What Is Oligopeptide-47?
Oligopeptide-47 is a lab-made chain of 35 amino acids that include alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, threonine and proline. Chemists designed it to mimic pieces of larger skin-supporting proteins, giving it a lightweight structure that can blend smoothly into topical formulas. Because it is synthetic, production happens in controlled facilities using solid-phase peptide synthesis, where each amino acid is added in sequence to build the full chain before it is purified and dried into a stable powder.
The cosmetic world started exploring short peptides like Oligopeptide-47 in the early 2000s after research showed that targeted amino acid sequences could signal skin cells to look and act younger. Brands soon incorporated this peptide into anti-aging serums and specialty treatments seeking gentler alternatives to retinoids. Today you will most often see it in leave-on products such as serums, moisturizers, lightweight lotions, eye creams and sheet masks, especially those marketed for fine lines, firmness and overall skin resilience.
Oligopeptide-47’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for one primary role in skincare formulations.
Skin conditioning: Oligopeptide-47 helps keep the skin surface feeling soft, hydrated and supple. By supporting the skin’s natural protein matrix, it can improve the look of smoothness and elasticity while enhancing the overall sensory feel of a product.
Who Can Use Oligopeptide-47
Oligopeptide-47 is generally well tolerated by all skin types. Dry and mature skin appreciate its conditioning support, while its lightweight texture makes it a comfortable option for oily or acne-prone skin because it will not clog pores. Sensitive skin usually handles it without trouble thanks to its gentle nature, though anyone with a known peptide allergy should steer clear.
The peptide is produced entirely in a lab without any animal-derived materials so it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
There is no evidence that Oligopeptide-47 poses a risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said, safety data are limited, so this is not medical advice. Expectant or nursing mothers should discuss any skincare product with their healthcare provider to be sure it fits their individual situation.
Oligopeptide-47 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used morning or night without raising the risk of sunburn. It layers well with common actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and gentle exfoliating acids, making it easy to insert into most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Oligopeptide-47 vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is included at appropriate levels in a well-formulated product.
- Temporary redness or warmth
- Mild itching or stinging
- Puffiness around the eyes if applied too close to the lash line
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to peptides or the product’s other ingredients
- Breakouts if combined with heavier occlusive bases on acne-prone skin
If discomfort, swelling or any persistent reaction occurs stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Comedogenic rating: 0/5
Oligopeptide-47 is a water soluble peptide that contains no heavy oils or waxes so it does not clog pores. It is used at low levels and leaves only a weightless residue which makes pore blockage unlikely.
Suitable for acne prone and breakout prone skin.
If congestion still appears the culprits are usually richer emollients or occlusives elsewhere in the formula not the peptide itself.
Summary
Oligopeptide-47 is a synthetic 35 amino acid chain that works as a skin conditioning agent by echoing fragments of the skin’s own support proteins. This gentle signal can help the surface feel smoother more elastic and comfortably hydrated.
It is less mainstream than headline peptides like Matrixyl yet it shows up in select anti aging serums eye creams and sheet masks aimed at users who want softness without irritation.
Overall safety data look favorable with low irritancy and no evidence of systemic risk. Still it is smart to patch test any new product containing Oligopeptide-47 to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.