Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is a peptide that is commonly used in cosmetic formulations, particularly in products targeting anti-aging and hair growth. It is known for its ability to improve skin health and stimulate hair growth by acting on certain biological processes.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, including its benefits, mechanism of action, and formulation recommendations:
🌿 What is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is a synthetic peptide composed of four amino acids, which are acetylated to enhance stability and skin penetration. It was originally developed for anti-aging purposes but has also become popular in hair care products due to its potential to promote hair growth and strengthen hair follicles.
✅ Benefits for Skin and Hair
Skin Benefits:
Anti-Aging:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 has been shown to stimulate the extracellular matrix components, such as collagen and fibronectin, which help improve the skin's firmness and elasticity.
By promoting the production of these proteins, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leading to smoother, firmer skin.
Moisture Retention:
This peptide helps maintain or improve the skin's hydration levels, enhancing the skin’s barrier functionto prevent moisture loss. This is especially beneficial for dry and mature skin.
Skin Repair:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 aids in skin regeneration by promoting cell turnover and supporting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin, which leads to brighter, more even-toned skin.
Soothing:
It may also have some anti-inflammatory effects, making it suitable for sensitive skin types, helping reduce redness or irritation.
Hair Benefits:
Promotes Hair Growth:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 works by targeting the hair follicle growth phase (anagen phase), stimulating the hair growth cycle and promoting healthy hair.
It helps extend the duration of the anagen phase, meaning hair can grow longer before shedding.
Strengthens Hair Follicles:
It helps strengthen the hair follicles, which can contribute to thicker, stronger hair and a reduction in hair loss, particularly from thinning and weakened follicles.
Reduces Hair Loss:
This peptide can contribute to slower hair shedding by improving the condition of hair follicles, thereby helping prevent premature hair loss.
Improves Scalp Health:
Helps maintain a healthier scalp environment, promoting overall scalp vitality, which in turn helps with healthy hair growth.
⚖️ How Does Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 Work?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 works by stimulating the synthesis of key extracellular matrix components like collagen and fibronectin, which play important roles in skin structure and hair follicle anchoring.
In Skin Care: The peptide encourages the production of collagen, which gives skin its firmness, and fibronectin, which helps the skin stay hydrated and resilient. The stimulation of these proteins improves skin elasticity and helps reduce wrinkles.
In Hair Care: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 acts on the dermal papilla (the part of the scalp where hair follicles are rooted) by stimulating the growth factors that regulate the hair growth cycle. It specifically extends the anagen phase, resulting in healthier, thicker hair.
📏 Recommended Dosage and Usage in Formulation
Recommended Usage Level: 0.1% to 0.5%.
For anti-aging and wrinkle-reducing skin care formulations, concentrations closer to 0.1%–0.3% are typically used.
For hair growth formulations, 0.3%–0.5% is more commonly recommended for enhanced results.
Incorporation: Peptides like Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 should be added during the cooling phase of formulation (typically below 40°C–45°C) to maintain their stability and efficacy.
⚖️ Best pH for Effectiveness
Ideal pH Range: 4.5 to 6.5.
This pH range is ideal for the stability and efficacy of Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3. It ensures the peptide’s structure remains intact and able to exert its effects on both the skin and hair follicles.
A pH that is too high or too low can degrade the peptide, reducing its effectiveness.
⏱️ Ideal Usage Time
Visible Results:
For skin, visible improvements in skin elasticity, firmness, and wrinkle reduction may be seen after 4–6 weeks of regular use. Full results can take around 8–12 weeks.
For hair, initial signs of thicker hair or reduced hair shedding may take 2–3 months, with more noticeable results appearing after 4–6 months of use.
Application:
Morning and night applications are generally fine, depending on the specific formulation. For skinproducts, you can apply it as part of your daily skincare routine (morning and evening).
For hair, it can be used as part of a scalp serum or hair treatment applied once or twice a day, depending on the formulation.
🎯 Appropriate Age for Use
For Skin:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is suitable for individuals around 30+ years old who are beginning to experience signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
It is especially beneficial for individuals with mature skin (40+) or anyone looking to prevent further signs of aging.
For Hair:
This peptide is suitable for people experiencing hair thinning or premature hair loss. It is commonly used by individuals in their 30s and 40s, but it can be used earlier if you start noticing signs of thinning hair or balding spots.
It’s effective for both men and women who are concerned with maintaining hair density and strengthening follicles.
🧴 Key Claims & Benefits
Collagen Boosting: Stimulates collagen and fibronectin production, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Hair Growth Support: Helps extend the anagen phase, leading to longer hair growth cycles and thicker hair.
Reduces Hair Loss: Promotes healthy hair follicle function and slows down hair shedding.
