Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) (CAS 827306-88-7) is supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for European cosmetic formulators, brand R&D teams and B2B buyers reviewing cosmetic peptide raw material applications. A freely water-soluble peptide, it dissolves directly in aqueous concentrates without co-solvents at pH 4.5–7.0, with cool-down addition below 40°C recommended in standard serum and leave-on manufacturing protocols.
> Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 827306-88-7 |
| Alias / Common Name | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3; Folixyl; Ac-KGHK (Ac-Lys-Gly-His-Lys) |
| Molecular Formula | C22H39N9O5 |
| Molecular Weight | 509.6 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 |
| Peptide Sequence | Acetyl-Lys-Gly-His-Lys — Ac-KGHK (GHK-extended 5α-R pathway tetrapeptide) |
| Functional Class | Synthetic tetrapeptide; 5α-reductase pathway modulator; DHT-related hair follicle miniaturisation inhibitor; scalp density and anti-hair-loss active |
| Purity / Assay | ≥98% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility / Handling | Freely water-soluble at evaluation concentrations (0.001–0.1%); dissolves directly in deionised water or the aqueous phase without co-solvent. Add at cool-down below 40°C. |
| pH Stability | Optimal stability at pH 4.5–7.0. Confirm stability in the complete formulation base. |
| Storage | Store sealed below 25°C in a cool, dry location protected from direct light and moisture. Follow SDS and batch COA conditions. |
> Mechanism & Positioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) is a synthetic tetrapeptide designed to address androgen-sensitive hair follicle miniaturisation through modulation of the 5α-reductase (5α-R) / DHT pathway. Published Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 literature discusses attenuation of 5α-reductase type II activity in the dermal papilla — the enzyme converting testosterone to DHT, the primary androgen driving follicle miniaturisation in androgenetic alopecia. Cell-based dermal papilla cell studies document improved cell viability, upregulated growth factor secretion (IGF-1, VEGF) and reduced apoptosis signalling in androgen-challenged dermal papilla cell models. Hair follicle anchoring model data also notes ECM reinforcement activity (fibronectin, collagen IV) consistent with the GHK-extended KGHK sequence maintaining dermal papilla-to-connective tissue sheath adhesion. This dual 5α-R modulation and ECM anchoring mechanism differentiates Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 from isolated 5α-R inhibitors and positions it for multi-mechanism scalp density serum concepts.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 builds comprehensive anti-hair-loss systems with Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (Biotin-GHK) for fibronectin receptor anchoring and keratin synthesis support, and Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16 for stem cell niche lipopeptide activation. For premium scalp density serums, add caffeine (2–4%) for vasodilation and follicle microcirculation support alongside Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3’s 5α-R pathway inhibition. Contact info@tcspeptides.com with formulation specification.
> Application Concepts
Scalp Density Serum and 5α-Reductase Pathway Architecture
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 at 0.001–0.1% dissolves directly in the aqueous phase at cool-down below 40°C — no co-solvent or PG pre-dispersion step required. It integrates cleanly into aqueous scalp serums, tonic formulations and leave-on treatment concentrates at pH 5.0–6.5. For a three-mechanism scalp density serum, combine Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (5α-R / DHT pathway) with Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (follicle anchoring / keratin synthesis) and caffeine (2–4%) (vasodilation / follicle perfusion) in a single aqueous vehicle — all three are water-soluble at their evaluation concentrations, enabling a clean, lightweight serum architecture without PG or silicone loading.
5α-Reductase Pathway vs Follicle Anchoring Pathway — Two Independent Anti-Hair-Loss Mechanisms
Androgenetic alopecia involves two converging follicle failure processes: androgen-driven miniaturisation (DHT/5α-R → AR activation → follicle size reduction → telogen extension) and ECM anchoring failure (dermal papilla-to-sheath attachment loss → follicle shedding). Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) addresses the DHT/5α-R miniaturisation axis; Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (Biotin-GHK) addresses the fibronectin receptor ECM anchoring deficit. The two mechanisms are independent — 5α-R inhibition does not repair ECM anchoring, and fibronectin receptor activation does not block DHT signalling. Combining both peptides in a scalp density serum targets androgenetic alopecia at two distinct mechanistic nodes for more comprehensive follicle support than either active alone.
Androgenetic Alopecia, Diffuse Hair Thinning and Professional Scalp Treatment Formats
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is positioned for three scalp and hair market segments: androgenetic alopecia support serums (DHT/5α-R pathway — primary mechanism for male and female pattern thinning), diffuse hair thinning concentrates (multi-factorial follicle support where ECM and growth factor pathways are co-involved), and professional clinical-channel scalp treatment formulations. For professional scalp treatment positioning, evaluate Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 alongside Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 (Syniorage) for syndecan-1 DEJ support and Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16 for stem cell niche activation, building a three-peptide scalp treatment with independent molecular targets covering androgen pathway, ECM anchoring and epidermal stem cell support.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 directly in deionised water or the aqueous phase at target concentrations (0.001–0.1%) without co-solvent or pre-dispersion step. Add the aqueous solution to the formulation at cool-down below 40°C. For concentrations above 0.5%, prepare a 1% aqueous stock solution and add the calculated aliquot at cool-down. No PG pre-dispersion or special dissolution step is required at evaluation concentrations.
