What Is Rh-Polypeptide-47?
Rh-Polypeptide-47 is a lab designed fragment of the human skin protein collagen type I, coded by the COL1A1 gene. Scientists create it through recombinant fermentation, where harmless microbes are given the genetic instructions to produce the short collagen-like chain. Once the peptide is harvested it is purified and blended into cosmetic formulas.
The idea of adding tiny collagen fragments to skincare took hold in the early 2000s when researchers learned that short peptides could signal skin to look and feel smoother. Over time producers moved from animal sourced collagen to bioidentical lab peptides such as Rh-Polypeptide-47, giving brands a vegan friendly and highly consistent ingredient.
You are most likely to spot Rh-Polypeptide-47 in moisturizers, anti-aging serums, sheet masks, eye creams, leave-on treatments for firmness and even after-sun gels that aim to calm and hydrate.
Rh-Polypeptide-47’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare formulas Rh-Polypeptide-47 plays several helpful roles:
- Humectant: attracts water from the environment and the deeper layers of skin to the surface so skin feels plumper and stays hydrated longer
- Skin conditioning: supports a softer smoother texture and can give skin a more supple look
- Emollient: fills in microscopic gaps on the skin surface creating a light cushion that reduces roughness
- Skin protecting: forms a thin flexible film that helps defend against everyday irritants and moisture loss
Who Can Use Rh-Polypeptide-47
Rh-Polypeptide-47 is gentle and lightweight so it suits most skin types, from dry to oily and even combination skin. People with very sensitive or compromised skin can also usually tolerate it because it is a small lab made peptide with a low chance of irritation. Those with extremely acne prone skin should check the full product formula, not the peptide itself, since heavy oils or waxes paired with it could trigger breakouts.
Because the peptide is produced by fermenting plant fed microbes and is free of any animal material, it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current research has not flagged Rh-Polypeptide-47 as a risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should discuss any skincare product with a doctor to be safe.
The peptide does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known effect on photosensitivity. Standard daily sunscreen use is still recommended as part of a good routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Rh-Polypeptide-47 applied on the skin can differ from one person to another. The points below list potential side effects, yet most users will not experience them when using a well made product.
- Mild redness or warmth right after application
- Light tingling or stinging that fades within minutes
- Transient dryness if the overall formula lacks sufficient moisturizers
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by persistent itch or rash
- Breakouts if paired with comedogenic ingredients in the same product
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 out of 5
Rh-Polypeptide-47 is a small water soluble peptide that does not leave an oily film or clog pores. It disperses easily in water based formulas and is typically added at very low percentages, both of which keep it from blocking follicles. Because of this it earns a solid zero on the comedogenic scale.
That means the ingredient itself is generally safe for acne prone or breakout prone skin. As always the rest of the formula matters, so check for heavy oils or waxes in the finished product.
One extra note: peptides can boost hydration which may help balance oil production over time, indirectly supporting clearer looking skin.
Summary
Rh-Polypeptide-47 is a lab crafted fragment of collagen that acts as a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient and light protective film former. It pulls water into the outer skin layers for plumper hydration, smooths rough spots by filling tiny gaps, softens the surface for a more supple feel and leaves a breathable shield that slows moisture loss and guards against daily irritants.
While not as famous as bigger name ingredients like hyaluronic acid or retinol, this peptide is popping up in more modern moisturizers and anti aging serums thanks to its gentle nature and vegan friendly background. Brands appreciate its consistency and consumers enjoy the silky finish it gives.
Current data shows Rh-Polypeptide-47 is low risk for irritation or acne and it carries a comedogenic rating of zero, making it suitable for most skin types. Still every skin is unique so patch test any new product if you can to make sure it plays nicely with your own complexion.