Peptide-enriched hydrogel formulation for sensitive and damaged skin: from design to application testing.

“Peptide-enriched hydrogel formulation for sensitive and damaged skin: from design to application testing. Milena D(1), Małgorzata Z(2), Justyna S(3), Maria D(3), Aneta S(4), Katarzyna C(2), Karolina K(5), Jacek Z(6), Łukasz J(7), Sylwia RM(3), Michał P(4)(8). Author information: (1)Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland. milena.deptula@gumed.edu.pl. (2)Division of Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland. (3)Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland. (4)Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland. (5)Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland. (6)Department of Surgical Oncology, Transplant Surgery and General Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland. (7)BioGel Sp. Z O.O., Szybowcowa 8a, 80-298, Gdańsk, Poland. (8)Department of Biochemistry, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland. Various factors such as infections, wounds, and comorbidities can disrupt the skin's physiological function. Moreover, skin lesions can result from radiation therapy. We aimed to create a new cosmetic formulation with pro-regenerative properties that is specifically designed for patients with sustained skin damage, such as those who have undergone radiation therapy. In the first stage, NE1 and IM2 peptides were synthesized, and hydrogels were prepared. IM2 is a derivative of the IM peptide, while NE1 contains the bioactive GHK sequence. In the next stage physicochemical analyses were conducted, including the evaluation of peptide stability and the developed composition's microbial purity and packaging compatibility. In addition, in vitro safety and activity assessments were implemented on human skin cells. In the final step, dermatological tests were conducted on the participants. The results indicate that the cosmetic composition is stable, possesses preservative properties, and is safe in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Peptide release studies show that within the first hours, approximately 75-80% of each peptide is released, ensuring a rapid onset of action. Analysis of cell migration indicate that both p407 and the designed composition stimulate migration of HaCaT keratinocytes in vitro. Dermatological tests did not show any irritant and sensitizing properties. Application analyses revealed that the designed composition effectively moisturizes and takes care of sensitive skin, alleviates redness and the effects of rough skin, eliminates the sensation of itching and the effects of skin tension, and soothes irritation. This formulation can be used for the daily care of sensitive, allergic, or irritated skin. © 2026. The Author(s). Conflict of interest statement: Competing interests: MD, MZ, JS, MDz, AS, JZ, SRM, MP are the Authors of patent applications (EP25206946.3, P.449964) that have been filed to protect the new composition. Dermatological and physicochemical testing of the developed product was conducted by Biogel sp. zo.o., where ŁJ serves as CEO, under an external contract. The company did not participate in the interpretation of the data or the decision to publish the results. Ethical approval: The procedure of skin collection was accepted by the Bioethics Committee for Scientific Research at Medical University of Gdańsk. The local skin tolerance and application analysis were performed in an external laboratory in accordance with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki (with subsequent modifications), Polish and EU regulations, and COLIPA guidelines. Consent to participate: All volunteers gave their informed consent to participate in the study. Artificial Intelligence disclosure: Writefull and LanguageTool were used for grammatical linguistic corrections.”