Merck introduced an entirely new generation of peptides for anti-aging cosmetics in spring 2010. In the human body these protein sequences support tasks such as wound healing. Cyclopeptide-5 is a ring-shaped molecule whose function is to impede the aging of the skin. “The moment a cell signals that it is running out of collagen from the environment, the body has to produce more of this elementary protein as quickly as possible. If this process chain fails to function, the cell ages,” explains Nicole Beyer of Merck Cosmetics. “The cyclopeptide fits like a precision key into a lock when it comes to activating communication processes between the cells.”

The peptide has therefore been developed in such a way that it has exactly the right shape to bind precisely to integrins — specific receptors on the skin cell. These integrins connect cells with one another and thus solidify the structure and coordinate the communication processes of the skin cells. Cyclopeptide-5 enhances this communication process, thus triggering the regeneration processes. Cyclopeptide-5 in a sense has a dual action, because it simultaneously inhibits decomposition processes in the skin.

For Nefertiti this would have meant fewer deep wrinkles and even greater beauty. The creator of the famous bust of the Egyptian beauty drew fine lines on the face of the Pharaoh’s wife from the 14th century B.C. This was undoubtedly a sign of joie de vivre: “Aging of the skin is not the only thing that distinguishes a personality,“ says Lademann. “Anyone who laughs a lot has laugh lines, and those should be seen.” The depth of these laugh lines is what matters. The new active ingredient RonaCare® Cyclopeptide-5, which Merck offers to manufacturers for use in cosmetic products, gives skin renewed tautness, elasticity, and smoothness. And for that even Cleopatra would have climbed out of her donkey's milk — a wonderful bath that also includes antioxidants, by the way.