Sr-Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1 Sh-Oligopeptide-1: 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 Sr-Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1 Sh-Oligopeptide-1?

Sr-Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1 Sh-Oligopeptide-1 is a lab-made fusion peptide that blends two naturally occurring protein fragments. Scientists begin by designing a single piece of DNA that joins the gene from rainbow trout growth factors to a short human-inspired oligopeptide. This gene is inserted into a harmless strain of E. coli, which then acts like a tiny factory, fermenting and churning out the 67-amino-acid peptide. After fermentation the peptide is filtered, purified and carefully dried into a fine powder that cosmetic chemists can mix into creams or serums.

The rise of peptide skin care in the late 1990s showed that small chains of amino acids could signal skin to look firmer and smoother. Brands soon looked for new peptides that were both effective and easy to produce at scale. By using recombinant fermentation, Sr-Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1 Sh-Oligopeptide-1 became a cost-friendly option that avoids animal extraction yet still carries fish-derived sequence traits prized for resilience.

Today you’ll spot this ingredient in lightweight serums, anti-aging moisturizers, sheet masks, eye gels, post-sun soothing lotions and barrier repair creams where it works alongside hydrators and antioxidants.

Sr-Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1 Sh-Oligopeptide-1’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking peptide supports healthy looking skin in several ways:

  • Skin conditioning – helps skin feel softer and look smoother by supporting natural renewal and a balanced moisture level
  • Emollient – adds a silky slip that reduces rough patches and improves the spreadability of a formula
  • Skin protecting – forms a light film that slows water loss and shields skin from day-to-day environmental stress

Who Can Use Sr-Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1 Sh-Oligopeptide-1

This peptide suits most skin types, including normal, dry, oily and combination, because it is lightweight yet still offers a protective, moisturizing film. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well since it is fragrance free and low in known irritants. The only group that might want extra caution is anyone with a proven allergy to fish proteins, as the amino acid sequence is partly modeled on a trout growth factor and could theoretically cross react, although this risk is very low due to the ingredient’s recombinant production.

Because it is made by fermenting E. coli in a lab and no animals are harmed or harvested, the ingredient is usually labeled vegan friendly. Strict ethical vegans who avoid any material with an animal origin in its sequence may prefer to skip it, while most vegetarians have no conflict using it.

Current research has not flagged this peptide as unsafe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skin care product with a qualified healthcare professional before use to be certain it fits their individual needs.

Sr-Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1 Sh-Oligopeptide-1 does not increase photosensitivity so you can apply it morning or night. Still pair it with a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Sr-Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1 Sh-Oligopeptide-1 vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions only and are not what most users should expect when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild redness or stinging
  • Temporary itching on very reactive skin
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to peptide sequences with fish homology
  • Breakouts if the finished product also contains heavy occlusives that clog pores

If any irritation or unexpected reaction occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a medical professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Sr-Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1 Sh-Oligopeptide-1 is a small, water-soluble peptide that sits lightly on the skin and rinses away easily. It lacks heavy oils or waxes that can block pores, so on its own it does not trap sebum or dead cells inside follicles. This makes it very unlikely to spark whiteheads or blackheads.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, provided the overall formula is also low in pore-clogging ingredients.

The finished product’s texture matters more than the peptide itself. If the peptide is blended into a thick balm rich in butters its non-comedogenic nature can be outweighed by the carrier base.

Summary

Sr-Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1 Sh-Oligopeptide-1 conditions skin, softens texture and shields the surface from moisture loss. It does this by binding lightly to the skin, lending a silky feel while its amino acid sequence supports natural renewal and forms a thin protective film.

The peptide is still a niche add-in compared with buzzier ingredients like hyaluronic acid though its lab-friendly production and gentle profile are winning it spots in newer serums and masks.

Overall safety data look solid with low irritation and no routine health flags. As with any new skincare ingredient, do a quick patch test before full use to make sure your skin agrees with the formula.

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