The 500 Dalton Standard

Why one domino actually starts a chain reaction.

Your skin filters by size. So we formulate by size: Sub-500 Actives to treat, Barrier Locks to shield, and nothing in the wrong place for its job.

See the size map Shop Sub-500 Actives

The rule

Your skin has a size filter.

In dermatological literature (Bos & Meinardi, 2000), the 500 Dalton guideline describes how smaller molecules generally have an easier route through the skin barrier. It is a useful rule of thumb, not a strict cutoff.

Molecular size matters, but so do a formula’s concentration, solubility and delivery system. A larger molecule is not automatically ineffective: some ingredients are valuable precisely because they hydrate the skin’s surface.

At Domi, we think about ingredients by their role: Sub-500 Actives, such as niacinamide, chosen for targeted skincare benefits. We pair them with Barrier Locks, including hyaluronic acid and an olive-derived base, to support surface hydration and comfort.

The size map

Selected ingredients, to scale.

Molecular weight in Daltons (Da). The line marks 500 Da. Bars are drawn on the same scale, from 0 to 600 Da.

DMAE DMAE + CoQ10 Firming Cream
89 Da
Niacinamide 10% Niacinamide Serum
122 Da
Kojic acid Kojic Acid + Turmeric Brightening Soap
142 Da
L-ascorbic acid Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid Brightening Serum
176 Da
Ferulic acid Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid Brightening Serum
194 Da
3-Glyceryl ascorbate Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid Brightening Serum
250 Da
Methylglucoside phosphate Peptide Barrier Moisturizer
274 Da
Retinol The Night Shift Retinol + Peptide
286 Da
Copper lysinate/prolinate Peptide Barrier Moisturizer
323 Da
Hyaluronic acid, four forms 4-Type Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Thousands to millions of Da

Pink bars show selected lower-molecular-weight ingredients. The ink bar represents hyaluronic acid, a humectant valued for hydrating the skin’s surface.

Two jobs

Different sizes. Different jobs.

Under 500 Da

Sub-500 Actives

The targeted step. Smaller molecules can be well suited to topical formulas, though size alone cannot establish absorption. We choose niacinamide for visible pores and shine, retinol for texture, and vitamin C for uneven-looking tone.

  • Niacinamide, 122 Da
  • Retinol, 286 Da
  • Copper-amino complex, 323 Da

Built to stay on top

Barrier Locks

The hydration step. Hyaluronic acid helps bind water at the skin’s surface. An olive-derived lipid base adds cushion and comfort, supporting the feel of a complete routine.

  • Four forms of hyaluronic acid
  • Olive-derived lipid base
  • Glycerin and humectants

The pillowcase test

Not every ingredient needs to go deeper.

Good skincare works in more than one way. Some ingredients are chosen for how they interact with skin; others help the surface stay smooth and hydrated.

The Domi approach is simple: choose purposeful ingredients, pair them thoughtfully, and build a routine you can actually keep.

The Domi Effect

Why one domino actually starts a chain reaction.

  1. 01Choose an active for your skin concernwith a formula that fits your routine.
  2. 02A Barrier Lock seals the surfaceso skin stays hydrated and comfortable.
  3. 03Comfortable skin makes consistency easyand consistency is what moves pores, tone and texture.
  4. 04Give your routine timeto support visible improvements with consistent use.

Shop by size

Sub-500 Actives

10% Niacinamide Serum 122 Da 10% Niacinamide Serum $28.99 The Night Shift Retinol + Peptide 286 Da The Night Shift Retinol + Peptide $39.99 Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid Brightening Serum 176 Da Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid Brightening Serum $39.00 Peptide Barrier Moisturizer 323 Da Peptide Barrier Moisturizer $37.00 DMAE + CoQ10 Firming Cream 89 Da DMAE + CoQ10 Firming Cream $38.99

The Barrier Lock to pair them with: 4-Type Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Shop all skincare Explore the science

Sources

  • Bos JD, Meinardi MM. The 500 Dalton rule for the skin penetration of chemical compounds and drugs. Experimental Dermatology, 2000. Review. Sets out the 500 Dalton size guideline for molecules that pass into skin. View source
  • Schiltz JR. Studies of the penetration of native collagen, collagen alpha chains, and collagen cyanogen bromide peptides through hairless mouse skin in vitro. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 1988. Laboratory study of how intact collagen and smaller collagen fragments move through skin. View source
  • Pavicic T, et al. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011. Clinical study comparing hyaluronic acid at five molecular weights on facial skin. View source