SH-oligopeptide-9 ("sh" is the acronym for "synthetic and human") is a recombinant, synthetic, human oligopeptide. "Oligopeptides" generally refers to a linear peptide chain of up to 10 amino acids (usually alpha-amino acids) linked together by peptide bonds (amide bonds).
The starter gene is an exact, synthetic copy of the human gene coding for enkephalin. SH-oligopeptide-9 refers to the synthetic oligopeptide-9 (enkephalin) produced by genetically manipulated E. coli strains using bioengineering technologies.
SH-oligopeptide-9 is used in cosmetic formulations. The peptide mixture acts as a humectant (preserves skin moisture or binds moisture in cosmetic products), skin care product (keeps the skin in good condition) and as a skin protection agent (protects the skin from external influences).