What is Polypeptide-121?

One of the coolest things about our SKINSKOOL ingredient-list similarity tracker is the ability to discover new products that have a specific ingredient, like the increasingly popular Polypeptide-121. SKINSKOOL does not know specific ingredient concentrations, quality or processing and this can of course affect efficacy and pricing of a product. But finding products with some of the same ingredients is going to get you part of the way there to discovering other products that you might be interested in. The SKINSKOOL ingredient-list similarity tracker is one of your only tools against the information asymmetry of the beauty industry. The most important and last step in the product research funnel, you have to take for yourself and that is to try the product in real life. That is really the only way you can know if a product is effective for you.

Today's product research centers around Youth to the People Polypeptide-121 Future Cream.

Recently Youth to the People launched their Polypeptide-121 Future Cream and everyone did a double take. What is this Polypeptide-121 and what was so special about it? On an ingredient list, it shows up as its INCI name Sh-polypeptide-121. It appears to be from the supplier Geltor under the tradename HumaColl21 and it is described as “the first ever biodesigned vegan human collagen for skincare”. One brand that uses the ingredient claims that it is a “bio-identical human collagen peptide clinically proven to trigger our skin cells to produce collagen”. Loss of collagen is often quoted to be the culprit for developing signs of aging as we get older. The main selling points of the ingredient to brands we think is that it is made from a sustainable fermentation process that uses far fewer resources than traditional animal-sourced collagen. A collagen that can claim to be vegan. It is claimed to be made from 100% plant sources and contains zero animal inputs. The ingredient supplier does seem to have also done some initial clinical trials on the ingredient which they use to evidence its effectiveness.

The complete and definitive list of products containing Polypeptide-121

Given the rather bold claims of this particular polypeptide, we thought it would be very interesting to dig into our SKINSKOOL database and see what other products, if any, also contain Sh-Polypeptide-121. We found 7 products in our database that contain this polypeptide and logically even though they come in different forms (serums and moisturizers), since they all contain this vegan collagen active, they all make promises around plumper, firmer skin.

1. Youth to the People Polypeptide-121 Future Cream
   The product that sparked wider spread curiosity about Polypeptide-121. Claimed to be an intensely moisturizing cream that firms, strengthens, and protects the skin's moisture barrier. Pricing is $64 for 50mL

2. Ferver Fermented Collagen Serum
   A serum that promises Noticeably firmer-looking, more plump skin. Claimed to smoothes fine lines & wrinkles. Pricing is $19.99 for what looks to be 30mL

3. Merme Berlin Facial Collagen Serum
   A serum that promises to keep your skin looking firmer, plumper and smoother. Pricing is €58 for 30mL

4. MZ Skin The Light Moisturizer
   This cream claims to be a super-lightweight daily moisturiser that combines hydrating, brightening and skin-firming actives to reveal a youthful-looking complexion for all skin types. Pricing is €195

5. Orora Skin Science Bioactive Collagen Cream
   Powered by HumaColl21 is the main claim of this collagen cream. Additional claims include that it targets dry and irritated skin, enabling water retention at a cellular level. Pricing is 50mL for $49

6. Orora Skin Science Bioactive Collagen Serum
   The above can also be found in the brand's serum version. It calims to immediately improve the skin's hydration levels resulting in a visibly smoother, plumper appearance. Pricing is 30mL for $49

7. Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream
   While HumaColl21 is not specifically called ou in the active claims, it is bunched in with the "firming blend of peptides" in this description. The newest product on this list, PC claims this eye cream to be a stabilized 5% vitamin C that goes to work to counteract the free-radical damage known to cause dullness, discoloration and fine lines. Pricing is $39 for 15mL

There you have it, if an innovative vegan collagen active is what you're looking for, the above list of products has got you covered. Something for every price point, SKINSKOOL helps you find exactly what fits your needs, budget and values.

You might also be interested in the following articles

Read on to find out what products our SKINSKOOL founder is using now
Read on to find alternatives for Eucerin pigment control
Read on to discover the best Brazil Nut Body Butter options out there
Exuviance skincare has some possible alternatives

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links whereby we may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.