What it does
A buffering compound that gently encourages desquamation (the natural shedding of dead skin cells), supporting smoother texture and better absorption of other actives.
Best for
Dull skin, uneven texture, and routines where you want light exfoliation without using acids.
The full picture
HEPES is a zwitterionic buffer originally developed for biological research and now used in skincare as a gentle desquamation enhancer. By holding pH at the right level it supports the enzymes responsible for natural skin cell turnover, which dulls and slows with age. In SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced (3% concentration), HEPES is paired with the formula's actives to help smooth texture and improve product absorption, without the irritation potential of glycolic or lactic acids.
Evidence
Used as a mild, buffer-based desquamation aid. Independent published efficacy data specific to skin renewal is limited.
Read the source: INCIDecoder: HEPES ->