Confirm stability of Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) in the complete scalp formulation at 40°C/75% RH for 12 weeks before scale-up. Monitor for peptide integrity by HPLC when combining with high-caffeine or reducing-agent co-ingredients at pH outside 4.5–7.0. Follow SDS and batch COA for storage and handling EDTA at ≤0.1% is compatible as a chelating buffer; avoid strong oxidising agents (H₂O₂ ≥1%, benzoyl peroxide) and high-pH systems above pH 8.0.
> Supply & Documentation
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) (CAS 827306-88-7) is available from TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic raw material projects. Standard documentation: COA, TDS, SDS. Sample and bulk quantities are discussed on a per-project basis; contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a sourcing review.
TCS NEXUS S.L. supports procurement and formulation teams in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Sweden and Portugal, as well as international buyers in the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
> Packaging & Storage
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) is supplied in sealed aluminium foil bags or bulk containers. Minimum quantities and packaging configurations are confirmed per order. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry location, away from moisture and direct light. Follow batch COA and SDS for specific storage and handling conditions.
> FAQ
What is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl)?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) (CAS 827306-88-7) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. In cosmetic literature, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) is positioned as a leave-on scalp serum active targeting androgenetic alopecia — evaluated for its ability to reduce type I 5α-reductase activity in the dermal papilla and slow DHT-driven follicle miniaturisation. TCS NEXUS S.L. supplies Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 as a B2B pure acetylated tetrapeptide for scalp and anti-hair-loss formulation specialists.
What is the CAS number for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl)?
The CAS number for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) is 827306-88-7. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3; confirm CAS 827306-88-7 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) support scalp density — what is the pathway?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) is an acetylated GHK-extended tetrapeptide (Ac-Lys-Gly-His-Lys). It carries matrix-signalling activity to support the anchoring proteins of the follicle and is discussed in relation to the 5α-reductase/DHT pathway involved in follicle miniaturisation, positioning it for the cosmetic appearance of scalp density and reduced hair thinning. It is a cosmetic hair-conditioning peptide, not a medicine for hair-loss conditions.
What use level of Folixyl is typical, and how should it be evaluated?
Establish the use level conservatively for your base and claim rather than to a fixed figure; Folixyl is usually a trade solution, so confirm whether you dose on a pure-peptide or solution basis. We provide the pure material with COA — contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation.
Which actives pair with Folixyl in a scalp-density system?
In hair-appearance systems Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (5α-reductase pathway) pairs with Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (follicle anchoring), and combines with caffeine, panthenol and niacinamide for scalp tonics and serums. It is water-soluble; confirm combined stability and pH in the finished base.
What makes Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 distinct among hair peptides?
Its distinctive angle is the connection to the 5α-reductase/DHT pathway behind follicle miniaturisation — a hormonal-pathway focus different from keratin synthesis, stem-cell activation or simple anchoring. That makes it a complementary partner to Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 in scalp-density concepts. Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is freely water-soluble.
What addition temperature is recommended for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) during manufacturing?
Introduce Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) during the cool-down phase at temperatures below 40°C; avoid prolonged exposure above this threshold. Standard aqueous or emulsion cool-down protocols are fully compatible with this addition requirement. Confirm thermal stability in the specific manufacturing process with accelerated stability data before committing to production scale.
What pH range keeps Folixyl stable in a finished formula?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is most stable at roughly pH 4.5–7.0, matching scalp tonics and serums; confirm the finished-product pH after all actives are incorporated and evaluate combined stability with any low-pH co-actives.
Is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) compatible with other actives in multi-active cosmetic systems?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) is compatible with standard cosmetic actives at pH 4.5–7.0 in aqueous or emulsion systems. Evaluate combined system pH drift, clarity and assay retention; confirm preservative compatibility. Run accelerated stability testing at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
Is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is not listed as a restricted, prohibited or regulated substance under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annexes II–VI. The finished product manufacturer is responsible for the CPSR and CPNP notification. Use CAS 827306-88-7 and INCI name Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) be stored?
Store Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) sealed below 25°C in a cool, dry location protected from direct light and moisture. Once opened, reseal the container immediately. Follow specific storage and handling conditions stated in the SDS and batch COA. Confirm shelf life for the specific batch before incorporating into production formulations.
What documentation does TCS NEXUS S.L. provide for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl)?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 827306-88-7 and HPLC purity ≥98% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl). Additional documentation such as specification sheets and INCI confirmation letters is available on a per-project basis. Contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a documentation and sourcing discussion.
What MOQ and sample options are available for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl)?
Sample and bulk quantities for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Folixyl) are confirmed on a per-project basis through TCS NEXUS S.L. Minimum order quantities depend on current stock, packaging configuration and project scope. R&D teams are encouraged to request samples for stability and concentration-range evaluation before bulk planning. Contact info@tcspeptides.com with project specification to begin a sourcing review.
> Technical Support and Samples
Request COA documents, sample availability, or support for custom synthesis.