# Peptide-Drug Conjugate Actives Shenzhen Winkey Unveiled CH-9 Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-9 By Debra John | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-03-06 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shenzhen-winkey References: [cosmeticsdesign-asia](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/Article/2026/02/26/peptide-drug-conjugate-technology-paves-the-way-for-advanced-anti-photoageing-solutions/)  Researchers from Shenzhen Winkey Technology, P&G Singapore Innovation Center and [Nanyang Technological University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hapsense) introduced CH-9, a [peptide-drug conjugate ingredient](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peptide-skincare-serum) that links a collagen-mimicking hexapeptide with caffeic acid, featuring improved stability and skin delivery. The team developed the hybrid molecule using solid-phase peptide synthesis to achieve high purity and a single conjugate structure. Laboratory tests showed CH-9 offered antioxidant activity in DPPH and ORAC assays and restored collagen types I, III and IV in UVB-challenged keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Molecular dynamics and Raman spectroscopy indicated deeper stratum corneum penetration within 30 minutes, while the conjugate resisted oxidation that typically discolors caffeic acid. A 28-day double-blind trial with 96 women found CH-9 doubled improvements in [elasticity and firmness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atrcosf-program) versus the parent peptide, suggesting PDC technology can deliver multifunctional, stable anti-photoaging actives for advanced topical formulations. Image Credit: PreciousJ / Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 64% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/cosmetics) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Peptide-drug Conjugate Actives:** The emergence of single-conjugate PDCs that combine peptide scaffolds with small-molecule actives presents opportunities for multifunctional, oxidation-resistant topical ingredients with enhanced bioactivity. - **Collagen-mimetic Peptides:** High-purity collagen-mimicking hexapeptides that restore multiple collagen types suggest new routes for targeted anti-photoaging formulations with biomimetic repair mechanisms. - **Rapid Stratum Corneum Penetration:** Molecules demonstrating measurable skin-layer penetration within minutes indicate potential for fast-acting dermal delivery systems and differentiated sensory profiles in topical products. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Skincare and Cosmetics:** Clinically validated PDC actives that double improvements in elasticity and firmness open space for premium cosmeceutical lines emphasizing measurable anti-aging performance. - **Pharmaceutical Topicals:** Stable conjugates that resist oxidation and enhance dermal delivery create potential for prescription-strength or OTC topical therapeutics with improved efficacy and stability. - **Contract Synthesis and Manufacturing:** Demand for high-purity solid-phase peptide synthesis and single-conjugate control points toward specialized manufacturing services and quality-driven supply-chain partnerships. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Biotech-Forward Ageing Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniprotein-exosome-bioactive-ampoule.md) - [Multi-Benefit Eye Serums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/procollagen-peptide-firming-eye-serum.md) - [Wearable Skincare Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-glow-patches.md) - [Wrinkle-Modulating Peptide Serums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wrinklemodulating-peptide.md) - [Inaugural Clinically Advanced Haircare](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clinically-advanced-haircare.md) - [Specialized Peptide Research Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peptide-research-center.md) - [Specialized Peptide Therapy Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peptide-therapy.md) - [Groundbreaking Eye Drops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eye-drops1.md) - [Peptide-Powered Eye Serums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eye-contour-treatment.md)