Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) (CAS 928006-50-2) 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 5.0–7.5, with cool-down addition below 45°C recommended in standard serum and leave-on manufacturing protocols.
> Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 928006-50-2 |
| Alias / Common Name | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9; Dermican; N-Acetyl-Gln-Asp-Val-His |
| Molecular Formula | C22H33N7O9 |
| Molecular Weight | 539.5 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 |
| Peptide Sequence | Ac-Gln-Asp-Val-His-OH — QDVH N-acetylated (lumican / collagen XVII ECM synthesis activator) |
| Functional Class | Synthetic tetrapeptide; lumican and collagen XVII (BP180) synthesis activator; ECM firming active |
| Purity / Assay | ≥98% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility / Handling | Freely water-soluble; dissolve in deionised water or aqueous phase at ambient temperature; no co-solvent required |
| pH Stability | Optimal stability at pH 5.0–7.5; confirm in the complete formulation after all actives |
| Storage | Store sealed below 25°C in cool, dry, light-protected conditions; follow batch COA and SDS |
> Mechanism & Positioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican, Ac-Gln-Asp-Val-His, CAS 928006-50-2) is a synthetic N-acetylated tetrapeptide designed to activate lumican synthesis and type XVII collagen (collagen XVII/BP180) production in dermal fibroblasts and basal keratinocytes at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ). Published Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 literature discusses lumican as a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) that regulates collagen fibril diameter and organisation in the dermis — lumican upregulation results in improved collagen fibril uniformity, ECM scaffold density and dermis mechanical properties. Collagen XVII (transmembrane collagen, BP180) is a key component of hemidesmosomes at the DEJ that anchors basal keratinocytes to the basement membrane — its synthesis modulation supports DEJ integrity and epidermal-dermal cohesion. Cell-based dermal fibroblast and organotypic skin model studies document lumican gene expression upregulation and collagen XVII immunoreactivity modulation. ECM architecture model data also notes associated improvements in collagen fibril network organisation and basal keratinocyte adhesion in three-dimensional skin model systems at evaluation concentrations.
Based on available in vitro data, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) is positioned for ECM-firming serum, anti-age concentrate and skin-density formulation concepts where lumican and collagen XVII upregulation are the primary mechanistic targets. The SLRP and hemidesmosome collagen mechanism is distinct from and complementary to fibronectin-receptor TGF-β1 signalling of Matrixyl and LOX-pathway crosslinking of GHK-Cu, providing three-pathway ECM architecture coverage in a premium anti-age concentrate.
> Application Concepts
ECM-Firming Serum Architecture: Lumican and Collagen XVII
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) dissolves freely in deionised water and aqueous serum bases at 10–100 ppm (0.001–0.01% w/w) without co-solvent. Introduce during the cool-down phase below 45°C; standard serum and emulsion cool-down protocols are compatible. For comprehensive ECM-firming serum positioning, combine Dermican (lumican / collagen XVII) with Matrixyl (TGF-β1 fibronectin-receptor collagen I/III) and GHK-Cu (LOX crosslinking) in the same aqueous serum base at respective evaluation concentrations. Add Tripeptide-10 Citrulline (Decorinyl) for additional SLRP decorin-pathway collagen fibril organisation. Confirm pH alignment (5.0–7.5) and combined assay retention at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
DEJ Integrity and Basal Keratinocyte Adhesion Support
Collagen XVII (BP180) synthesis activation by Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 makes it uniquely relevant for formulations targeting dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) integrity — a critical structural interface that weakens with aging, leading to basal keratinocyte detachment, flattened rete ridges and reduced mechanical cohesion between dermis and epidermis. For DEJ-integrity premium serums, combine Dermican (collagen XVII / hemidesmosome support) with Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 (syndecan-1 DEJ pathway) and Hexapeptide-9 (collagen IV basement membrane) for three-target DEJ architecture in a single aqueous concentrate. All three are water-soluble and pH-compatible at 5.0–7.5. Confirm combined stability before scale-up.
