SH-Octapeptide-4 is a recombinant, synthetic, human peptide that is biochemically identical to the protein, enkephalin. SH-octapeptide-4 contains 8 amino acids including the amino acids glycine, histidine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine and tyrosine.
SH-octapeptide-4 is used in cosmetic formulations. The peptide mixture acts as an antioxidant (prevents or delays the decomposition of active agents and auxiliary substances in extemporaneous formulations even in low concentrations), chelating agent (binds metal ions which could negatively influence the stability and quality of cosmetic products), anti-dandruff agent, reducing agent as well as skin protection preparation.