Tripeptide-85

Tripeptide-85 is a synthetic peptide made of three amino acids: glutamine, phenylalanine, and valine.

This peptide is mainly marketed for oily skin and enlarged pores because it targets a biological pathway involved in sebogensis, or how sebaceous glands make oil. It works by targeting one of the signals that tells your sebaceous glands to make oil.

Specifically, it interacts with something called MC5R, a receptor involved in oil production by "turning down" this signal and lowering sebum production.

In lab studies using oil-producing skin cells, the peptide reduced the formation of lipid (oil) droplets and lowered markers linked to sebum production. In small real-world testing, it was also reported to reduce visible oiliness.

One supplier using a blend (Tripeptide-85 + Propanediol) reported reduced oiliness within hours and reduced sebum after 2 weeks in their testing.

Just remember this is an oil-control active and not a guaranteed "acne cure" or "oil cure". Though we have supplier testing claims, these are not the same as independent clinical trials.