INCI Name: Nonapeptide-1

CAS: 158563-45-2

Molecular Formula: C₆₁H₈₇N₁₅O₉S

Nonapeptide-1 is an alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) antagonist that can reduce melanin production and has a whitening effect.

Product Information:

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a short peptide consisting of 13 amino acids. When α-MSH binds to its receptor (MC1R), it will activate the downstream melanin synthesis pathway, resulting in increased melanin production and skin darkening. Nonapeptide-1, a biomimetic peptide designed to mimic the sequence of α-MSH, competitively inhibits the binding of α-MSH to MC1R. By blocking the melanin synthesis pathway, Nonapeptide-1 can effectively reduce melanin production at its source, leading to skin whitening effects.

Reference: C. Li et al., Biomolecules, 2022, 12(12), 1874.

Efficacy:

Experimental conditions: B16F0 cells; Blank control: complete medium; Test group: Nonapeptide-1+200 J/cm² UVB

Results: Nonapeptide-1 can inhibit the generation of melanin in a concentration-dependent manner.

Experimental conditions: Human epidermal melanocytes; Blank control: Cell culture medium; Negative control: 15 J/cm² UVA; Test group: 15 J/cm² UVA+30 ppm nonapeptide-1

Results: Nonapeptide-1 can effectively inhibit the expression of Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase, resulting in a brightening and whitening effect.

Reference: J. Chen et al., Postepy Dermatol. Alergol., 2022, 39(2), 327, 335.

Safety:

Nonapeptide-1 exhibits no cytotoxicity within the tested concentration range (0−1000 ppm). It has been extensively utilized in various skincare products, with no reported adverse reactions.

Formulation Guidelines:

–  Recommended level of use: 50−500 ppm

–  Nonapeptide-1 is highly soluble in water and is compatible with most of cosmetic active ingredients.

–  Nonapeptide-1 has high biological activity, and should be processed below 45 °C and added at the final stage of formulation.