for educational and safety purposes
Compounds for skin; copper peptides, retinoids, and the topicals studied for tone, repair, and aging.
73 sourced · 19 reference
Glutathione is the body's main intracellular antioxidant, a tripeptide that neutralizes free radicals, supplies phase-II liver detoxification, and protects cells and mitochondria from oxidative wear. Whether swallowing it raises the amount in the body is the unsettled question at the center of this compound: a single dose does nothing measurable, while months of daily dosing appear to raise body stores modestly and reversibly. Oral use is well tolerated and produces a small, temporary lightening of sun-exposed skin in controlled trials. Intravenous glutathione sold for skin whitening is a different matter and has drawn regulatory warnings.
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and the first step in making dopamine and noradrenaline: the body converts it to tyrosine, tyrosine to L-DOPA, and L-DOPA to dopamine. That chain is the entire basis for taking it, and it is also the reason to be measured about it, because supplying more of the first ingredient does not reliably speed up a pathway that is regulated further downstream. The best-supported use is not mood at all; L-phenylalanine combined with light therapy has a real if modest evidence base in vitiligo [9][10]. The critical safety fact is short and absolute: anyone with phenylketonuria must not take it [7].
GHK-Cu is the famous copper peptide that earns its cult following, a naturally occurring tripeptide that signals skin to rebuild collagen and remodel itself toward a younger profile. It drives visible firming, faster wound healing, and healthier hair while delivering copper for antioxidant defenses, and it does so gently and with excellent tolerability. For a single, time-tested anti-aging peptide that simply makes skin look better, GHK-Cu remains the classic and still-reigning pick.
The BPC-157/KPV/GHK-Cu Transdermal Serum unites three of the most respected regenerative peptides into a single topical formula built for skin, soft tissue, and recovery support. BPC-157 drives angiogenesis and tissue repair, the melanocortin fragment KPV delivers potent anti-inflammatory action, and the copper tripeptide GHK-Cu remodels collagen and rejuvenates the dermal matrix. Together they form a compelling, multi-pathway serum for anyone seeking accelerated healing and visibly healthier skin.
GLOW is a smartly built recovery blend that combines three of the best-known repair peptides, GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500, in a single vial. The logic is elegant; each covers a different slice of the healing process, so together they blanket far more ground than any one peptide could, from collagen and skin quality to tendon repair, blood-vessel growth, and cell migration. For all-around tissue support and recovery, GLOW is one of the most popular and well-reasoned peptide stacks around.
JXL069 is an experimental mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) inhibitor developed in the University of California, Los Angeles hair-biology program as a novel metabolic approach to hair loss [1][2]. By blocking pyruvate's entry into mitochondria, it pushes hair follicle stem cells toward glycolysis and lactate production, the metabolic switch that wakes these dormant cells and drives a new hair growth cycle [2]. It is closely related to PP405, a topical clinical candidate from the same line of research now advancing through trials for pattern hair loss, although JXL069 itself is sold as a research chemical [3].
KLOW is a premium four-peptide recovery blend that unites the celebrated GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 trio with the anti-inflammatory tripeptide KPV, addressing skin, gut, and connective-tissue repair alongside inflammation in one formulation. Each component contributes a distinct and complementary mechanism: GHK-Cu drives collagen and skin remodeling, BPC-157 supports tendon, ligament, and gut-lining repair, TB-500 promotes cell migration and new blood-vessel growth, and KPV calms the inflammatory signaling that slows healing. For anyone seeking a comprehensive, research-grounded approach to tissue recovery, KLOW is among the most complete blends available.
ACT-1, more commonly written αCT1 (alpha connexin carboxyl-terminal peptide), is a synthetic, cell-permeant peptide based on the carboxyl-terminal sequence of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43). It has been studied as an experimental therapeutic that modulates cell-to-cell junctions, with research spanning wound healing and scar reduction, cardiac injury, biomedical implant integration, and eye disease.
Antibalder is a topical hair-loss formulation concept rather than a single molecule, pairing the copper peptide GHK-Cu with the vasodilator minoxidil. The idea is to combine minoxidil, a well-established stimulator of hair follicles, with GHK-Cu, a copper-binding tripeptide used in skin and scalp care for its role in tissue repair. The evidence relates mainly to the two ingredients individually; there is little published data on this specific combination.
