Introducing PEPTIDE-132, the world's only keratin bonding solution

｜Patented technology, PEPTIDE-132

Hair, the extension of the skin. Now, care for it from the core.

Under the principle that ‘hair is an extension of the skin’, COSRX has expanded our technology into a scientifically proven hair-specific peptide.
PEPTIDE-132 was created through cutting-edge AI molecular modelling technology, paired with efficacy verification on actual hair.

Based on hair science, PEPTIDE-132 is absorbed into the hair and binds precisely to weakened keratin structure. The peptide fits into the keratin like a puzzle piece, filling in the gaps and strengthening the structure of the weakened keratin, restoring hair to a healthy state.
This effect comes from the peptide's characteristics, which have been meticulously engineered down to the molecular structure.

• 1) Low molecular weight of 384.9 Da
  Ingredients under 500 Da are generally known to penetrate the skin and hair more easily. At just 384.9 Da, PEPTIDE-132 which is less than 500 Daltons is optimally sized to penetrate keratin effectively.
• 2) Specialized amino acid sequence that interacts with hair
  PEPTIDE-132 is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids, each with a different function. Each amino acid has the unique ability to be absorbed into the hair, form keratin bonds, and strengthen the hair.
• 3) Exceptional keratin binding
  According to molecular modelling data, PEPTIDE-132 has a structure that binds most effectively to the core of hair keratin among thousands of peptides.

PEPTIDE-132 has been designed with all these factors in mind to target the core of the hair, keratin, to enable hair care at a molecular level. Unlike superficial treatments, PEPTIDE-132 is the one and only peptide developed for continuous, fundamental hair care.

｜How does it work?

Technology that cares from the keratin within the hair beyond the surface

Hair is more than just a visible strand— it's a much more sophisticated structure than we can imagine. When you look beyond the outermost layer, the cuticle, which protects the hair, you’ll find the cortex, which is made up of countless bundles of keratin. This keratin is the protein component that makes up the majority of the hair and plays a key role in hair health.

Traditional haircare ingredients mainly target the temporary repair to the hair cuticle. However, this approach only improves the appearance and does not address the root cause of hair damage.
At COSRX, we propose a more fundamental solution. Our patented peptide improves the hair's surface and works from within the hair's core structure, keratin in the cortex. Its low molecular weight and precisely designed unique amino acid sequence fundamentally strengthen the hair structure by bonding with the keratin located deep within the hair.

Through this mechanism, the more you use it, the stronger and healthier it becomes, and the more resistant it is to external stimulation. It’s time to transform your hair, not just on the outside, but from within.

｜Peptide absorbed deep into the hair

PEPTIDE-132 is not only absorbed into the cuticle, but also into the cortex, which plays an important role in the strength and elasticity of the hair.

In actual laboratory tests, we analyzed cross-sections of hair and observed that PEPTIDE-132 was absorbed and accumulated deep inside the hair. This confirms that our precisely designed peptide, with a low molecular weight of 384.9 Da and a hair-friendly amino acid sequence successfully passes through the cuticle to reach the cortex.
With its superior absorption capabilities, PEPTIDE-132 specifically bonds to weakened areas of keratin, filling in the gaps where protein is missing. This strengthens the hair's structure and prevents other ingredients from leaking out.

｜The proven effect of PEPTIDE-132

Restoring hair’s strength from its core

Since the strength of hair is largely determined by the chemical bonds in keratin, the hair with broken bonds becomes structurally weak and vulnerable to external stress. The ability of hair to resist this external stress is called ‘tensile strength’. 
Damaged hair has a lower tensile strength due to weakened structure, whereas healthy hair has a higher tensile strength. In laboratory tests, PEPTIDE-132 increased the tensile strength of artificially damaged hair by around 11.1%. This result indicates that improved hair durability and firmed hair keratin connection.

One of the most noticeable signs of damage is hair breakage when brushing and this phenomenon closely linked to tensile strength. Therefore, we conducted a brushing simulation test in daily life.
Remarkably, hair treated with PEPTIDE-132 showed significantly fewer broken strands compared to the control group treated with purified water, even after 8 to 16 hours of repeated brushing.
This result goes beyond the lab, demonstrating PEPTIDE-132’s ability to protect hair under everyday conditions. Consistent outcomes from both tensile strength and brushing tests confirm that PEPTIDE-132 could be the solution to revive and restore hair's true strength.

Smooth and glossy to the surface of the hair

The key to the hair's shine and softness lies in the cuticle, which is at the outermost layer of the hair. Made of overlapping, scale-like keratin layers, the cuticle acts as a shield to protect the inner structure of the hair.
However, everyday factors such as heat styling, frequent dyeing and perming, UV rays, and brushing are the first to attack this cuticle. This can result in the cuticle becoming cracked and lifted, or even falling off, leading to damage throughout the hair.

PEPTIDE-132 fills in the gaps between damaged cuticles and gently seals lifted cuticles. The hair's texture is finally restored, giving it a visibly organized appearance.

In this way, by caring for the core structure of the hair, the cuticle and the cortex at the same time, PEPTIDE-132 enables fundamental hair care, providing more than just temporary improvement.
By bonding and filling in damaged areas and restoring a stronger structure, it transforms hair into a healthy and shiny state. Experience the visible difference and tactile transformation. Let science work for your hair with PEPTIDE-132.