Below is every ingredient in PEP Booster - 2% PDRN, Multi-Peptide Face Serum (30ml) explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products.
PDRN is a DNA-derived ingredient composed of polymerized deoxyribonucleotide fragments that stimulates tissue repair, angiogenesis, and fibroblast activity, primarily via adenosine A2A receptor activation and salvage-pathway nucleotide supply. It is used in injectable and topical formulations for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and hydration.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline or acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a synthetic peptide that mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, mildly inhibiting neurotransmitter release to reduce the appearance of expression lines. It is marketed as a topical alternative to injectable neuromodulators, though its effects are subtler.
Hexapeptide-9 is a synthetic peptide used in skincare to support collagen and elastin production, aiming to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It functions as a signaling peptide that may stimulate extracellular matrix synthesis.
Tripeptide-1 (also known as Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine, GHK) is a signaling peptide used in anti-aging formulations to support collagen and extracellular matrix production. It is studied for improving skin firmness, elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is a synthetic collagen-stimulating peptide that mimics the action of TGF-beta to support dermal collagen synthesis. It is used in topical formulations to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin firmness.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
| Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible with higher concentrations or sensitive skin |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Rare | Documented in case reports as a contact allergen |
| Hypersensitivity or anaphylactoid reactions | Very rare | Reported mainly with injectable/parenteral forms, not topical |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization is uncommon as the high-molecular-weight polymer has limited skin penetration. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible if products contact the eyes; rinse thoroughly. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Mild localized irritation reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Weak estrogenic activity | Rare | Demonstrated in vitro and animal studies; clinical relevance at cosmetic-use levels remains debated. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Polysorbate 80 Emulsifier / surfactant / solubilizer | Polysorbate 80 is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to emulsify oil and water phases and solubilize fragrances and oils in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sodium Polyacrylate Thickener / absorbent | Sodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent acrylic-acid polymer used in skincare as a thickening, stabilizing, and water-binding agent that can hold large amounts of liquid to create gel-like textures. It functions as a formulation and texture-enhancing ingredient rather than a biologically active treatment. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used broad-spectrum preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and serves as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Methylparaben Preservative | Methylparaben is a paraben-class antimicrobial preservative widely used in cosmetics and skincare to prevent microbial growth and extend product shelf life. It is effective primarily against fungi and yeasts, often combined with other parabens for broader protection. |
| Propylparaben Preservative | Propylparaben is a paraben-class antimicrobial preservative used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It is typically used at low concentrations alongside other parabens for broad-spectrum preservation. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Allantoin Key active Soothing/skin-conditioning agent | Allantoin is a naturally derived or synthetically produced compound used in skincare for its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening) properties. It promotes cell proliferation and helps calm irritation, commonly appearing in creams, lotions, and after-sun products. |
| PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) Key active Skin regeneration / repair active | PDRN is a DNA-derived ingredient composed of polymerized deoxyribonucleotide fragments that stimulates tissue repair, angiogenesis, and fibroblast activity, primarily via adenosine A2A receptor activation and salvage-pathway nucleotide supply. It is used in injectable and topical formulations for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and hydration. |
| Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Key active Anti-wrinkle peptide | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline or acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a synthetic peptide that mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, mildly inhibiting neurotransmitter release to reduce the appearance of expression lines. It is marketed as a topical alternative to injectable neuromodulators, though its effects are subtler. |
| Hexapeptide-9 Key active Anti-aging peptide | Hexapeptide-9 is a synthetic peptide used in skincare to support collagen and elastin production, aiming to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It functions as a signaling peptide that may stimulate extracellular matrix synthesis. |
| Tripeptide-1 Key active Signal peptide / collagen-stimulating active | Tripeptide-1 (also known as Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine, GHK) is a signaling peptide used in anti-aging formulations to support collagen and extracellular matrix production. It is studied for improving skin firmness, elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines. |
| Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 Key active Anti-aging peptide | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is a synthetic collagen-stimulating peptide that mimics the action of TGF-beta to support dermal collagen synthesis. It is used in topical formulations to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin firmness. |
| Copper Tripeptide-1 Key active Signal peptide / skin-conditioning agent | Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is a copper-bound peptide used in skincare for its reported ability to support collagen and elastin synthesis, wound healing, and antioxidant activity. It is considered a bioactive cosmetic ingredient targeting signs of skin aging. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| BHT Antioxidant/preservative | BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used in small amounts to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fragrances, and other unstable components, helping maintain product stability and shelf life. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.