Structural Dermal Density in Premium Age-Care Concentrates
At 10–100 ppm, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 is cost-effective for inclusion in premium anti-age concentrates targeting structural dermal density restoration — a key consumer claim for premium facial treatment serums targeting skin firmness and “bounce.” The lumican SLRP pathway contributes to collagen fibril diameter uniformity (wider and more regular fibrils in healthy young skin), which influences the macroscopic mechanical properties of the dermis measured by cutometry. Combine with Tripeptide-10 Citrulline (Decorinyl) for complementary decorin SLRP pathway coverage, and with matrix synthesis actives (Matrixyl, GHK-Cu) for a comprehensive multi-active structural age-care positioning. Confirm all actives’ assay retention and combined stability before production scale-up.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) in deionised water or the aqueous phase at ambient temperature at 10–100 ppm without co-solvent. Freely water-soluble at these concentrations. Introduce during the cool-down phase below 45°C. Maintain pH within 5.0–7.5. The His residue can coordinate transition metals — evaluate compatibility with iron- or copper-containing systems.
Evaluate compatibility with chelating agents (EDTA) and preservative systems at typical concentrations. Confirm peptide assay retention by HPLC after accelerated stability at 40°C/75% RH before production scale-up.
> Supply & Documentation
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) (CAS 928006-50-2) 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-9 (Dermican) 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-9 (Dermican)?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) (CAS 928006-50-2) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. In cosmetic literature, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) is positioned as a dermal proteoglycan-pathway peptide that enhances the structural dermatan sulphate proteoglycan network — evaluated in anti-ageing serums targeting loss of dermal ECM organisation and skin-firmness decline associated with reduced decorin and biglycan expression. TCS NEXUS S.L. supplies Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 as a B2B active for anti-ageing formulation specialists.
What is the CAS number for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican)?
The CAS number for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) is 928006-50-2. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9; confirm CAS 928006-50-2 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does Dermican firm skin — what is the lumican / collagen XVII mechanism?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) is the acetylated tetrapeptide Gln-Asp-Val-His (QDVH). It is described as stimulating synthesis of lumican — a proteoglycan that governs collagen fibril assembly — and of collagen XVII (BP180), which anchors the epidermis to the dermis. By supporting these structural and anchoring components it is positioned for firmness and dermal-density claim directions.
What use level of Dermican is typical, and how should it be evaluated?
Because the effective level shifts with formulation and claim, establish it conservatively from your own evaluation rather than a fixed figure; Dermican is commonly a trade solution, so confirm your dosing basis. We supply the pure material with COA — contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation.
Which actives pair with Dermican in a firmness and density system?
Dermican supports the structural matrix, so it complements collagen-stimulating peptides such as Matrixyl and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, fibril-organising Decorinyl, and niacinamide. It is water-soluble; keep the system near pH 4.5–7.0 and confirm combined stability in the finished base.
What makes Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 distinct — the lumican and collagen XVII targets?
Its distinctive feature is targeting lumican and collagen XVII (BP180) rather than collagen I directly: lumican fine-tunes fibril organisation and collagen XVII anchors the dermal-epidermal junction, so Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 supports both matrix quality and epidermal anchoring. It is freely water-soluble and dissolves directly in the aqueous phase.
What addition temperature is recommended for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) during manufacturing?
Introduce Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) during the cool-down phase at temperatures below 45°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 Dermican stable in a finished formula?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 is most stable at roughly pH 4.5–7.0; confirm the finished-product pH after all actives are incorporated and evaluate combined stability with low-pH actives such as ascorbic acid.
Is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) compatible with other actives in multi-active cosmetic systems?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) is compatible with standard cosmetic actives at pH 5.0–7.5 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-9 (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 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 928006-50-2 and INCI name Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) be stored?
Store Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) 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-9 (Dermican)?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 928006-50-2 and HPLC purity ≥98% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican). 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-9 (Dermican)?
Sample and bulk quantities for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 (Dermican) 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.