice any trouble when the ingredient is blended and used as directed.
- Mild redness or warmth
- Temporary stinging on sensitive or freshly exfoliated skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to peptides
- Pimple flares if combined with heavy, pore-clogging base oils
If you experience any of the above, stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 — Low likelihood of clogging pores
Oleanoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-4 is a mid-size molecule that blends a lightweight peptide with oleanolic acid, which on its own has shown no strong pore-blocking record. In finished formulas it is typically used at low concentrations and is dissolved in fluid carriers, so it does not sit heavily on skin or trap oil and debris. For these reasons it earns a low comedogenic score of 1.
This makes the ingredient generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
The only caveat is the rest of the product. If the peptide is delivered in a thick waxy cream the base may still cause congestion even though the active itself is low risk.
Summary
Oleanoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-4 works as an antioxidant that helps mop up free radicals before they can dull skin or deepen fine lines. By joining protective oleanolic acid to a peptide fragment that encourages renewal, the molecule can slip into skin, stay stable and provide longer lasting benefits.
You will mostly see it in targeted serums and eye creams from science driven brands. It is not as famous as vitamin C or retinol yet formulators appreciate its gentle profile so its presence is growing in multitasking anti-aging products.
Current evidence points to a high safety margin with few reports of irritation or pore blockage. Even so skin is personal so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this peptide before applying it all over your face.