IO Hair Care Peptide Complex Liquid

This ingredient in brief

IO Hair Care Peptide Complex Liquid is a liquid hair care complex that combines three components often discussed in scalp care: Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, a biotin-linked peptide; apigenin, a flavonoid found in citrus and other plants; and oleanolic acid, a triterpene obtained from olive leaves. They come premixed in a carrier system, so the material is poured and weighed rather than dissolved. This page sells the liquid in milliliter packs. The complete INCI, including carriers, appears on the CoA for each lot.

What each part brings

Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 is the peptide angle of the complex and is also sold on its own as Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 Powder. Apigenin and oleanolic acid are plant molecules with a long history in botanical cosmetics. Together they give brands a three-part story around the scalp environment and the look of fuller, stronger hair. Keep claims cosmetic and focus on what customers can see: volume, density and shine.

Applications

Scalp lotions and leave-on serums are the main formats, followed by single-dose ampoules, sprays, shampoos, conditioners and scalp masks. This ingredient is often sold next to Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 + Red Clover Extract Hair Complex as a pair, and some brands add it to brow and lash serums as well. More peptide ingredients for hair and skin are collected in our peptides category.

How to use it

Add this ingredient to the water phase or during cool-down, below 40 °C, and mix gently until uniform. Because some of its components are poorly water-soluble on their own, the carrier keeps them dispersed; stir the container before weighing. Take the use level from the supplier CoA for your lot and keep the pH of the finished product in a mild range near 5.5. Weigh the complex directly into the cooled batch, rinse the beaker with a little of the water phase and add the rinse too, so nothing stays behind.

Getting a clear tonic

Clear scalp tonics are popular, but complexes with plant molecules can add slight haze. To keep the product bright, include a small amount of a nonionic solubilizer, add the complex slowly and filter the batch through a fine mesh before filling. Test the finished tonic at low and high temperature, because some haze appears only after a cold night in a warehouse. If haze persists, a lightly tinted or frosted bottle hides minor changes.

Compatibility

This ingredient works in water-based tonics, light gels, emulsions and surfactant bases. It is compatible with panthenol, caffeine, niacinamide, glycerin and most hair peptides. Avoid strong oxidizers and long exposure to high heat. Cationic conditioning polymers are usually fine but should be checked for clarity in rinse-off products. In leave-on sprays with ethanol, keep the alcohol moderate so the scalp does not feel dry, and balance it with glycerin or propanediol. A light, non-greasy finish encourages daily use, which is what scalp products rely on.

Characteristics

Form: liquid concentrate. Key components: Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, apigenin, oleanolic acid. Solubility: water-dispersible. Full INCI and use level: on the CoA. Addition point: water phase or cool-down.

Original recipe: overnight scalp serum, 100 g

Phase A: distilled water 85.90 g, glycerin 3.00 g, panthenol 1.00 g, hydroxyethylcellulose 0.40 g; hydrate until clear. Phase B: IO Hair Care Peptide Complex Liquid 3.00 g, caffeine 0.50 g predissolved in warm water, polysorbate 20 0.50 g. Add below 40 °C. Phase C: rosemary leaf water 4.70 g, preservative 1.00 g. Mix until uniform, adjust pH to about 5.5 and fill into dropper bottles. Apply a few drops along partings in the evening.

Storage

Keep closed in a cool place, protected from light. Shake or stir before each use. Ships from Florida in the liquid pack sizes listed above.