Dipeptide-2
Synthetic dipeptide valine-tryptophan used in eye-contour products. The claim that it reduces eyelid puffiness by inhibiting ACE comes from supplier materials. Peer-reviewed data are lacking
Evidence by route
Topical application
There are no peer-reviewed studies of dipeptide-2 on human skin or skin cells. The claim about under-eye bags rests on the brochure from the supplier of the complex. ACE inhibition was shown only in enzyme assays and in rats given the dipeptide by mouth
- Lunow D et al. Tryptophan-containing dipeptides are C-domain selective inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme. Food Chem. 2015;166:596-602. PMID 25053098
- Xu Y et al. An angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory peptide (Val-Trp) from cauliflower by-products exerts an antihypertensive effect via the eNOS/NO/cGMP pathway. Food Funct. 2025;16(10):4048-4060. PMID 40293781
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Dipeptide-2 is the synthetic dipeptide valine-tryptophan (Val-Trp). In cosmetics it most often appears in an eye-contour complex with the raw-material trade name Eyeliss. The complex also contains hesperidin methyl chalcone and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. The supplier says the dipeptide inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in eyelid skin, improves lymph drainage and reduces bags under the eyes. This claim rests on the supplier's technical brochure for the whole complex, not on peer-reviewed studies. Even the brochure's data cannot be attributed to dipeptide-2 alone, because the complex has three active components. ACE inhibition by Val-Trp is known from enzyme assays in food chemistry (Lunow 2015) and from lower blood pressure in rats that received it by mouth (Xu 2025). These findings say nothing about eyelid skin. No published study has tested whether the dipeptide penetrates the skin, inhibits ACE there or changes puffiness. There are no peer-reviewed studies of dipeptide-2 itself on human skin or skin cells. The contribution of the complex to the effect of eye creams has not been studied separately. Published irritation and sensitization tests for dipeptide-2 are lacking. There are no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dipeptide-2 safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Dipeptide-2 during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Dipeptide-2 for?
Dipeptide-2 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Dipeptide-2 and what does it do in cosmetics?
Synthetic dipeptide valine-tryptophan used in eye-contour products.
Is Dipeptide-2 comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Dipeptide-2?
The INCI name is Dipeptide-2. It may also appear as: Eyeliss component.
See Dipeptide-2 in a product composition right on the store page
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