Hexapeptide-11

Peptamide 6 (trade name), FVAPFP, Phe-Val-Ala-Pro-Phe-Pro; related INCI "Saccharomyces hexapeptide-11 ferment filtrate extract"

Skin & cosmetic

Awaiting medical reviewEN ES DE FR PT ZH+ Follow for updates

1What it is

Hexapeptide-11 was identified in the early 2000s by a US personal-care ingredient company screening yeast fermentation products for molecules that affected skin cells. It is a short, uncharged, hydrophobic peptide (two phenylalanines, two prolines). Because it came from yeast rather than being designed from a human protein fragment, it is often described as a "natural" or "bio-fermented" peptide, although commercial supply is synthetic. The company patented compositions for "delaying cellular senescence" and sold the ingredient as "Peptamide 6". It is less famous than the Matrixyl or Argireline families but appears in a number of firming serums and in some hair-care products.

2How it's thought to work

Senescence delay. The main published claim is that hexapeptide-11 reduces markers of cellular senescence (such as senescence-associated β-galactosidase and p16) in cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes, keeping cells in a more "youthful", proliferative state for longer.

Firmness-related gene expression. Manufacturer gene-expression screens report increased expression of genes for collagen, elastin and other dermal matrix components, and of some DNA-repair-related genes.

Possible autophagy / stress-response modulation. Later manufacturer material frames the peptide as supporting cellular "clean-up" pathways; this is a hypothesis layered on in-vitro data.

Proposed: a peptide reported to reduce markers of fibroblast senescence in culture, sold for skin firmness. Human evidence is manufacturer-held.Schematic — not to scale

3What the research shows

Cellular senescence markers (in vitro)

A peer-reviewed paper in the Journal of Cosmetic Science (2013) † reported that hexapeptide-11 reduced senescence markers and extended replicative capacity in cultured human dermal fibroblasts, with changes in expression of senescence-related genes. This is the main independent-looking publication, though it was authored with the ingredient manufacturer.

Skin firmness and elasticity (topical)

Manufacturer volunteer studies, cited in trade sources, report improved skin firmness and elasticity and reduced sagging measured by cutometer over 4–8 weeks at 2–5% solution in a few dozen volunteers †. No peer-reviewed, placebo-controlled publication found.

Hair and lash growth

It appears in some lash and hair serums with "strengthening" claims. No study found.

Independent replication

None found. Reviews of cosmetic peptides mention it briefly or not at all (Schagen 2017; Errante 2020). [2][3]

4Reported side effects and interactions

Literature-reported

Manufacturer safety testing reports no irritation or sensitisation at use levels. CIR has reviewed a group of cosmetic hexapeptides; status for this one should be checked †.

Community-reported

very few reports; it is rarely the headline ingredient. No pattern of irritation.

Theoretical. anything that "delays senescence" in cells prompts the question of whether it could also keep damaged cells alive. There is no evidence either way at cosmetic concentrations; the peptide has not been assessed for this in any published work.

Interactions. none established.

Markers researchers commonly monitor

No blood markers apply. Practical measures:

Marker	Why it's watched
Standardised photographs every 2–4 weeks
Cutometer elasticity (R2/R7 parameters)	the trial endpoint, available at some clinics.
Forearm patch test before first use

Free for everyone. Safety information is never behind a paywall.

5Formulation and handling

Supplied as an aqueous/glycol solution; recommended 2–5% of finished product. Hydrophobic peptide, so solubilisers may be used; heat-sensitive; added in the cool-down phase. Not by consumers. No calculator applies.

6Commonly studied alongside

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (#181, #182), acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), GHK-Cu (#5), yeast ferment filtrates and other "bio-fermented" actives.

Informational cross-links. Not stack recommendations.

7Regulatory status by region

Region	Status (checked —)
United States	Cosmetic ingredient; cosmetic claims only
European Union	CosIng-listed skin-conditioning agent (hexapeptide-11 and the yeast ferment variant); permitted
United Kingdom	Same as EU
Australia	Permitted cosmetic ingredient
South Africa	Permitted in cosmetics
Sport (WADA)	Not listed

8Open questions

Is there any placebo-controlled, peer-reviewed clinical trial? None found.
Does the senescence effect seen in culture occur in human skin (biopsy p16 staining, for example)? Not studied.
Which company data have been independently reviewed? Little has.

9References

1[Authors to verify] (2013). Hexapeptide-11: a novel modulator of cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts. J Cosmet Sci 64(2) [verify title and authors]. PubMed
2Schagen SK (2017). Topical peptide treatments with effective anti-aging results. Cosmetics. DOI
3Errante F et al. (2020). Cosmeceutical peptides in the framework of sustainable wellness economy. Front Chem. PubMed · DOI
4US patent application 2011/0052676. Composition for delaying cellular senescence (hexapeptide-11 compositions) [patent, not peer-reviewed]. PubMed

References are being resolved to PubMed/DOI identifiers; links search PubMed for the citation until then.

† Being confirmed by our reviewers against current sources.

10Community

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Self-reported side effects Phase 2

Not enough data yet. 0 of the 50 members needed have logged this compound for 4+ weeks. We don't show anything below 50, so no one can be identified.

11Page history

31 Oct 2026Profile published — awaiting medical review

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