Akriderm GK is a Russian triple ointment combining the potent corticosteroid betamethasone dipropionate with the antibiotic gentamicin and the antifungal clotrimazole, for inflamed skin with suspected bacterial or fungal involvement.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 (and historically as vitamin H), is a water-soluble B vitamin that the body needs as a coenzyme for several key metabolic enzymes. It acts as an essential cofactor for carboxylase enzymes involved in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids [1]. True deficiency is rare because biotin is widespread in foods and is also made by gut bacteria, but it is a popular dietary supplement, most often marketed for hair, skin, and nail health despite limited supporting evidence in people who are not deficient [2]. High-dose biotin can also interfere with common laboratory blood tests [4].
Calcipotriol is a topical vitamin D analogue used for plaque psoriasis, alone or paired with a steroid.
Clobetasol propionate is the most potent class of topical corticosteroid, used in short courses for psoriasis, lichen planus and severe eczema.
Evening primrose oil is a fixed oil pressed from the seeds of Oenothera biennis, a North American wildflower whose blooms open at dusk. It is mostly linoleic acid (~65-75%) plus roughly 8-10% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that is uncommon in the diet. GLA is the reason people take it; the body elongates GLA into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), the precursor to the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1. It is used mainly for cyclical breast pain, PMS, skin/eczema, and menopausal symptoms.
Exomitin is a topical hydrogel carrying the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1, applied to irritated, burned or damaged skin.
Gotu kola is the common name for Centella asiatica, a small creeping herbaceous plant of the family Apiaceae that grows in wetlands across Asia and other warm regions. It has a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been used for wound healing, skin conditions, and as a tonic said to support memory and mental clarity. Its activity is attributed to a group of pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, and their related acids.
Hyaluronic acid, also called hyaluronan, is a large sugar molecule, an anionic glycosaminoglycan, found throughout the body's connective tissues, skin, joints, and eyes. It binds large amounts of water and provides lubrication and structure to the extracellular matrix. Widely used in medicine and cosmetics, it appears in joint injections for osteoarthritis, eye surgery fluids, dermal fillers, wound dressings, and oral supplements marketed for skin and joint health.
Lydase is the Russian bovine testicular hyaluronidase preparation, injected to break down hyaluronic acid in scars and contractures and, off label, to dissolve dermal filler.
Hydrocortisone 1% ointment is the mildest topical corticosteroid, used on eczema, contact dermatitis, insect bites and other itchy inflamed skin.
Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid, used chiefly for severe or treatment-resistant acne. It is regarded as the single most effective therapy for nodulocystic acne because it acts on every major factor that drives the disease, and a completed course can produce lasting remission rather than only temporary control; it is thought to shrink the sebaceous glands by increasing the transcription factor FOXO1 and reducing mTOR nutrient-sensing signaling, promoting programmed cell death of sebocytes. The same differentiating action underlies its use, at high dose, in the maintenance treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma. Owing to its potent teratogenicity it is tightly regulated in most countries and dispensed by prescription under pregnancy-prevention programs.
KY-19382 is an experimental small molecule that activates the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, investigated as a treatment for hair loss. A synthetic analogue of the natural compound indirubin-3'-monoxime, it was developed by researchers at Yonsei University in South Korea, who reported that it promotes hair regrowth and the formation of new hair follicles in laboratory and animal models [1]. It is a preclinical research compound and is not an approved medicine [1].
Matrixyl is a trade name for a family of synthetic cosmetic peptides used in anti-aging skincare, the original being palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (also written pal-KTTKS), a short chain of amino acids attached to a fatty acid. These peptides are designed as matrikines, signal fragments that mimic pieces of broken-down collagen and prompt skin cells to make new collagen and other matrix proteins [1][2]. Marketed as a topical ingredient, palmitoyl pentapeptide has been reported in a controlled study to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles [1].
Komfoderm is a Russian ointment of methylprednisolone aceponate, a non-halogenated potent corticosteroid for eczema and dermatitis.
MitoVitan is a face serum built around SkQ1, the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant developed by the Skulachev group.
MitoVitan Active is a concentrated SkQ1 solution meant to be blended into an existing cream or serum.
MT-1, also known as Melanotan-1 or afamelanotide, is a synthetic analog of the body's own alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and the first melanocortin-1 receptor agonist to reach the market. By switching on the skin's natural pigment machinery, it produces protective tanning and shields against light-induced damage. In its pharmaceutical form, afamelanotide, it is an approved medicine backed by rigorous clinical trials and decades of study.
Peptide Complex Pro 09 is a topical liquid from the Khavinson bioregulator range, combining four animal tissue peptide fractions for skin.
