What it is
sh-Polypeptide-1 is a synthetic human-identical polypeptide produced by biotechnology, with the "sh" prefix denoting a synthetic version of a human-type protein sequence. In cosmetics it is used as a skin-conditioning active. When it appears in sunscreens it serves a conditioning purpose and contributes nothing to UV protection.
Safety & warnings
Used at low levels and generally well tolerated. As a defined synthetic polypeptide it is not associated with comedogenicity and avoids the variability seen with crude botanical or animal-derived materials.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; produced through biotechnology such as recombinant fermentation rather than isolated from natural tissue.
Questions everyone asks
What is sh-Polypeptide-1?
It is a synthetic human-identical polypeptide made by biotechnology and used as a skin-conditioning active in skincare.
Does it offer sun protection?
No. It is a conditioning ingredient and does not act as a UV filter.