Hexapeptide-2 Raw Material Manufacturer: The Role and Applications of Hexapeptide-2 in Cosmetics
Publish Time:
2025-11-26
Melanin biosynthesis occurs in melanosomes, which are located in the basal layer of the epidermis within melanocytes. The key enzymes involved in melanin biosynthesis—tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)—are first synthesized in the Golgi apparatus and then transported to the melanosomes, where they catalyze the synthesis and storage of melanin. Melanosomes carrying melanin are subsequently transported into keratinocytes. Skin pigmentation arises precisely from the accumulation of melanin in keratinocytes. * The melanin formation process involves three key enzymes: tyrosinase (TYR), DHICA oxidase (TRP-1), and dopachrome tautomerase (TRP-2). Moreover, numerous signaling pathways are implicated in this process, including the MC1R/α-MSH signaling pathway, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, among others.
Whitide® II Hexapeptide-2 is a biomimetic whitening peptide antagonist of α-MSH. Its chemical structure exhibits excellent affinity for MC1-R. It can bind to MC1-R on melanocytes ahead of time, blocking the signaling pathway of α-MSH and thereby inhibiting melanin production. It is widely used in cosmetics such as brightening serums, whitening creams, concealing creams, foundations, and hand creams.
The melanin synthesis assay using B16F10 cells showed that, compared to the model group, the melanin synthesis inhibition rates induced by 1%, 0.1%, and 0.01% of Whitide® II hexapeptide-2 were 69.38%, 46.31%, and 11.59%, respectively, demonstrating statistically significant differences.
The chemical structure of Hexapeptide-2 exhibits excellent affinity for MC1-R as well. It can bind to MC1-R on melanocytes ahead of time, blocking the signaling pathway of α-MSH and thereby inhibiting melanin production. Furthermore, based on epigenetic studies, Hexapeptide-2 suppresses melanin synthesis at the genetic level by regulating the expression of two miRNAs—miR-29 and miR-218—while simultaneously promoting collagen synthesis, thus achieving a multi-faceted whitening effect.*
Results from semi-face human testing on 35 Asian subjects (whitening test cycle: 56 days; anti-wrinkle test cycle: 42 days) show that 1% hexapeptide-2 exhibits effects such as skin brightening, reduction of hyperpigmentation and redness, and improvement of dullness. Additionally, it can reduce the number, area, depth, and length of wrinkles.