Potassium iodide is a simple inorganic salt whose whole reputation rests on one narrow job: flooding the thyroid with stable iodide so that radioactive iodine cannot get in. A 130 mg tablet delivers about 100 mg of iodide, and taken shortly before or at the moment of exposure it blocks at least 95 percent of the thyroid dose from inhaled or swallowed iodine-131 [6]. It protects one organ from one element. It does nothing about caesium-137, strontium-90 or external gamma radiation, and it is not a general radiation antidote [16]. Away from radiation emergencies the same iodide load is used deliberately to quieten an overactive thyroid before surgery and in thyroid storm, and, by a mechanism nobody has settled, to treat sporotrichosis and several neutrophilic skin diseases [23]. It is a drug rather than a supplement, and roughly 660 times the daily iodine requirement is not a dose anyone should be taking on a schedule.
Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin and the alcohol form of vitamin A, essential for vision, immune function, skin, and the regulation of gene activity. It is obtained from animal foods such as liver, eggs, and dairy, while plant carotenoids serve as precursors the body can convert. Widely used in dermatology and cosmetics, it is beneficial in normal amounts but toxic in excess, and is a known cause of birth defects when overconsumed during pregnancy.
Revilab Anti-A.G.E. is an oral antioxidant capsule aimed at glycation of skin collagen and elastin.
Sea moss is a red seaweed (Chondrus crispus, the true Irish moss, plus Gracilaria species often sold under the same name) that people soak into a jelly-like "gel" and stir into smoothies, or take as capsules and in blends with bladderwrack and burdock root. It is a genuine whole-food source of iodine and trace minerals, and it sets into that pudding texture thanks to a gel-forming seaweed fiber; in true Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) that fiber is carrageenan, while in the golden Gracilaria type most commonly sold today it is agar (a different gelling polysaccharide from the same red-algae family). Social media sells it hard for thyroid, immunity, gut, and skin, usually with a "92 minerals" hook; the honest read is that it is a decent mineral-and-iodine food with real but modest support, and most of the specific disease claims are traditional or anecdotal rather than proven. Its iodine is the double-edged part; helpful if you are low, but a problem in excess.
TB-500 Fragment 17-23 is a short peptide corresponding to the central actin-binding region of thymosin beta-4, a small protein found in nearly all cells that is involved in cell movement and tissue repair. Made up of the seven-amino-acid sequence LKKTETQ, this motif carries much of the parent protein's ability to encourage blood-vessel growth, wound healing, and cell migration in laboratory studies. It is sold in the peptide research-chemical market, has no approved medical use, and rests on evidence drawn almost entirely from cell and animal work.
Uroderm is a 30 percent urea ointment for thickened, scaly or cracked skin and for softening damaged nails.
Vitamin B3 is an essential water-soluble nutrient that exists in two main forms, nicotinic acid (niacin) and nicotinamide (niacinamide), both of which the body converts into the coenzymes NAD+ and NADP+ that drive hundreds of redox reactions in energy metabolism. A prolonged dietary lack causes pellagra, the deficiency disease classically remembered by the "three Ds" of dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. In pharmacologic doses nicotinic acid favorably shifts blood lipids (raising HDL while lowering LDL, triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a)) and produces the characteristic warm "niacin flush," whereas nicotinamide has neither the flush nor the lipid effects and is used mainly in dermatology. It is distinct from the dedicated NAD-boosting precursors nicotinamide riboside (NR) and NMN, which are covered in their own entries.
Pantothenic acid, better known as vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin whose central role is to serve as the building block of coenzyme A, the cofactor that carries acyl groups through energy production and the synthesis and breakdown of fats. Its name derives from the Greek pantothen, meaning "from everywhere," reflecting how widely it is distributed across foods, which makes true dietary deficiency very rare. The vitamin is present in meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, whole grains, avocados, and mushrooms, and gut bacteria contribute some as well. Its stable alcohol derivative, panthenol (dexpanthenol), is widely used in topical skincare and wound-care products as a humectant and barrier-repair agent.
Vitamin E is the collective name for a group of eight fat-soluble compounds, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, of which alpha-tocopherol is the form the body preferentially retains and the one with the greatest vitamin activity. Its principal role is as a lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from damage by free radicals. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and green vegetables, and dietary deficiency is rare, usually resulting from disorders of fat absorption rather than low intake.
Adapalene is a synthetic, third-generation topical retinoid used mainly to treat acne vulgaris. Chemically a stable naphthoic acid derivative, it acts on retinoic acid receptors in the skin to normalize the shedding of skin cells and to calm inflammation. Sold under brand names such as Differin, it was the first retinoid approved for over-the-counter acne treatment in the United States.
Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide is a fixed-dose combination medication for acne vulgaris that pairs the topical retinoid adapalene with the antimicrobial and keratolytic agent benzoyl peroxide in a single gel. Marketed under brand names such as Epiduo, it is applied to the skin and brings together two ingredients that act on different causes of acne. Combining them in one product targets several of the factors behind acne at once and can work faster than either ingredient used alone.
Ammonium lactate is a topical skin preparation made from lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, partly neutralized with ammonia to form its ammonium salt. It is used as a moisturizer and mild keratolytic to treat dry, rough, and scaly skin, including conditions such as xerosis, ichthyosis, and keratosis pilaris. It is sold in lower-strength over-the-counter products and higher-strength prescription formulations, under brand names such as AmLactin and Lac-Hydrin [1][3].
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid (chemically nonanedioic acid, a nine-carbon molecule) used mainly as a topical treatment in dermatology. It is found in cereal grains such as wheat, rye, and barley and is produced on the skin by Malassezia yeast. Applied to the skin it treats acne, rosacea, and pigmentation problems such as melasma, working through antibacterial, pore-normalizing, anti-inflammatory, and pigment-reducing actions.
Bacitracin zinc, neomycin, and polymyxin B is a topical antibiotic combination, sold over the counter as triple antibiotic ointment under brand names such as Neosporin. Blended into a petroleum-jelly base, the three antibiotics attack bacteria in complementary ways and together cover a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. It is applied to minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to lower the chance of skin infection while a wound heals.
Bimatoprost is a synthetic prostaglandin analog, specifically a prostamide, used to lower pressure inside the eye. Its main medical role is in treating open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, where it reduces intraocular pressure by increasing the drainage of fluid from the eye [1]. A well-known side effect, longer and darker eyelashes, led to a second approved use as a cosmetic treatment for sparse lashes, marketed as Latisse [3]. It is applied as a once-daily eye drop or, for lashes, as a topical solution, and is sold under brand names including Lumigan.
Brimonidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist used mainly as an eye medication. It lowers pressure inside the eye in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, and in other formulations it reduces facial redness in rosacea and relieves everyday eye redness. It was patented in 1972 and came into medical use in 1996.
Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic, a semisynthetic derivative of lincomycin, that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding the 50S ribosomal subunit at the peptidyl transferase center and blocking the nascent peptide exit tunnel. It is active against many Gram-positive cocci and anaerobes and is used for skin and soft-tissue, dental, and bone infections as well as some MRSA disease. A distinctive feature is its ability to suppress translation of bacterial exotoxins independent of bactericidal killing, which makes it a valued adjunctive agent in streptococcal and staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing soft-tissue infection, where it curbs production of superantigens and Panton-Valentine leukocidin. Because it also disables the apicoplast of apicomplexan parasites, clindamycin serves as an antimalarial partner drug and in the treatment of toxoplasmosis and babesiosis. Its principal drawback is a comparatively high risk of Clostridioides difficile colitis.
Cyproterone acetate / ethinylestradiol is a combination medication that pairs cyproterone acetate, a progestin with strong antiandrogen activity, with ethinylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen. Sold under brand names such as Diane-35 and Dianette, it is used mainly to treat androgen-related skin conditions in women, including moderate to severe acne, seborrhea, and excess hair growth (hirsutism), while also acting as a hormonal contraceptive. Because it carries a higher risk of blood clots than some other combined pills, its use is generally reserved for these specific indications rather than contraception alone.
Eflornithine, also known as alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), is a medication that irreversibly inhibits the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase, a key step in the body's production of polyamines. It is used to treat West African sleeping sickness (the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis), to slow unwanted facial hair growth in a topical form, and more recently to reduce the risk of relapse in high-risk neuroblastoma.
Estriol, abbreviated E3, is a naturally occurring steroid hormone and one of the three principal estrogens, alongside estradiol and estrone. It is a comparatively weak estrogen that is barely detectable in non-pregnant women but is produced in large amounts by the placenta during pregnancy. Because it is gentle in its effects, it is used medically, chiefly in Europe, to relieve menopausal vaginal symptoms, and its level in a mother's blood is measured as part of prenatal screening tests.
Glutathione and kojic acid is a combination of two agents used together in cosmetic skin-lightening and brightening products. Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant tripeptide that can shift melanin production toward lighter pigments, while kojic acid is a fungal-derived compound that inhibits tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanin synthesis. Marketed in creams, soaps, and oral supplements, the pairing is intended to reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, although the strength of the clinical evidence varies.
