Question 1

What does sh-Polypeptide-1 do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is a skin-conditioning bioactive used in leave-on products to support signaling claims around smoother, firmer-looking skin. It is typically included in serums, creams, and post-procedure-style formulas at very low levels.

Question 2

Is sh-Polypeptide-1 clean?

Accepted Answer

From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient sits in a debated zone: it is not a classic restricted-list material, but its recombinant origin and protein-sensitization potential call for strong supplier documentation. Tolerance is usually driven by purity, preservation, and the overall formula rather than by bulk dose.

Question 3

Is sh-Polypeptide-1 sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is typically made by controlled fermentation rather than extraction from animal tissue, and the protein itself is expected to break down enzymatically. The main sustainability questions are energy use, sterile processing, purification yield, and GMO containment documentation.

Question 4

Is sh-Polypeptide-1 COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is generally a poor fit for COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic when produced through recombinant GMO fermentation, because GMO-derived materials are not accepted. Its Green Chemistry profile is mixed: fermentation can be precise and low-waste, but alignment depends on non-GMO status, biodegradability, and purification chemistry.

Question 5

How does sh-Polypeptide-1 work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is a recombinant, single-chain polypeptide with a defined amino-acid sequence, so formulators treat it like a water-compatible protein rather than an oil-soluble active. It is typically used at ppm or sub-ppm levels in mild, water-based systems and needs low heat, moderate pH, and compatibility checks with surfactants, salts, preservatives, and protease contamination.