Teprenone
Geranylgeranylacetone, also used as an oral gastroprotective drug. In cosmetics it is sold as an anti-aging active, but no studies on human skin have been published. Data come from mice and cell cultures
Evidence by route
Topical application
There are no published studies of teprenone on human skin. Data are limited to an anti-inflammatory effect in mice and work on keratinocyte cultures. Anti-aging claims about telomeres and skin density come from supplier materials and have not been tested in peer-reviewed research
- Jin T et al. Geranylgeranylacetone Ameliorates Skin Inflammation by Regulating and Inducing Thioredoxin via the Thioredoxin Redox System. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023;12(9). PMID 37760004
- Isoir M et al. Protective effect of geranylgeranylacetone against radiation-induced delayed effects on human keratinocytes. Radiat Res. 2013;179(2):232-42. PMID 23289389
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
Teprenone is geranylgeranylacetone (GGA). Under this name it is taken by mouth as a gastroprotective drug for gastric ulcer. Cosmetics list it under the INCI name Teprenone in anti-aging creams and serums. It is a pharmacologically active substance, but data on oral use do not apply to application on the skin. Skin data come only from animals and cells. In a mouse model of irritant dermatitis, GGA reduced ear swelling, neutrophil infiltration and inflammatory cytokines. It worked better by mouth than on the skin. In the same study, GGA induced the antioxidant protein thioredoxin in cultured mouse keratinocytes (Jin 2023). In irradiated human keratinocytes it sped up closure of a scratch wound and cell migration (Isoir 2013). There are no peer-reviewed studies of teprenone on human skin. Claims about telomeres, skin density and slower aging come from supplier materials and have not been tested in published research. Published data on irritation, sensitization and absorption through the skin are lacking. No harm from topical use has been described. There are no data on use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Teprenone safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Teprenone during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Teprenone for?
Teprenone suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Teprenone and what does it do in cosmetics?
Geranylgeranylacetone, also used as an oral gastroprotective drug.
What's the INCI name for Teprenone?
The INCI name is Teprenone. It may also appear as: Renovage.
See Teprenone in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Explore by category
Published: · updated: