Rh-Polypeptide-67: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Rh-Polypeptide-67?

Rh-Polypeptide-67 is the cosmetic name for a lab produced fragment of the enzyme Sirtuin 2, also called NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 2. In simple terms it is a short chain of amino acids that mimics part of a naturally occurring skin protein. Scientists first explored Sirtuin proteins for their role in cell longevity, and before long formulators realized that a trimmed down, stable version could be helpful in topical products. Creating Rh-Polypeptide-67 starts with biotechnology: a harmless strain of bacteria or yeast is given the genetic instructions to build the peptide. After fermentation the peptide is purified, filtered and blended into a liquid solution that can be mixed into skincare. You will usually find Rh-Polypeptide-67 in anti aging serums, firming creams, sheet masks and targeted eye or neck treatments where brands want to boost the skin’s overall condition without using heavy oils or fragrances.

Rh-Polypeptide-67’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In formulas Rh-Polypeptide-67 serves a single but valuable purpose: it conditions the skin. By supporting the skin’s natural protein network it helps maintain a smoother surface, a softer feel and a more resilient moisture barrier. Regular use can leave the complexion looking refreshed and refined which makes the ingredient attractive for products that promise a youthful, well rested appearance.

Who Can Use Rh-Polypeptide-67

Rh-Polypeptide-67 is considered gentle enough for all skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive skin. Because it is water based and free of pore clogging oils it suits acne prone complexions as well. People with extremely reactive or allergy prone skin should still pay attention to the complete ingredient list of a finished product since irritation is usually tied to other additives rather than the peptide itself.

The peptide is produced through fermentation with microbes rather than being isolated from animal tissue so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always verify that the rest of the formula follows the same standard if a fully vegan routine is important to you.

No specific warnings have been issued for pregnant or breastfeeding women regarding topical use of Rh-Polypeptide-67. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a doctor to be on the safe side.

Rh-Polypeptide-67 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it can be used morning or night without raising the risk of sunburn. It also plays well with most common actives such as niacinamide, vitamin C and retinoids which makes it easy to slot into an existing routine.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Rh-Polypeptide-67 can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential issues and they are highly unlikely to be the typical user experience. Assuming the ingredient has been utilized correctly by the product manufacturer most users will not experience any negative effects.

  • Mild redness or warmth at the application site
  • Temporary itching or tingling
  • Rare cases of contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to one of the formula’s other ingredients
  • Breakouts triggered by heavy occlusive ingredients that may be paired with the peptide rather than the peptide itself
  • Stinging when applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin

If you notice any persistent discomfort or irritation stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5. Rh-Polypeptide-67 is a small, water soluble peptide with no oils, waxes or heavy emollients attached, so it does not linger inside pores or create the kind of film that can trap sebum and debris. Its ferment-derived production method also leaves behind very little residue. For these reasons it is considered non-comedogenic and is generally a safe pick for skin that is prone to acne or frequent breakouts. As always overall pore friendliness depends on the full formula: if the peptide is blended into a very rich cream the final product could still feel heavy on oily skin.

Summary

Rh-Polypeptide-67 is a lab crafted fragment of the Sirtuin 2 enzyme that works as a skin conditioning agent. By supporting the skin’s natural protein framework it helps keep the surface smooth, the barrier resilient and the overall complexion looking refreshed. The peptide is still a niche addition compared with headline actives like retinol or vitamin C but its inclusion is steadily rising in modern serums and firming treatments thanks to its gentle profile and ease of formulation.

Topical use is considered very safe for all skin types with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores. Even so skin is individual so it is smart to patch test any new product containing Rh-Polypeptide-67 before applying it to the entire face.

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