Glutathione, kojic acid, and glycolic acid is a three-ingredient combination used in cosmetic skin-lightening and brightening formulations. It joins two agents that reduce melanin production, the antioxidant peptide glutathione and the tyrosinase inhibitor kojic acid, with glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the surface of the skin. The blend is designed to fade hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone and texture by combining pigment-reducing and exfoliating actions.
Glycolic acid is the smallest of the alpha-hydroxy acids, a colorless, odorless, water-soluble crystalline compound found naturally in sugarcane and some fruits. In industry it is used in textiles, adhesives, and as a chemical building block, but it is best known in dermatology, where it is a widely used ingredient in exfoliating skincare products and chemical peels. Its small size allows it to penetrate the skin readily, loosening the bonds between surface cells and promoting exfoliation and renewal.
Human placenta extract is a preparation derived from human placental tissue, typically processed into a hydrolysate that concentrates amino acids, peptides, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules. It has been used mainly in parts of East Asia, particularly Korea and Japan, where injectable forms are prescribed for indications such as menopausal symptoms, fatigue, and liver complaints. Its use elsewhere is limited, and much of the clinical research is small in scale.
Hydrocortisone acetate is the acetate ester of hydrocortisone (cortisol), a glucocorticoid corticosteroid used mainly as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent. It is applied to the skin for irritation, itching and eczema, given rectally for hemorrhoid symptoms, and injected into joints or soft tissue to calm inflammation. Adding an acetate group at the steroid's 21-position slows its breakdown and changes how readily it is absorbed.
Hydroquinone is an aromatic organic compound, a benzene-1,4-diol (para-dihydroxybenzene) belonging to the phenol family. In medicine and cosmetics it is the classic topical skin-lightening agent, used to fade melasma, age spots and other hyperpigmentation by curbing the skin's production of melanin. The same molecule also serves industrial roles as a photographic developer, an antioxidant and a polymerization inhibitor.
Hydroquinone + Octinoxate + Oxybenzone is a combined topical preparation that pairs the skin-lightening agent hydroquinone with two organic ultraviolet filters, octinoxate and oxybenzone. It is used to treat melasma and other facial hyperpigmentation, with hydroquinone fading existing pigment while the sunscreen filters shield the treated skin from the ultraviolet light that darkens it. The formula reflects the standard clinical principle that pigment-lightening therapy works best alongside daily photoprotection.
Hydroquinone + Tretinoin + Fluocinolone Acetonide is a triple-combination topical cream used to treat melasma, a chronic facial hyperpigmentation. It brings together a depigmenting agent (hydroquinone), a retinoid (tretinoin) and a low-potency corticosteroid (fluocinolone acetonide) in a single formulation. Marketed in the United States as Tri-Luma and rooted in the older Kligman formula, it is widely regarded as one of the most effective topical treatments for melasma.
Hydroquinone + Tretinoin + Mometasone is a triple-combination topical cream used to lighten melasma and other facial hyperpigmentation. It is a modified version of the classic Kligman formula, pairing the depigmenting agent hydroquinone and the retinoid tretinoin with mometasone, a stronger corticosteroid than the fluocinolone used in the original. The formulation is widely prescribed and sold in some regions, though the more potent steroid raises particular safety concerns.
Imiquimod is a topical immune response modifier of the imidazoquinoline class that works as an agonist of toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7). Applied as a skin cream, it is used to treat external genital warts, actinic keratosis, and superficial basal cell carcinoma by prompting the body's own immune system to attack abnormal or virus-infected cells. It was first approved in 1997 and is marketed under the brand name Aldara among others.
Ketoconazole is a synthetic antifungal medication of the imidazole class, used to treat fungal infections of the skin and, less commonly, the body. It was the first orally active azole antifungal, and it is widely used in topical form, including as a medicated shampoo for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis [1]. Besides its antifungal action it interferes with the body's production of steroid hormones, a property exploited in certain hormone-related conditions but also responsible for endocrine side effects; oral use is now restricted because of a risk of liver injury [1][2].
Minocycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline class, used to treat a range of bacterial infections and, notably, moderate to severe acne. It works by binding the bacterial ribosome and halting protein synthesis, which stops susceptible bacteria from multiplying. First patented in 1961 and introduced for clinical use in 1971, it is a prescription medicine sold as a generic; its high fat solubility has also made it a subject of research into non-antibiotic effects such as neuroprotection.
