Product Name: Hexapeptide-42 (Caspaline)
Cas No: 197771-66-7
Purity: 95%
Storage: Keep in dark and cool dry place -5~8 degree Celsius
Sequence: H-Ile-Gln-Ala-Cys-Arg-Gly-OH
Molar Mass: 646.8
Chemical Formula: C25H46N10O8S
IUPAC Name: 2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-5-amino-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-amino-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-5-oxopentanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-3-sulfanylpropanoyl]amino]-5-(diaminomethylideneamino)pentanoyl]amino]acetic acid
SMILES: CC[C@H](C)[C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)N)C(=O)N[C@@H](C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CS)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCN=C(N)N)C(=O)NCC(=O)O)N
InChIKey: YFZLOSPYPVFKGG-GGDDPFQJSA-N
InChI: InChI=1S/C25H46N10O8S/c1-4-12(2)19(27)24(43)34-15(7-8-17(26)36)22(41)32-13(3)20(39)35-16(11-44)23(42)33-14(6-5-9-30-25(28)29)21(40)31-10-18(37)38/h12-16,19,44H,4-11,27H2,1-3H3,(H2,26,36)(H,31,40)(H,32,41)(H,33,42)(H,34,43)(H,35,39)(H,37,38)(H4,28,29,30)/t12-,13-,14-,15-,16-,19-/m0/s1
Application:
Hexapeptide-42 (Caspaline) is a biomimetic peptide designed to help soothe the skin, reduce visible irritation, and promote a more balanced, comfortable complexion. Known for modulating key pathways linked to redness and sensitivity, Caspaline supports research exploring improved tolerance, diminished reactivity, and strengthened barrier function. It is especially valued in formulations targeting stressed, delicate, or environmentally challenged skin. With excellent water solubility and strong formulation stability, Hexapeptide-42 integrates seamlessly into serums, moisturizers, and sensitive-skin treatments aimed at delivering long-lasting calmness, smoother texture, and enhanced overall skin resilience.
Current Research:
Hexapeptide-42 (Caspaline 14): Current Research Overview
Hexapeptide-42, marketed as Caspaline 14?, is a synthetic hexapeptide (sequence Ile–Gln–Ala–Cys–Arg–Gly) developed as a multifunctional anti-photoaging and barrier-support peptide. It’s positioned quite differently from classic collagen or whitening peptides: its main target is caspase-14, a protease expressed almost exclusively in the epidermis, where it plays a key role in filaggrin processing, natural moisturizing factor (NMF) generation, and barrier function.
By boosting caspase-14 and supporting terminal keratinocyte differentiation, Hexapeptide-42 is positioned as an active that improves hydration, reinforces the barrier, and enhances UVB defense, making it suitable for anti-aging, after-sun, and “skin-thinning” concerns.
Mechanism of Action: Caspase-14, Filaggrin & UVB Defense
Caspase-14 is a unique, non-apoptotic caspase restricted to cornifying epithelia such as the skin. It is essential for the final stages of keratinocyte differentiation and the transformation of profilaggrin → filaggrin → NMF components.
Hexapeptide-42 has been shown in ex vivo models to up-regulate caspase-14 expression and activity, accelerating this terminal differentiation pathway.
Filaggrin is progressively broken down into amino acids and derivatives such as PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), urea and other small hygroscopic molecules that make up the natural moisturizing factor in the stratum corneum.
By stimulating caspase-14 and supporting filaggrin processing, Hexapeptide-42:
Increases NMF components within the upper epidermis,
Enhances water-binding capacity of the stratum corneum,
Helps maintain stratum corneum water content and reduce dryness and roughness.
This translates into better hydration, smoother texture, and less flaking, particularly in dry or photo-damaged skin.
Beyond hydration, caspase-14 is increasingly recognized as part of the skin’s photoprotective machinery, influencing cornification quality and UVB absorption/scattering. Supplier and technical data for Caspaline 14 show that Hexapeptide-42:
Reduces UVB-induced DNA damage markers in skin models,
Supports DNA repair mechanisms and preserves DNA integrity,
Helps limit UVB-driven photoaging and barrier impairment.
Together, these actions position Hexapeptide-42 as a peptide that strengthens the outer shield of the skin—both structurally and photobiologically.
Place in Modern Cosmetic Peptide Science
Within peptide taxonomy, Hexapeptide-42 is best described as a signal peptide targeting epidermal differentiation and barrier biology, rather than a fibroblast-directed collagen peptide. It belongs to the emerging group of actives that:
Focus on the epidermal side of anti-aging (cornification, NMF, barrier),
Address photoaging and dehydration by optimizing the stratum corneum rather than only boosting dermal ECM,
Link UV defense with hydration and barrier integrity via a single biomimetic target (caspase-14).
This makes it a strong fit for concepts like:
“Intelligent UV defense from within the epidermis,”
“Barrier-first anti-aging,”
“Anti-dehydration and anti-skin-thinning care,” especially for mature or over-exposed skin.
In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and Application Data
Published and technical sources (mainly from Ashland and secondary ingredient databases) describe:
Ex vivo skin explants treated with Caspaline 14 showing rapid up-regulation of caspase-14, confirming it hits its intended target.
Models indicating reduced UVB-induced DNA lesions and better preservation of tissue structure under simulated solar stress.
Cosmetic-oriented testing where formulas containing Hexapeptide-42 improved dryness, roughness, and elasticity, with volunteers reporting smoother, more hydrated, more luminous skin and fewer visible signs of photoaging over several weeks.
These are typical cosmetic-scale studies (small samples, short duration), so claims should stay clearly in the appearance and comfort space: improved look and feel of photo-exposed, dehydrated, or thinning skin.
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