What Is S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide?
S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide is a lab made mini protein that copies a small part of a toxin found in the Iranian scorpion Hemiscorpius lepturus. The original venom protein has up to 69 amino acids, but scientists trimmed and tweaked it to a 12-amino-acid chain and changed two positions to make it safer and more stable for skin care. They also capped one end with an amide group, which helps the peptide keep its shape and last longer in a formula.
The ingredient is produced with solid-phase peptide synthesis, a step-by-step method where each amino acid is added in a controlled order. This lets chemists leave out the sulfur bridges and sugar groups seen in natural venom, avoiding the instability those parts can cause. After the chain is built it is purified, checked for quality, then blended into water-based solutions that go into finished products.
Interest in scorpion peptides grew in the early 2000s when researchers noticed some of them could calm oil glands and soothe irritated skin. Cosmetic labs soon explored shorter versions that kept the useful pieces yet dropped anything that might sting. S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide is one of the results of that work and has been on the market for a few years as a specialized active.
You will usually spot this peptide in lightweight leave-on products aimed at oily or combination skin such as mattifying serums, clarifying lotions, oil-control primers, pore-refining masks and gel creams. It may also be part of multi-step routines that target shine while keeping skin comfortable.
S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
The main reason brands add S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide to a formula is its anti-sebum action. By helping dial back excess oil production on the surface of the skin it can reduce unwanted shine, make pores look smaller, prolong makeup wear and lower the chance of clogged pores that can lead to breakouts.
Who Can Use S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide
S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide is best suited to oily and combination skin since its main job is to curb extra surface oil. Normal skin can also benefit when humidity or hormones make the T-zone shine. Very dry or mature skin may find it less helpful because dialing back oil can leave them feeling tight unless the formula pairs the peptide with rich hydrators. Most sensitive skin types tolerate it well as the peptide is small and made to be non-sting, but each product’s full recipe matters.
The ingredient is made entirely in the lab with no animal parts or by-products so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Manufacturing does not rely on scorpion farming or animal testing for the peptide itself, though shoppers should still check whether the finished brand claims cruelty-free status.
No published data link this peptide to harm during pregnancy or while nursing, yet specific studies in those groups are lacking. Out of caution anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should show the full product list to a healthcare professional before use. This is general information not medical advice.
S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide does not increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and it can be used day or night without changing your usual SPF habits. It also plays well with most common actives such as niacinamide and gentle acids, making it easy to slot into an existing routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide differ from person to person. The points below outline what could happen yet these reactions are rare when the ingredient is correctly formulated.
- Mild redness or warmth immediately after application
- Temporary stinging or tingling on sensitive areas
- Dryness or tight feeling in users who already have low oil levels
- Localized itching that settles once the product is rinsed off
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with specific peptide allergies
- Cross-reactive flare in people with a known scorpion venom allergy, though this is theoretical
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5. S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide is a tiny water-soluble peptide that does not contain heavy oils, waxes or fatty acids that could block pores. Its molecular weight is low, it rinses cleanly from the follicle and it is used at very small percentages, all of which keep the risk of congestion negligible.
This makes it suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts. As always the overall formula counts, so look at the full ingredient list if you are highly sensitive to clog-causing agents.
Summary
S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide is a lab designed 12-amino-acid peptide that targets excess sebum, helping mattify skin, refine the look of pores and reduce the likelihood of oil-related blemishes. It does this by signaling sebaceous glands to dial back production, letting skin stay balanced without harsh drying agents.
The ingredient is still a niche player compared with big hitters like niacinamide and peptides aimed at wrinkles, yet it is gaining notice in specialty oil-control serums and K-beauty style gel creams.
Current safety data show it is well tolerated with a very low chance of irritation. That said every complexion is unique, so patch testing any new product that contains this peptide is a smart precaution.