Mometasone furoate is a synthetic corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) with strong anti-inflammatory activity, used for a range of allergic and inflammatory conditions. It is applied to the skin for inflammatory rashes, sprayed into the nose for hay fever and nasal polyps, and inhaled to help control asthma. Patented in 1981 and introduced in the late 1980s, it appears on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines and is available generically.
Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic, originally derived from the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens, used to treat superficial skin infections and to clear Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, from the nose. Its active ingredient is pseudomonic acid, which stops bacteria from making proteins by blocking a specific bacterial enzyme. Sold under brand names such as Bactroban, it is a prescription medicine on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines and is applied as a cream, ointment or nasal preparation.
Oclacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used in veterinary medicine to control itching in dogs. Sold under the brand name Apoquel, it is given by mouth to relieve the pruritus of allergic dermatitis and to manage atopic dermatitis in dogs at least a year old. Developed by the animal-health company Zoetis, it was approved in the United States in 2013 and works by dampening the cell-signaling pathways that carry itch and inflammation, including those driven by the cytokine interleukin-31. It is a prescription veterinary medicine and is not approved for use in humans.
Pimecrolimus is a topical calcineurin inhibitor, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cream used to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis). Sold under the brand name Elidel, it calms the overactive immune response in the skin by blocking a signaling enzyme inside immune cells, and unlike corticosteroids it does not cause skin thinning, which makes it useful on delicate areas such as the face. It is generally reserved for when standard treatments are unsuitable or ineffective, and it carries a boxed warning about a theoretical cancer risk that later research has not supported.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid and one of the best known dermatological agents, taking its name from the willow tree (Latin salix) from which its precursor salicin was first isolated. It is used widely on the skin as a keratolytic to treat acne, warts, dandruff, psoriasis, and other conditions in which the outer layer of skin thickens or sheds abnormally. It is also the parent compound of aspirin, and in plants it functions as a signaling hormone.
Tacrolimus, originally known as FK-506, is a macrolide immunosuppressant of the calcineurin-inhibitor class. It was discovered in the 1980s from a soil bacterium and is used mainly to prevent rejection after organ transplantation and, as an ointment, to treat eczema. By blocking a signaling pathway in T cells, it suppresses the immune responses that would otherwise attack transplanted tissue.
Tazarotene is a topical retinoid, a vitamin-A-derived compound of the third generation, used on the skin to treat acne, plaque psoriasis, and signs of sun-related aging. It is applied as a gel, cream, lotion, or foam and works as a prodrug that the skin converts into its active form, tazarotenic acid. Like other retinoids, it is avoided during pregnancy.
Terbinafine is an antifungal drug of the allylamine class, used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, most notably onychomycosis of the nails and dermatophyte infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot. It works by blocking squalene epoxidase, an enzyme fungi need to build their cell membranes, which makes it fungicidal rather than merely slowing growth. Terbinafine is available as oral tablets for deeper or nail infections and as topical creams for superficial skin conditions [2].
Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound widely used as a mineral, or physical, sunscreen active ingredient. Applied to the skin, it provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB ultraviolet light, and it is regarded as one of the most photostable and gentle of the sunscreen filters. The same compound is used in barrier creams for diaper rash and in calamine lotion as a skin protectant.
AHK (Tripeptide-3) is a copper-binding signal peptide, the alanine-histidine-lysine tripeptide prized in advanced hair and skin formulations. Its histidine and lysine residues grip copper to form the bioactive complex AHK-Cu, which has been shown to lengthen human hair follicles and energize the dermal papilla cells that drive hair growth. A close cousin of the celebrated copper peptide GHK, it is sought out as a next-level cosmetic peptide for hair density, skin renewal, and regeneration.
SNAP-8, or acetyl octapeptide-3, is a topical cosmetic peptide used to soften expression lines. It is designed to reduce the muscle contractions that etch fine lines by mimicking a segment of the SNAP-25 protein and competing within the SNARE complex that nerve endings use to release acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, a needle-free echo of how botulinum toxin relaxes muscles. Delivered in creams and, increasingly, in dissolving microneedle patches, it has a small clinical literature reporting measurable wrinkle improvement.
Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is a retinoid and derivative of vitamin A used both on the skin, for acne and photoaging, and by mouth to treat a form of blood cancer called acute promyelocytic leukemia. It works by binding nuclear receptors that regulate gene activity; in leukemia this drives the malignant promyelocytes to mature into normal neutrophils rather than killing them directly, an approach known as differentiation therapy that greatly improved the prognosis of the disease, while in photoaged skin it restores the type I collagen degraded by ultraviolet exposure. Marketed under names such as Retin-A and Vesanoid, it is a prescription medicine on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
MT-2 (Melanotan II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors, most notably MC1R and MC4R. Through MC1R activation it stimulates melanogenesis, producing durable skin darkening with reduced ultraviolet exposure, while central MC4R activation drives pro-erectile and pro-sexual effects that were demonstrated in early human trials of erectile dysfunction and later informed development of the approved drug bremelanotide. Preclinical work has additionally characterized its capacity to suppress food intake, reduce adiposity and improve insulin sensitivity, promote peripheral nerve regeneration and neuroprotection, and stimulate central oxytocin pathways; the last of these underlies reports of rescued social behavior in a rodent model of autism. MT-2 remains an unapproved research compound, and its unregulated recreational use has been linked to adverse events including nausea, rhabdomyolysis, renal injury and case reports of melanoma arising in heavily pigmented skin.
CB-03-01, known as clascoterone, is a first-in-class topical androgen receptor inhibitor and the first genuinely new mechanism approved for acne in decades. Applied directly to the skin, it blocks androgen signaling in the sebaceous gland without the systemic hormonal effects of oral antiandrogens. For those seeking targeted, well-tolerated hormonal control of acne, clascoterone is a landmark advance.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant of the genus Aloe (family Asphodelaceae) whose fleshy leaves yield two distinct materials: a clear inner gel and a bitter yellow latex. The inner gel is used widely in topical skin and wound products, in cosmetics, and as an ingredient in beverages and foods, while the latex has historically served as a stimulant laxative. Evidence is strongest for topical use on minor burns and skin healing; oral uses, including effects on blood glucose, are studied but less consistent.
Argireline is a trade name for acetyl hexapeptide-3 (also called acetyl hexapeptide-8), a synthetic six-amino-acid peptide used as an anti-wrinkle ingredient in cosmetics. Introduced in the early 2000s, it is marketed as a topical, needle-free alternative to botulinum toxin, on the idea that it can relax the small facial muscle contractions that form expression lines. Its peptide sequence mimics part of a natural protein involved in nerve-to-muscle signaling, and the evidence for its effect, while suggestive, is limited.
Biotinoyl GHK, sold as Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, is the copper peptide GHK with a biotin group attached to its N-terminus. It reaches consumers almost entirely inside Procapil, a three-part hair blend. ⚠️ Two things make it much weaker than its reputation. The biotin caps the exact chemical site GHK uses to carry copper, so it cannot work the way GHK-Cu is supposed to. And the whole of PubMed holds three papers on biotinylated GHK, none of which measures a single target.
Collagen peptides, also called hydrolyzed collagen or collagen hydrolysate, are short chains of amino acids produced by breaking down collagen, the main structural protein of animal skin, bone and connective tissue [1]. Sold as a nearly tasteless, water-soluble powder made from bovine, porcine or fish sources, they are a popular dietary supplement marketed for skin, joint, bone and nail health [1]. Several controlled trials have reported improvements in skin elasticity, hydration and wrinkles with regular intake, while claims for joints and bones rest on more limited evidence [2][3][4].
Crisaborole (Eucrisa) is a boron-containing, non-steroidal topical PDE4 inhibitor, FDA-approved in December 2016 for mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) in patients aged three months and older. Two pivotal Phase 3 trials showed superior skin clearance and itch relief versus vehicle with a favorable safety profile. Honesty note: this is a skin drug with negligible systemic absorption and no CNS or cognition relevance whatsoever; it is included here only for PDE4-class completeness, not as a nootropic.
Decapeptide-12 is a synthetic peptide made of ten amino acids that is used in cosmetic skincare as a skin-brightening agent, best known under the trade name Lumixyl. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme that controls the pace of melanin production, and was developed as a gentler alternative to the traditional lightening agent hydroquinone. Applied to the skin, usually as part of a multi-step brightening routine, it has been studied mainly for melasma and other forms of facial hyperpigmentation. It is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient rather than a drug, and the clinical evidence for it comes from a small number of studies.
Difamilast (Moizerto) is a selective, PDE4B-preferring topical PDE4 inhibitor and the first PDE4 inhibitor approved in Japan (2021) for atopic dermatitis in patients aged two years and older. Two Phase 3 trials in adults and children showed clear eczema clearance superior to vehicle with a rapid antipruritic effect. Like crisaborole, it is a skin drug with negligible systemic exposure and no CNS or cognition evidence; included here for PDE4-class completeness, not as a nootropic.
