Hexapeptide-48 HCl is a chemical compound, peptide, included in the formula of cosmetic products as a skin conditioning and protective agent and with anti-wrinkle and anti-aging function. Like many peptides used in skin care, it is designed to mimic certain sequences and functions of natural proteins in the skin, promoting processes such as collagen synthesis or inhibiting muscle contraction, depending on the formulation.

The name defines the structure of the molecule

• Hexapeptide refers to a peptide, which is a chain of amino acids, and "hexa" means that there are six amino acids in the chain.
• 48 refer to a specific designation of the peptide, related to the particular sequence of amino acids or a patented form.
• HCl indicates that the compound is a hydrochloride salt. The addition of hydrochloric acid (HCl) can enhance the solubility of the peptide, making it easier to use in cosmetic formulations.

Description of raw materials used in production

Specific Amino Acids. The amino acids needed to synthesize the specific hexapeptide.

Hydrochloride (HCl). Used to form the hydrochloride version of the hexapeptide.

Solvents. Such as water, methanol, or other suitable solvents for peptide synthesis.

Protecting Agents. Used to protect functional groups during synthesis.

Catalysts. Used to facilitate the formation of the peptide bond.

Step-by-step industrial chemical synthesis process

• Synthesis of Amino Acids. The required amino acids may be synthesized or purchased as raw materials.
• Protection of Functional Groups. Some functional groups of the amino acids may be protected to prevent unwanted reactions during synthesis.
• Peptide Bond Formation. The amino acids are joined together in a specific sequence using peptide coupling reactions.
• Removal of Protecting Groups. The protecting groups are removed to reveal the desired peptide structure.
• Formation of Hydrochloride. The peptide is converted to its hydrochloride form using hydrochloric acid.
• Purification. The peptide is purified using techniques like chromatography.
• Formulation. The peptide may be formulated into cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.

It is produced by chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis.

What it is used for and where

Peptides are natural products, protein fragments, consisting of at least two amino acids and have the ability to regulate some physiological processes: immunity, defense, growth, reproduction. In dermatology and cosmetics their use concerns the correct development of pigmentation, inflammation and as signal modulators of the extracellular matrix component. 

Fish are a relatively recent source of bioactive peptides and proteins used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for the anti-aging, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the active ingredients. Peptides derived from the marine environment year a broad spectrum of bioactivities: antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, calcium binding, and obesity control (1).

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants.

Commercial applications

Anti-Aging Products. Used in anti-aging serums, creams, and lotions to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Skin Care. Incorporated into skin care products to promote skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness.

Properties

Regenerative. May stimulate cellular processes that promote skin regeneration and repair.

Moisturizing. Helps to retain moisture in the skin, making it look more hydrated and radiant.

Anti-Aging. Aids in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, promoting a more youthful-looking skin.

References___________________________________________________________________

(1) Pangestuti R, Kim SK. Bioactive Peptide of Marine Origin for the Prevention and Treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases. Mar Drugs. 2017 Mar 9;15(3):67. doi: 10.3390/md15030067.

Abstract. Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The four main leading causes of NCD are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases and diabetes. Recognizing the devastating impact of NCD, novel prevention and treatment strategies are extensively sought. Marine organisms are considered as an important source of bioactive peptides that can exert biological functions to prevent and treatment of NCD. Recent pharmacological investigations reported cardio protective, anticancer, antioxidative, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity effects of marine-derived bioactive peptides. Moreover, there is available evidence supporting the utilization of marine organisms and its bioactive peptides to alleviate NCD. Marine-derived bioactive peptides are alternative sources for synthetic ingredients that can contribute to a consumer's well-being, as a part of nutraceuticals and functional foods. This contribution focus on the bioactive peptides derived from marine organisms and elaborates its possible prevention and therapeutic roles in NCD.