License agreement with commercial partners
NPP-4 is a premium peptide developed to stimulate skin pigmentation. We plan to launch it as a cosmetic ingredient in sunless tanning products i.e. self tanning and sunscreen products in 2026.
The market for self-tanning products is huge and steadily growing, driven by the high demand for new, safe solutions to achieve a tan without sun exposure. Most self-tanning products on the market today often contain the ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA can increase the production of free radicals in the skin, leading to premature aging and damage to collagen and elastin.
Global sales today are estimated at more than USD 1 billion, and by 2032, sales are projected to reach nearly USD 2 billion.
Estimated market value
NPP-4 is a premium cosmetic peptide developed to enhance natural skin pigmentation by stimulating melanin production in the upper layers of the skin. Derived from Bone Marrow Protein 6 (BMP-6), a natural protein involved in skin pigmentation, NPP-4 mimics the natural tanning process by promoting the transport of melanin to the skin’s outermost layer. This effect resembles the pigmentation achieved through sun exposure or tanning beds, but without the harmful risks of UV radiation.
This peptide is one of four pigmentation peptides initially derived from the proprietary NPP platform. NPP-4 has been selected as the front runner peptide as it has already demonstrated solid abilities to induce natural pigmentation to human skin and thereby being an ideal candidate for a novel cosmetic self-tanning product series.
We welcome conversations with potential partners interested in bringing this innovation to their markets. Our flexible partnership models range from ingredient supply to ready-to-market formats. We’re actively exploring licensing, distribution and go-to-market strategies in key regions.