Ferulic acid is a naturally occurring plant compound, a type of hydroxycinnamic acid, best known as a dietary antioxidant. It is abundant in the cell walls of grains, seeds and other plants, where it is bound to fibers and helps give the walls their rigidity. It is widely used as an antioxidant ingredient in foods and in skincare products, often paired with vitamins C and E.
Gelatin is a translucent, colorless, and nearly flavorless protein obtained from collagen, the main structural protein of animal skin, bone, and connective tissue. Produced by partially breaking collagen down, it dissolves in warm water and sets into a reversible gel on cooling, a property that makes it a widely used gelling and thickening agent [1]. It is employed across the food, pharmaceutical, and photographic industries and forms the shells of most capsules and many gummy confections [1][2].
Gamma-linolenic acid, abbreviated GLA, is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in a small number of plant seed oils, notably evening primrose, borage, and blackcurrant seed oils. The body can also make it from the common dietary fat linoleic acid, and it serves as a precursor to compounds with anti-inflammatory activity [1][2]. It is sold as a dietary supplement and has been studied for skin conditions such as eczema and for inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis [2][3].
JXL082 is an experimental small-molecule inhibitor of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) investigated as a topical candidate for hair loss. It belongs to a family of MPC-blocking compounds related to the prototype UK-5099 and the clinical candidate PP405, which are studied for their ability to reawaken dormant hair-follicle stem cells [1][4]. JXL082 has not been the subject of any published peer-reviewed human trial and exists as a preclinical research chemical; it has also been offered informally through online sellers outside approved medical channels.
Pal-GHK, also known as palmitoyl tripeptide-1, is a synthetic cosmetic peptide made by attaching a palmitic acid chain to the human tripeptide GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine). The fatty acid tail makes the peptide more lipophilic so it can better penetrate the skin, where GHK-based signals are known to stimulate collagen and support extracellular matrix repair. It is used as a signaling ingredient in anti-aging skincare rather than as a medicine.
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a synthetic cosmetic peptide; a short six-amino-acid chain with a palmitic acid (a fatty acid) tail attached so it sits better in the skin's lipid layers. It is used topically in anti-aging and conditioning skincare, marketed to support the look of firmness and smoothness. This is a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug, and the systemic (whole-body) evidence for it is limited.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, sold under the name Rigin, is a synthetic cosmetic peptide; a four-amino-acid chain (glycine-glutamine-proline-arginine) with a palmitic acid tail to help it settle into the skin. It is used topically as an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory skincare ingredient, marketed on the idea that it dampens a signaling molecule called interleukin-6. It is a cosmetic ingredient, and the strongest data comes from manufacturer testing rather than large independent trials.
Phloretin is a dihydrochalcone, a naturally occurring plant phenol found in apples, apple tree leaves, and the Manchurian apricot. It is the aglycone of phlorizin, meaning the sugar-free core of that better-known apple compound, and it is studied chiefly as an antioxidant and as an inhibitor of glucose transport across cell membranes. Phloretin appears as an ingredient in some skincare products and is a subject of laboratory research, but it is not an approved medicine.
SYN-AKE is a synthetic cosmetic peptide (INCI: dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate) designed to mimic Waglerin-1, a component of temple viper venom that reversibly blocks the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In topical skincare it is marketed as a "botox-like" ingredient meant to relax small facial muscle contractions and soften the look of expression lines. Its claims are cosmetic and surface-level, not a substitute for injectable treatments.
Tremella fuciformis, commonly called snow fungus or silver ear, is a gelatinous white jelly fungus in the family Tremellaceae, valued as both a food and a traditional remedy in East Asia [1]. It is cultivated widely and used in Chinese and other Asian cuisines, typically in sweet dessert soups, and it is studied for bioactive polysaccharides linked to effects on skin hydration, immunity, and cognition [2][3]. As a food-derived fungus, it is generally treated as a culinary or supplemental ingredient rather than a drug.
Vialox is a synthetic cosmetic peptide (pentapeptide-3, also called pentapeptide-3V) marketed as a topical "botox-like" muscle-relaxing ingredient. It is described as antagonizing the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, so that fine facial muscles contract less and expression lines appear softened. Its claims are cosmetic and surface-level, not equivalent to injectable treatments.
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide, made up of the amino acids glycine, histidine, and lysine, that is found in human blood plasma and other body fluids. It binds copper ions with high affinity to form the complex known as GHK-Cu, and its concentration in the blood declines with age [1][3]. First isolated in 1973, it has been studied for roles in wound healing and tissue repair and is used as an ingredient in skin-care products [2][3].
