A method for selecting an antimicrobial peptide with a low α-helix content for a skin formulation. The method comprises evaluating the α-helix content directly using circular dichroism spectroscopy and indirectly using ELISA, wherein a suitable formulation composition is one which has an α-helix content of less that 35%, preferably less than 10%. The formulation further comprises at least one of the following, sunflower oil, petrolatum, cetostearyl alcohol and lanolin. The formulation may also be an emulsion comprising water.
