AQUATIDE
Advanced hydration and barrier recovery through NMF-mimetic peptide technology
Aquatide Complex is a functional cosmetic peptide technology developed to address chronic dehydration, barrier impairment, and stress-induced skin fatigue, particularly in skin exposed to aggressive urban environments. Inspired by the biological role of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), Aquatide supports long-lasting hydration, barrier stability, and overall skin vitality.
The complex is designed for tired, stressed skin that has lost its ability to retain moisture effectively, resulting in dullness, sensitivity, and disrupted regenerative processes.
Formulation Philosophy
Aquatide Complex is formulated as part of an urban skin adaptation strategy, integrating hydration, barrier repair, and stress-control mechanisms within a single cosmetic system. The peptide is designed to work synergistically with ceramides, hyaluronic acid complexes, vitamins, and barrier-supportive lipids to restore skin functionality under continuous environmental pressure.
Advanced delivery technologies, including nano-emulsion systems, are used to enhance penetration efficiency and ensure stable, long-lasting performance of active components without compromising skin tolerance.
Scientific Rationale
Urban environmental factors such as pollution, particulate matter, UV exposure, and chronic psychological stress directly affect skin hydration and metabolic balance. One of the earliest and most significant responses of the skin to these stressors is loss of moisture and impairment of the epidermal barrier, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced cellular resilience.
Aquatide Complex was developed to compensate for this dysfunction by mimicking key components of the skin’s natural moisturizing system and activating internal protective mechanisms responsible for maintaining hydration and structural integrity.
Mechanism of Action
At the core of the complex is Aquatide (Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12), a PCA-mimetic peptide designed to replicate the water-binding behavior of Natural Moisturizing Factor components found in the stratum corneum.
Aquatide acts through multiple complementary pathways:
- increases skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss,
- improves epidermal barrier function,
- stimulates synthesis of long-chain and very long-chain ceramides,
- activates cellular autophagy as a protective response to stress,
- supports skin adaptation to oxidative and environmental stress.
Aquatide is identified as a peptide activator of SIRT1, a regulatory protein involved in cellular metabolism, stress response, and longevity, contributing to controlled autophagy and enhanced cellular protection.
Functional Role in Skin Care
Within cosmetic skin-care formulations, Aquatide is used to:
- restore optimal hydration levels in dehydrated and stressed skin,
- strengthen and repair the epidermal barrier,
- reduce visible signs of fatigue and dullness,
- improve skin comfort, elasticity, and adaptive capacity,
- protect skin exposed to pollution, UV radiation, and oxidative stress.
The complex is suitable for all skin types, particularly skin affected by environmental stress, dehydration, and impaired barrier function.
{Responsible cosmetic use note}
Aquatide Complex is a cosmetic peptide technology intended to improve the appearance, hydration, and barrier function of the skin. It is not a medical product and does not diagnose, treat, or prevent disease.