Ingredients
Every active, openly dosed.
OCTAVE LAB formulas are single-active concentrates. The hero peptide on the front of the bottle is the work. The rest of the ingredients are there only to keep that peptide stable and to deliver it cleanly to the skin.
Here is what is in every OCTAVE bottle — and why.
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) — OCTAVE 01 (1.0%), OCTAVE 05 (0.5%)
What it is. A naturally occurring tripeptide that binds copper ions. The structure is glycyl-histidyl-lysine. It exists endogenously in human plasma; levels decline with age. The blue tint of OCTAVE 01 is the copper.
Why we formulate with it. The most clinically researched copper peptide in topical skincare. In-vitro and ex-vivo studies associate it with the appearance of firmer, more elastic skin and skin barrier support.
Concentration we use. 1.0% in OCTAVE 01 — the upper bracket of published in-vitro efficacy (range 0.1–2.0%). 0.5% in OCTAVE 05 (the scalp tonic) so it pairs cleanly with Capixyl.
Matrixyl 3000™ — OCTAVE 02 (10%)
What it is. A trademarked peptide blend of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 + Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, developed by Sederma. The palmitoyl chain is a fatty acid tail that improves skin penetration.
Why we formulate with it. The most independently studied collagen-signal peptide blend in cosmetics, with peer-reviewed in-vivo data on the appearance of smoother fine lines at 3–8 weeks.
Concentration we use. 10% Matrixyl 3000 — the upper edge of the supplier-recommended efficacy bracket.
Argireline® (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) — OCTAVE 03 (10%)
What it is. A hexapeptide modeled after the N-terminal of SNAP-25, a protein involved in skin muscle contraction. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is the INCI.
Why we formulate with it. Published cosmetic studies associate topical 5–10% Argireline with the visible smoothing of expression lines on the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes after 28 days.
Concentration we use. 10% — matched to the upper end of the published clinical trial bracket.
Snap-8 + Eyeseryl® — OCTAVE 04 (5% + 2%)
What they are. Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is an extended-chain relative of Argireline, designed for the eye area. Eyeseryl (Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5) is a tetrapeptide developed for peri-orbital congestion.
Why we formulate with them together. They address two of the three things that age the eye area first: dynamic crow's feet (Snap-8) and the appearance of micro-puffiness and shadow (Eyeseryl). Caffeine and niacinamide complete the formula.
Concentration we use. 5% Snap-8 and 2% Eyeseryl — matched to the upper edge of supplier-validated in-vivo brackets.
Capixyl™ — OCTAVE 05 (5%)
What it is. A trademarked complex of Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 plus Trifolium Pratense (red clover) flower extract, developed by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics.
Why we formulate with it. Published in-vivo data link consistent topical application to the appearance of denser, fuller hair on the scalp at 16 weeks.
Concentration we use. 5% — matched to brand-name growth tonic concentrations.
What we never put in our serums
- No fragrance, no essential oils. Both are common irritants and they get in the way of reading peptide tolerance honestly.
- No drying alcohols (denat, SD alcohol). Glycerin and propanediol carry actives cleanly and stay supportive of the barrier.
- No PEGs, no silicones above trace.
- No injectable, no oral, no “research grade” peptides. Every active is cosmetic-grade and used topically on intact skin only.
How we choose preservatives
Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin at the minimum effective concentration. Tested for stability in the final formula by an independent EU lab. Each batch carries a microbial-load certificate available via the QR code on the box.