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The Beauty & Personal Care Brand Builder Series

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

Glass petri dish with a mound of white powder on a light blue surface (likely flour or baking powder).

The Beauty & Personal Care Brand Builder Series

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

The Capixyl™ Hair-Anchoring Peptide

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is a biomimetic signal peptide best known as the peptide active in the Capixyl™ complex (paired with red clover extract). It is used in scalp and hair care to support the appearance of denser, healthier-looking hair by reinforcing the extracellular-matrix (ECM) “bed” that anchors the follicle.

In supplier laboratory studies it increased the synthesis of key anchoring proteins — type III collagen and laminins — around the dermal papilla, reinforcing the follicle’s foundation. It is also used in skincare for ECM- and collagen-supporting, firmer-looking benefits.

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Strengthener and Anti-Aging Agent

A biomimetic peptide (the Capixyl active) that supports the appearance of denser, healthier-looking hair by stimulating extracellular-matrix anchoring proteins around the follicle; also used for a firmer-looking skin appearance.

Used in densifying and anti-thinning scalp and hair serums (often as Capixyl™), and in firming skincare.

Brands building scalp / hair densifying or anti-thinning products — or ECM / firming skincare — who want a recognized biomimetic peptide with a clear mechanism.

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide 3

Benefits of Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

A well-characterized biomimetic peptide for the appearance of stronger-rooted, fuller hair — and firmer-looking skin.

  • Supports Hair Anchoring (Appearance): Stimulates ECM anchoring proteins (laminins, collagen) in dermal papilla cells in vitro — for the look of stronger-rooted, fuller hair.
  • Fuller-Looking Hair: Popular in densifying scalp serums to support the appearance of hair density and reduced shedding.
  • Firmer-Looking Skin: Its ECM / collagen support is also used in skincare for a firmer, smoother appearance.
  • Perifollicular Support: Helps address the local scalp factors associated with thinning-looking hair.
  • Biomimetic Peptide: A precise four-amino-acid signal peptide (the Capixyl™ active).

How It Works

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Ac-Lys-Gly-His-Lys) is a biomimetic peptide that signals dermal papilla cells to build extracellular-matrix anchoring proteins — laminins and collagens — which form the structural bed that holds the hair follicle. In supplier studies this reinforced the ECM around the follicle and, alongside red clover, supported the appearance of hair density. These are ingredient-level, in-vitro findings; as with all peptides, penetration through intact skin is limited and finished-product results should be substantiated — this is a cosmetic ingredient, not a treatment for hair loss.

Formulating with Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

Water-soluble and used at low levels in the water / cool-down phase of leave-on scalp serums and essences, typically alongside red clover (as Capixyl™) and other scalp actives. Add it late and keep it cool; confirm stability and preservation in the finished formula.

Safety Analysis

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is used at low levels and is generally well tolerated in cosmetics. It is a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug or treatment for hair loss; as a peptide its penetration through intact skin is limited, so it should be positioned on its biological rationale and the finished product substantiated (e.g. patch / HRIPT testing) in line with MoCRA requirements.

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