AI-Driven Breakthrough: Tripeptide-132 Revolutionizes Hair Care

 Amorepacific has developed a novel peptide that selectively targets and reinforces keratin within hair, using AI and molecular modeling technology.

Amorepacific has announced the development of a novel peptide that selectively targets and reinforces keratin within hair strands, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and molecular modeling technology.

Hair is continuously exposed to a range of external stressors — UV radiation, heat, and chemical treatments — all of which cause cumulative damage. This damage weakens the keratin protein structure within the hair, leading to breakage and loss of elasticity.

■From 8,000 Candidates to One Breakthrough : Tripeptide-132

To address this challenge, Amorepacific's R&I Center employed molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation to precisely analyze peptide candidates capable of selectively binding to hair keratin.

After screening approximately 8,000 ingredients, the research team identified Tripeptide-132 as the optimal peptide with superior binding affinity to hair keratin. Experimental results confirmed that hair treated with this peptide achieved up to a 44% improvement in tensile strength, and demonstrated approximately a 50% reduction in hair breakage under conditions of repeated physical stress. Analysis of the cuticle structure also confirmed improvements in the surface alignment and smoothness of the hair.

■The Science of Soft, Shiny Hair — Rigorously Explained

The research team noted: "These results suggest that Tripeptide-132 can fundamentally reinforce the weakened internal structure of damaged hair — helping it stay resilient and less prone to breakage even during everyday drying and styling.

At the same time, the improvement in cuticle alignment raises expectations for enhanced sensory experiences such as softness to the touch and visible shine."

This research is also considered significant for having precisely mapped the hair improvement mechanism along the chain of molecular design → keratin binding → structural reinforcement → sensory improvement — providing a rigorous scientific explanation for what it means for hair to feel "soft" and "shiny."

Hair treated with Tripeptide-132 showed a tensile strength improvement of up to 44%, along with enhanced surface smoothness and cuticle alignment.

■AI-Powered Precision Biotech — Extending K-Beauty to Hair Science

Amorepacific's R&I Center has accumulated deep precision biotechnology capabilities across research areas including skin barrier, microbiome, and aging science. Building on this scientific foundation, the center has been systematically advancing its capacity to understand the structure and function of skin, scalp, and hair at the molecular level — and is now applying precision target-based research beyond skincare to the scalp and hair domain.

Seo Byung-hwi, CTO and Head of Amorepacific's R&I Center, stated: "This research is an innovative example of precisely targeting hair proteins through AI and molecular design technology. Going forward, Amorepacific will continue to strengthen its hair beauty competitiveness, guided by our AI First strategy and a Holistic Longevity perspective."

■Published in a Peer-Reviewed International Journal — Already Applied in COSRX Products

The research findings have been published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, and Tripeptide-132 has already been incorporated into the COSRX Peptide-132 Shampoo, Treatment, and Hair Bonding Oil — now available as a damaged hair care solution.