AKNETIDE®: A Worldwide First-in-Class Anti-Acne Antimicrobial Cyclopeptide

Discover AKNETIDE®, with COSMOS Approved by ECOCERT, is a natural anti acne ingredient enabled by our next-generation technologies and natural potency, targets the dermal multiple root causes of acne vulgaris and provides a novel natural, milder, and EFFICACIOUS ingredient for better anti acne formula in cosmetics.

ONLY EFFICACY  NO boasting

Dermatologist Tested Anti-Acne Ingredient

What Are Antimicrobial Peptides*?

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), are a diverse class of small, naturally occurring molecules—typically 10–50 amino acids long—that play a crucial role in the innate immune system across nearly all forms of life, from bacteria and archaea to plants, animals, and humans. These peptides are produced by various cells and tissues as a first line of defense against invading pathogens.

Functions and Mechanisms

AMPs exhibit broad-spectrum activity against bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative), fungi, viruses, parasites, and even some cancer cells, often without promoting resistance like traditional antibiotics. Their primary mechanism involves:

 

  • Membrane Disruption: They bind to and form pores in microbial cell membranes, leading to leakage and cell death (e.g., via barrel-stave, carpet, or toroidal pore models).
  • Intracellular Targets: Some AMPs inhibit essential processes like DNA/RNA synthesis, protein production, or cell wall formation.
  • Immunomodulation: Beyond direct killing, they recruit immune cells, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing.

*: reference: Nelson G., et. Al. Antimicrobial peptides: structure, functions and translational applications, Nature Reviews Microbiology volume 23, pages 687–700 (2025)

What are Cyclopetides?

Cyclopeptides are a special class of peptides in which the amino acid chain forms a closed ring structure, instead of a linear chain. Because the two ends of the peptide are linked, cyclopeptides are naturally more stable, more resistant to enzymes, and often more bioactive than regular peptides. Many plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms naturally produce cyclopeptides for defense or communication.

In skincare, when we talk about cyclopeptides, we are mostly referring to plant-derived cyclotides (like those from Viola, Oldenlandia, Clitoria ternatea, etc.) or synthetic cyclic analogs designed to mimic biological functions.

Why Cyclopeptides Are Trending in High-End Skincare

  • Formulators view them as the next generation of peptides, following:
  • Their stability solves the key problem of many standard peptides, which often degrade quickly on the skin.
  • They mimic natural cell-signaling molecules, so they can activate skin functions rather than simply coating the surface.
  • First-gen signal peptides (e.g., palmitoyl pentapeptide-4)
  • Second-gen neuropeptides (e.g., argireline)
  • Third-gen bioactive cyclic peptides (current trend)


In general, Cyclopeptides are ring-shaped peptides that are more stable and potent than traditional linear peptides. In skincare, they are valued for anti-aging, firming, repairing, antioxidant, and soothing benefits. Their natural ability to interact precisely with skin-cell receptors makes them a promising class of next-generation bioactive ingredients.

Up to date, advanced chemical technologies present in the world have been reported able to produce linear peptides, but not yet cyclopeptides which are only possible through fermentation production.

AKNETIDE®: A Revolutionary Skincare Solution for acne care

AKNETIDE® is an anti-acne Antimicrobial Cyclopeptide designed for skincare. Its unique structure targets the 4 pathogenicity factors of acne, ie. C. acne proliferation, sebum oversecretion, inflammation, and skin barrier damage, providing a dermatologist- and clinically-proven best alternative to traditional acne remedy formula.

By harnessing the natural power of AMPs, AKNETIDE® makes an anti acne formula come true that gently balances, heals, and protects the skin suffered from acne, promoting a clearer, healthier and above all most EFFICACIOUS complexion without chemicals, regardless of harsh or not.

How AKNETIDE® Works at the Cellular Level

AKNETIDE® acts on multiple biological pathways to deliver visible results. Its cyclic antimicrobial peptide structure enables it to:

  • Disrupt acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes)

  • Reduce inflammatory responses in skin

  • Help regulate sebum production

  • Support skin barrier integrity

Bacteriostasis

AKNETIDE®  mimics natural AMPs that actively destroy harmful bacteria like C. acnes by disrupting their membranes — stopping breakouts at the source.

Anti-Inflammatory

By calming pro-inflammatory signals (to cytokines) in the skin, AMPs help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation commonly linked to acne and sensitive skin.

Sebum oversecretion curb

AMPs calm the signals to sebumcyte that trigger excess oil and support a healthier skin barrier as when the skin barrier is stressed or dehydrated, the skin often tries to compensate by making more oil.

Strengthens Skin Barrier

AMPs help reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss and shielding against external irritants or environmental stressors.

Proven by Science. Designed for Results

Proven by Advanced Bioscience and Dermatologist clinical studies. 

  • ONLY EFFICACY
  •  No boasting

AKNETIDE® is deeply grounded in advanced microbiomics & proteomics empowered by natural microbiome, and validated through authoritative dermatological studies.

Whether you’re a formulator, ingredient distributor, researcher, or brand technology innovator, sign an NDA with us, dive deeper into our dataset and see how AKNETIDE® is redefining skincare for acne remedy.

Bacteriostasis

MIC against S. aureus (multiple strains) 1.0 ppm

MIC against C. acne (multiple strains) 0.5 ppm

Compared with PC group (HaCaT model induced by C. acne infection)

  • With 15 ppm AKNETIDE®, levels of IL-1β, TNF-a, IL-6, IL-8 and PGE-2 dropped by ca. 80%, 95%, 58%, 75% and 65% respectively, ultra significantly;

 

Compared with PC group (SZ95 model induced by C. acne infection)

  • With 15 ppm AKNETIDE®, levels of IL-1β, TNF-a, IL-6, IL-8 and PGE-2 dropped by 76%, 71%, 56%, 65% and 30% respectively, ultra significantly.

Compared with PC group (SZ95 model induced by DHT and LA)

  • With 15 ppm AKNETIDE®, lipid formation rates was dropped by 23% and 15% respectively, ultra significantly.

In a scratch assay upon CaHaT celllines, 10 ppm AKNETIDE led to 12-13% healing rate in 12 hours, and 28-29% healing rate in 24 hours