What Is Thioctoyl Dipeptide-36 Amide Peg-2 Ethylamine?
Thioctoyl Dipeptide-36 Amide Peg-2 Ethylamine is a lab made molecule that brings together three familiar building blocks: alpha lipoic acid (also called thioctic acid) for its antioxidant strength, a tiny two unit peptide for skin friendliness and a short polyethylene glycol chain that helps the ingredient blend into water based formulas. Chemists first explored this mix in the early 2000s while looking for gentler ways to deliver alpha lipoic acid to skin without the stinging some people feel from the pure acid. By attaching the acid to a peptide and a PEG tail they found it stayed stable longer and felt smoother on the skin. Today it is produced through step by step coupling reactions in stainless steel reactors where each piece is linked under controlled temperature and pH then purified to remove leftovers and solvents.
You will spot this ingredient in leave on products that aim to fight early signs of aging, calm stressed skin or boost glow. It shows up in lightweight serums, eye creams, sheet masks, high performance moisturizers and even occasional after sun gels where its soothing feel is welcome.
Thioctoyl Dipeptide-36 Amide Peg-2 Ethylamine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker supports skin health in several ways
- Antioxidant: helps neutralize free radicals created by UV rays and pollution which can lead to dull tone and fine lines keeping the formula protective and boosting overall skin resilience
- Skin Conditioning: supports a smooth soft surface by helping the skin hold on to moisture and by signaling a healthier barrier so the complexion looks refreshed
- Emollient: adds a silky slip during application filling in rough spots on the skin surface for a supple after feel without heavy grease
Who Can Use Thioctoyl Dipeptide-36 Amide Peg-2 Ethylamine
This ingredient is generally well suited for most skin types including dry, normal and combination skin thanks to its lightweight emollient feel and barrier supporting peptide portion. Oily or blemish prone skin usually tolerates it too as the molecule is small and not overly occlusive. Extremely reactive or allergy prone complexions that have had issues with alpha lipoic acid in the past should proceed carefully because the core of this compound is still derived from that acid, though the attached peptide often makes it gentler.
Because the molecule is fully synthetic and does not rely on animal sourced raw materials it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. As always, final confirmation comes down to each brand’s full supply chain so label readers may want to double-check with the manufacturer.
No formal warnings exist for pregnancy or breastfeeding. The ingredient is not known to penetrate deeply or act hormonally, yet safety data is limited. This is not medical advice and women who are pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past their doctor just to be on the safe side.
Thioctoyl Dipeptide-36 Amide Peg-2 Ethylamine does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight. In fact its antioxidant activity can help buffer against UV induced free radicals. Daily sunscreen is still essential for comprehensive protection.
The ingredient is compatible with most common actives such as niacinamide, peptides and hydrating sugars. If layered with strong exfoliating acids or retinoids apply them at separate times of day to reduce any chance of cumulative irritation.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Thioctoyl Dipeptide-36 Amide Peg-2 Ethylamine can vary from person to person. The points below list potential outcomes only and are highly unlikely to be the typical user experience. When formulated and used correctly most people will not notice any negative effects.
- Temporary warmth or mild tingling on application, especially around thin eye skin
- Light redness or irritation in very sensitive individuals
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching or small bumps
- Potential interaction with strong chemical exfoliants leading to heightened sensitivity
- Occasional clogged pores in users already prone to congestion, though the risk is low
If you experience any of the reactions listed above stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Thioctoyl Dipeptide-36 Amide Peg-2 Ethylamine is built around a water friendly PEG tail and a small peptide so it spreads easily without forming a thick occlusive film that can trap oil or debris. It contains no heavy plant butters or waxes that usually rank high on the comedogenic scale. Laboratory stability tests also show it rinses cleanly from skin after normal cleansing which further limits pore clogging potential. All of this places it at the very low end of the scale.
Suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin in most cases.
As with any ingredient the overall formula matters: pairing it with highly comedogenic oils could still raise the risk so checking the full ingredient list is wise.
Summary
Thioctoyl Dipeptide-36 Amide Peg-2 Ethylamine acts as an antioxidant, skin conditioning agent and light emollient. The alpha lipoic acid segment sweeps up free radicals, the peptide portion helps reinforce the skin barrier while signaling a smoother surface and the PEG chain gives the molecule solubility so it can be worked into lightweight serums or gels without heaviness.
It is still a niche ingredient that pops up mainly in premium anti aging or soothing formulas rather than mass market products, but formulators who want the benefits of alpha lipoic acid without its usual sting are giving it more attention each year.
Current data points to a solid safety profile with low irritation risk for most users. As with any new skincare, patch testing a small area before full use is a smart move so you can be sure your skin gets along with it.