Peptide profile
Ceramide Peptide (Hexapeptide-11)
Hexapeptide for ceramide synthesis and barrier repair
Compare Ceramide Peptide (Hexapeptide-11) with other peptides →Summary
A tiny protein that helps fix and protect your skin.
- Typical dose
- 2-5% concentration 1-2x daily
- Route
- Topical
- Cycle length
- Ongoing
- Evidence
- Limited human data
Mechanism
How it works
Ceramide peptide acts like a brick-and-mortar factory for your skin — it produces more of the fatty 'mortar' that holds skin cells together and locks in moisture.
Hexapeptide-11 upregulates serine palmitoyltransferase, the rate-limiting enzyme in ceramide synthesis, restoring skin barrier lipids.
Reported in research
Benefits
- Helps your skin make more of its own natural oils
- Fixes your skin's protective shield
- Helps your skin hold onto water
- Calms dry and easily upset skin
Context, not a prescription
Dosing
- Typical range
- 2-5% concentration 1-2x daily (Topical)
- Cycle length
- Ongoing
Safety
Side effects & contraindications
Possible side effects
- Minimal; very well tolerated
- Mild tingling (rare)
- Contact dermatitis
Contraindications
- Known peptide sensitivity
Research information, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician before considering any peptide.
In depth
Full profile
What it does
A stronger skin shield, less water loss, and less redness or sensitivity.
How it works
Think of your skin like a brick wall. This peptide makes more 'glue' that holds the bricks together. That glue also keeps water locked in.
It sinks into your skin's top layer. Then it tells your skin to make more of its natural oils.
What to expect
Your skin shield gets better in 2 to 4 weeks.
- Weeks 1-2: Less dry and flaky skin.
- Weeks 3-4: Skin feels more hydrated and tougher.
- Weeks 6-8: A stronger shield against things that bug your skin.
Good to know
- Test it on a small spot first
- Put it on damp skin
Staying safe
- Almost none; very gentle and easy on skin
- A little tingling (rare)
Avoid if you have:
- People who react badly to peptides
Mechanism of action
Hexapeptide-11 upregulates serine palmitoyltransferase, the rate-limiting enzyme in ceramide synthesis, restoring skin barrier lipids.
Penetrates stratum corneum, activates gene expression for ceramide synthase enzymes.
Pharmacodynamics
Barrier improvement within 2-4 weeks.
Strengthened skin barrier, reduced moisture loss, less sensitivity and redness.
Timeline
- Weeks 1-2: Reduced dryness and flaking.
- Weeks 3-4: Improved skin hydration and resilience.
- Weeks 6-8: Stronger barrier against irritants.
Comparisons
- Ceramide Peptide — effectiveness Moderate, safety Excellent, cost $$, Very Easy to use
- Niacinamide — effectiveness High, safety Excellent, cost $, Very Easy to use
Adverse effects
Common:
- Minimal; very well tolerated
- Mild tingling (rare)
Rare:
- Contact dermatitis
Contraindications & risk mitigation
Contraindicated in:
- Known peptide sensitivity
- Patch test before use
- Apply to damp skin
Qué hace
Un escudo cutáneo más fuerte, menos pérdida de agua y menos enrojecimiento o sensibilidad.
Cómo funciona
Imagina tu piel como un muro de ladrillos. Este péptido produce más 'pegamento' que une los ladrillos. Ese pegamento también mantiene el agua dentro.
Se absorbe en la capa superior de tu piel. Luego le indica a tu piel que produzca más de sus aceites naturales.
Qué esperar
Tu escudo cutáneo mejora en 2 a 4 semanas.
- Semanas 1-2: Menos piel seca y con escamas.
- Semanas 3-4: La piel se siente más hidratada y resistente.
- Semanas 6-8: Un escudo más fuerte contra lo que irrita tu piel.
Bueno saber
- Pruébalo en una pequeña zona primero
- Apócalo sobre la piel húmeda
Manteniéndose seguro
- Casi ninguno; muy suave y delicado con la piel
- Un poco de hormigueo (raro)
Evitar si tienes:
- Personas que reaccionan mal a los péptidos
Mecanismo de acción
El Hexapéptido-11 regula al alza la serina palmitoiltransferasa, la enzima limitante en la síntesis de ceramidas, restaurando los lípidos de la barrera cutánea.
Penetra el estrato córneo y activa la expresión génica de las enzimas ceramida sintasa.
Farmacodinamia
Mejora de la barrera en 2-4 semanas.
Barrera cutánea fortalecida, menor pérdida de humedad, menos sensibilidad y enrojecimiento.
Cronología
- Semanas 1-2: Reducción de la sequedad y la descamación.
- Semanas 3-4: Mejora de la hidratación y la resistencia de la piel.
- Semanas 6-8: Barrera más fuerte contra irritantes.
Comparaciones
- Péptido de Ceramida — efectividad Moderada, seguridad Excelente, costo $$, Muy fácil de usar
- Niacinamida — efectividad Alta, seguridad Excelente, costo $, Muy fácil de usar
Efectos adversos
Comunes:
- Mínimos; muy bien tolerado
- Hormigueo leve (raro)
Raros:
- Dermatitis de contacto
Contraindicaciones y mitigación de riesgos
Contraindicado en:
- Sensibilidad conocida a péptidos
- Prueba de parche antes del uso
- Aplicar sobre la piel húmeda
Reference data
Specifications
- Route
- Topical
- Cycle length
- Ongoing
FAQ
Common questions
Can I use this with retinoids?
Yes, it complements retinoids by repairing the barrier that retinoids may disrupt.
Is it good for eczema?
Yes, by boosting natural ceramides, it's beneficial for eczema-prone skin.
What is the evidence level?
This compound is classified as Limited human data. Some human data exists but trials are small, short-term, or not yet replicated.
Research
Research & sources
Current evidence for Ceramide Peptide (Hexapeptide-11) is rated as Limited human data. Limited human data is available.
- 1. Ceramide peptides in skin (2011) — DOI:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00552.x
- 2. Peptide ceramide regulators (2019) — DOI:10.1111/jocd.12962
- 3. Ceramide peptides in skin (2011)
- 4. Peptide ceramide regulators (2019)