Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate

Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate (often marketed as a mild “peptide exfoliant”/skin-smoothing signal peptide) is typically used at low concentrations (about 0.5–2%) and is generally well tolerated in patch testing compared with true acids or retinoids. However, because it is designed to influence desquamation/skin renewal and is delivered in a lipophilic (hexanoyl) form that can increase skin interaction, reactive or barrier-impaired patients can experience mild stinging or erythema, so it cannot be scored as exceptionally gentle or inert. Safety Notes: Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate (commonly marketed as a micro-exfoliating/renewal peptide in leave-on serums and creams) is typically dosed at very low levels because it is supplied as a dilute active and is used for signaling/enzymatic exfoliation rather than bulk functional effects; commercial products at the low end often sit around ~0.0005–0.005% active. High-strength consumer-available “peptide peeling/renewal” serums and targeted treatments generally top out around ~0.05% active due to cost, sensitization risk, and diminishing returns, with rinse-off formats usually using similar or lower levels because of reduced contact time.