Kx Active Concentrates Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum
Kx Active Concentrates Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum
Product Description
The Kate Somerville Kx Active Concentrates Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum is a lightweight, high-performance treatment powered by 5 bio-identical peptides plus mango, banana, and chicory leaf extracts to visibly firm, smooth, and reduce the look of fine lines. Fragrance-free, oil-free, and clinically tested as safe for sensitive skin.
β¨ Texture & Feel
5 Bio-Identical Peptides
A signature complex of signal peptides and growth-factor mimics works to visibly improve firmness, elasticity, and the look of wrinkles.
Chicory Leaf Extract
A plant-based, retinol-alternative ingredient that helps refine texture, pores, and fine lines without retinoid irritation.
Mango & Banana Pulp
Fruit pulp extracts add antioxidant support and help boost radiance and luminosity while smoothing the look of skin.
Hyaluronic Acid + Glycerin
A multi-humectant base delivers instant, lasting hydration for a plumper, bouncier-looking complexion.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains bioengineered growth-factor peptides (sh-oligopeptides/sh-polypeptides) that lack robust pregnancy safety data. Check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.
Flagged as fungal-acne safe in ingredient analysis. Lecithin is the only source-dependent ingredient, so very FA-reactive skin may wish to confirm with the brand.
No added synthetic fragrance and free of EU allergens, making it a friendly pick for fragrance-sensitive routines.
Plays well with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and most moisturizers in both AM and PM routines.
Contains benzyl alcohol (preservative) and a touch of citric acid; irritation potential is rated medium, so patch test if your skin reacts easily or has rosacea.
Chicory acts as a gentle retinol alternative, but there is no true retinol inside, so it can sit comfortably alongside a separate retinol routine.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
𧬠5 Bio-Mimicking Peptides ~0.5β1% each Promising
The hero complex: sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-9 and sh-Polypeptide-11. These are bioengineered signal peptides and growth-factor mimics (EGF- and VEGF-like) that tell skin cells to behave more youthfully β supporting collagen, firmness, and repair.
- Estimated levels: Independent analysis estimates roughly 0.5β1.0% per peptide.
- Function: Signal peptides stimulate fibroblast activity; growth-factor peptides support cell renewal and wound healing.
- Note: These ingredients are mitogenic (stimulate cell multiplication) but not mutagenic.
π§ Sodium Hyaluronate 0.1β2% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid and a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the skin's surface for immediate plumping and hydration.
- Source: Naturally found in skin, joints, and connective tissue.
- Benefit: Improves surface hydration, elasticity, and a smoother, bouncier look.
πΏ Glycerin Humectant Proven
A naturally occurring humectant that draws moisture into the outer layer of skin. Non-irritating, plays well with nearly every ingredient, and works across all skin types.
- Comedogenic: Rated 0/0 β won't clog pores.
- Benefit: Supports hydration, barrier function, and overall comfort.
π Chicory (Cichorium Intybus) Leaf Extract Botanical Promising
Marketed by the brand as a natural alternative to retinol, this leaf extract aims to refine the look of fine lines, pores, and surface roughness β without retinoid-style irritation.
- Appeal: A gentler, plant-based route to smoother-looking texture.
- Reality check: Not a true retinoid; evidence is more emerging than clinical-grade.
π₯ Mango & Banana Pulp Extracts Antioxidant Promising
Mangifera Indica and Musa Sapientum pulp extracts (plus Spondias Mombin) condition the skin and lend antioxidant support, helping boost radiance and luminosity.
- Function: Skin-conditioning fruit extracts for a fresher, more radiant finish.
π‘οΈ Zinc PCA Multitasker Promising
A zinc salt that helps regulate excess oil, calm redness, and support the skin's healing process β particularly useful for oily and blemish-prone skin.
- Best for: Oily, congestion-prone, and redness-prone skin types.
π Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Soothing Proven
A well-loved humectant that hydrates and soothes while supporting barrier repair and the skin's natural healing.
- Benefit: Reduces the look of irritation and redness; comforts the barrier.
π§ͺ Adenosine Anti-Aging Proven
Found in every living cell, adenosine helps smooth the look of wrinkles, supports firmness, and aids in tissue repair when applied topically.
- Source: Usually derived from yeast.
- Benefit: Smoothing and firming support that complements the peptide complex.
36 ingredients
Water, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Glycerin, Propanediol, Spondias Mombin Pulp Extract, Mangifera Indica Pulp Extract, Musa Sapientum Pulp Extract, Acetyl Glutamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acer Rubrum Extract, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Panthenol, Cichorium Intybus Leaf Extract, Zinc PCA, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bacillus, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Silica, Adenosine, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and night after cleansing and toning, before heavier creams. A drop or two is all you need β this is a concentrate, so a little goes a long way.
π How to Use
Cleanse
Start with freshly cleansed skin, both AM and PM.
Dispense
Press out just 1β2 drops β a sparing amount delivers the full benefit.
Apply
Smooth gently over face and neck, including the eye area and dΓ©colletΓ©.
