Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Skin science article

rhode Peptide Lip Boost Versus rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

rhode Peptide Lip Boost Versus rhode Peptide Lip Treatment This hydrating lip mask is formulated around Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil and Butyrospermum Parkii Butter to hydrate lips and soften the look of wrinkles. This anti-aging lip moisturizer is formulated

rhode Peptide Lip Boost Versus rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

This hydrating lip mask is formulated around Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil and Butyrospermum Parkii Butter to hydrate lips and soften the look of wrinkles.

This anti-aging lip moisturizer is formulated around Butyrospermum Parkii Butter and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 to soften the look of wrinkles and hydrate lips.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Polybutene

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2

Polyethylene

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Cocos Nucifera Oil

Silica Dimethyl Silylate

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer

Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline

Tocopherol

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

Hexapeptide-3

Acetyl Hexapeptide-37

Acetyl Hexapeptide-38

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil

Lactic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate

Stevioside

Vanillyl Butyl Ether

Ceramide NP

Glucomannan

Octyldodecanol

Cetearyl Alcohol

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate

PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate

Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer

Sorbitan Oleate

Synthetic Beeswax

Water

Trihydroxystearin

Ethylhexylglycerin

CI 73360

CI 15850

Polybutene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Polyethylene, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Hexapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, Acetyl Hexapeptide-38, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stevioside, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, Ceramide NP, Glucomannan, Octyldodecanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Synthetic Beeswax, Water, Trihydroxystearin, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 73360, CI 15850

Diisostearyl Malate

Microcrystalline Wax

Synthetic Wax

Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)

Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate

Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate

Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate

Triethyl Citrate

Tocopheryl Acetate

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil

Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter

Tribehenin

Sorbitan Isostearate

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

Disteardimonium Hectorite

O-Cymen-5-Ol

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polybutene, Microcrystalline Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, Synthetic Wax, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Lactic Acid, Tribehenin, Stevioside, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Disteardimonium Hectorite, O-Cymen-5-Ol

Reviews

Alternatives

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.

Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).

Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.

Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.

While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.

This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.

In cosmetics, it plays many roles:

One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.

For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.

This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is an ester of palmitic acid, a C16 fatty acid that falls within the C11-24 range that Malassezia can metabolize.

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.

In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.

Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.

Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.

Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.

Like glycolic acid, it can:

Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.

Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome.

To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.

Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.

Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.

When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the product’s pH.

Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.

Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).

It is:

You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.

This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.

Regarding fungal acne: In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.

Polybutene is used to help control the viscosity of a product. This just means it helps adjusts the texture.

It is a polymer and does not get absorbed into the skin due to its large size.

Studies found this ingredient did not irritate skin in concentrations below 15%.

We don't have a description for Stevioside yet.

Synthetic beeswax is created to be identical in structure to beeswax without involving bees, making it a go-to for vegan formulas.

It's mainly used an an emulsion stabilizer and thickener.

This ingredient (alongside other synthetic waxes) have been concluded to be safe in cosmetics under the present practices.

Reported usage goes up to 18% and it is non-sensitizing.

Just one caveat for fungal acne: This ingredient is made up of C16-32 fatty acids and fatty acid esters. Part of this overlaps with the C11-24 range that the Malassezia yeast can feed on, so it's not fungal-acne safe.

Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.

You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.

Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.

It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.

This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.

This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.

In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.

Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.

Similar Comparisons

The reference edit

Ingredients, questions
& further reading.

Connected source records selected through this article’s public topic index.

01

Formula cabinet

Ingredients & structured notes

Ingredient index

Ingredients Explained

  1. 01These ingredients are found in both products.
  2. 02Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
  3. 03This ingredient is also known as cupuacu butter. It's a soft, creamy plant fat that works as a skin-conditioning agent and often marketed as the plant-based alternative to lanolin.
  4. 04The composition of this butter is dominated by oleic acid, stearic acid, and smaller amounts of palmitic, linoleic, and arachidic acids. There's also a useful dose of phystosterols.
  5. 05That fatty-acid-and-sterol combo is why this ingredient behaves like a richer cousin of shea butter: the lipids reinforce the skin's surface and slow water loss while the sterols help support the barrier.
  6. 06There's some early research too: a mouse study found cupuacu butter emulgels had antioxidant activity and a measurable photoprotective effect against UVB damage.
  7. 07Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient but those prone to congestion might prefer formulations with lower concentrations.
  8. 08Fungal acne: Cupuacu butter's fatty acids are mostly "locked up" in triglycerides that Malassezia can't easily feed on, but the yeast can slowly break these down to access the free fatty acids. Therefore, ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
  9. 09Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
  10. 10You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damag…
  11. 11Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
  12. 12It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
  13. 13This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
  14. 14This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
  15. 15In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
  16. 16Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
  17. 17Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
  18. 18Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
  19. 19It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
  20. 20One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Source · skinsort.com
02

Product index

Related product references

Product

rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

rhode Peptide Lip Treatment rhode Peptide Lip Treatment ingredients explained: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polybutene, Microcrystall…

Source: incidecoder.comView reference →
03

Comparison edit

Read side by side