Lock It In
Follow with your moisturizer, and always finish with SPF in the morning.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want to firm, smooth, and soften the look of fine lines
- You prefer a peptide approach over retinol (no retinoid irritation)
- You have normal, combination, oily, or mature skin
- You want a lightweight, fragrance-free, oil-free serum
β Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (growth factors β ask your doctor)
- You're on a tight budget ($98 for 30ml)
- You have a history of skin cancer or psoriasis (growth-factor caution)
- You want one single high-percentage active rather than a multitasker
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight and oil-free, it absorbs without adding shine; Zinc PCA helps balance excess oil.
Hydrating humectants help, but very dry skin will want a richer moisturizer layered on top.
Balances hydration without heaviness, working well across drier and oilier zones alike.
Fragrance-free and clinically tested for sensitive skin; patch test due to benzyl alcohol and citric acid.
The peptide complex plus adenosine directly targets firmness, elasticity, and the look of wrinkles.
π Results Timeline
Hydration & Glow
Skin feels softer and looks more radiant right after application thanks to the humectant-rich base.
94% saw smoother skin after 1 useFirmer, Tighter Feel
The brand's independent clinical study reported visibly tighter, smoother skin after just one week of use.
97% reported tighter skinTexture Refinement
Fine lines look softened and tone appears more even as peptide and adenosine benefits build.
Most users notice refinementVisible Firmness
Cumulative peptide use supports the look of elasticity and overall firmness over time.
Best results with consistent useβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Visibly firms and smooths the look of fine lines
- Lightweight, absorbs fast, and layers beautifully
- Fragrance-free and friendly for sensitive skin
- Retinol-free peptide approach
- Strong clinical results (94β97% in brand studies)
β Criticized
- Expensive at $98 for just 30ml
- Small bottle size for the price
- Growth factors raise pregnancy and skin-history cautions
- Peptide efficacy evidence is still evolving
- Can be hard to find / limited availability
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Five peptide technologies plus copper peptides and multiple hyaluronic acids at a fraction of the price. Skips the growth factors and fruit extracts, but covers the multi-peptide firming brief well.
Argireline and copper peptide focus for line-smoothing at an ultra-affordable price. A simpler, lighter formula without the botanical extracts or growth factors.
Peptide and amino-acid hydration focus at a drugstore price. Lighter on active concentration and lightly scented, so less suited to fragrance-sensitive skin.
π Comparison with Competitors
Kate Somerville Kx Peptides (Featured)
$98.00The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper 1%
$30.00Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum
$12.00Pacifica Vegan Collagen Complex Serum
$16.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Pump bottle (1 fl oz / 30ml)
Yes β 30ml is under the 100ml carry-on limit.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Caution is advised. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens, but it does include bioengineered growth-factor peptides (sh-oligopeptides and sh-polypeptides) that are mitogenic and lack robust pregnancy safety data. Because of this, many dermatologists suggest pausing growth-factor products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always confirm with your own OB-GYN or dermatologist.
Yes β ingredient analysis flags this formula as fungal-acne safe, with no problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that typically feed malassezia. The one source-dependent ingredient is lecithin (sometimes derived from soy), so if your skin is extremely FA-reactive you may wish to confirm the lecithin source with the brand.
Generally yes. Since there is no actual retinoid in the formula, it layers comfortably with a separate retinol routine (use peptides in the AM and retinol in the PM if your skin is sensitive). It also pairs well with vitamin C and niacinamide. With AHAs/BHAs, introduce gradually and monitor for irritation, as the serum already contains a small amount of citric acid.
It suits normal, combination, oily, and mature skin especially well thanks to its lightweight, oil-free texture and firming peptide complex. Dry skin can use it with a richer moisturizer on top, and sensitive skin is generally fine since it's fragrance-free and clinically tested for sensitivity β just patch test first.
Some effects are immediate β skin feels softer and looks more radiant right after use. In the brand's clinical testing, 94% saw smoother skin after a single use and 97% reported tighter skin after one week. Firming and fine-line benefits build with consistent use over roughly 4 to 12 weeks.
Apply it after cleansing and toning but before heavier moisturizers, both morning and night. Use just 1β2 drops on the face, neck, and dΓ©colletΓ©. In the morning, always follow with sunscreen.
Unlikely. The formula is oil-free and water-based, earning a low comedogenic rating of about 1 out of 5. Key humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate are rated non-comedogenic, making this a pore-friendly choice for most skin types.
It carries a 12-month Period After Opening (12M). For best results, use it within a year of first opening and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Verdict: A well-formulated, lightweight peptide serum that delivers visible firming and smoothing with strong clinical backing and a gentle, fragrance-free base suited to sensitive skin. The main drawbacks are the steep $98 price for only 30ml and growth-factor ingredients that warrant caution during pregnancy or for those with a skin-cancer history. If budget is your priority, The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides serum offers much of the firming benefit for a fraction of the cost β but for a polished, sensory, retinol-free anti-aging option from a trusted clinical brand, the Kate Somerville Kx serum earns its place.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 4 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 8 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
Emulsifying, Solvent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Spondias Mombin Pulp Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
|