Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) (CAS 171263-26-6) 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. With limited direct water solubility, it requires propylene glycol or ethanol pre-dispersion before aqueous dilution, at pH 4.5–7.0, with incorporation below 40°C in standard emulsion manufacturing protocols.
> Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 171263-26-6 |
| Alias / Common Name | Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12; N-Palmitoyl-Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly |
| Molecular Formula | C38H68N6O8 |
| Molecular Weight | 737.0 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 |
| Peptide Sequence | Palmitoyl-Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly — Pal-VGVAPG (elastin hydrophobic domain repeat; elastin binding protein / EBP agonist) |
| Functional Class | Synthetic lipopeptide; elastin VGVAPG-domain repeat biomimetic; elastin receptor (EBP) agonist; elastogenesis activator |
| Purity / Assay | ≥98% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility / Handling | Limited direct water solubility; pre-disperse in propylene glycol (5–15%) or low-concentration ethanol (10–20%) before aqueous dilution; confirm clarity in target emulsion or serum base |
| pH Stability | Optimal stability at pH 4.5–7.0; confirm in target emulsion base after all actives incorporated |
| Storage | Store sealed below 25°C in cool, dry, light-protected conditions; follow batch COA and SDS |
> Mechanism & Positioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL, Pal-VGVAPG, CAS 171263-26-6) is a palmitoyl-lipidated Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly hexapeptide sequence derived from the hydrophobic domain repeat (Gly-X-Gly-Val-Pro) of human tropoelastin — the core elastin protein repeat sequence responsible for the elastic recoil properties of the ECM. Published Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 literature discusses agonism at the elastin binding protein (EBP) / elastin receptor (S-Gal), a cell-surface galactoside-binding lectin that transduces tropoelastin signals to intracellular cascades associated with elastogenesis — specifically mTOR and ERK1/2-related signalling pathways that regulate elastin gene expression and fibrillin-1 assembly. Cell-based dermal fibroblast studies document tropoelastin and fibrillin-1 synthesis upregulation alongside elastic fibre network deposition in ECM model assay systems at evaluated lipopeptide concentrations. Elastin pathway model data also notes MMP-12 (macrophage elastase) modulation, which degrades mature elastin fibres under inflammatory conditions, alongside fibrillin microfibrils upregulation — supporting the positioning of Biopeptide-EL in both elastin synthesis and elastin-network protection directions.
Based on available in vitro data, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) is positioned for elastin-firming serum, anti-age concentrate and multi-active ECM lipopeptide formulation concepts where EBP receptor agonism and elastogenesis activation are the primary mechanistic directions. The elastin pathway is distinct from and complementary to the fibronectin-receptor collagen synthesis pathway of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) and the calming IL-6/TNF-α pathway of Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Rigin).
> Application Concepts
Elastin-Firming Emulsion and Lipopeptide Serum Architecture
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) has limited direct water solubility due to the palmitoyl fatty acid chain — pre-disperse in propylene glycol (5–15% w/w) or low-concentration ethanol (10–20%) at ambient temperature before incorporating into the aqueous or emulsion phase at 10–1000 ppm. Introduce during the warm phase below 40°C or during cool-down after PG pre-dispersion. For multi-active ECM lipopeptide positioning, combine Biopeptide-EL (elastin EBP pathway) with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK, fibronectin-receptor collagen) and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Rigin, calming matrix protection) — the Matrixyl 3000 combination plus elastin pathway — in the same emulsion phase. Both require PG pre-dispersion at 40°C or below. Confirm combined emulsion stability at 40°C/75% RH.
Elastin Pathway vs Collagen Pathway: Complementary ECM Architecture
In skin ECM architecture, elastin and collagen fibres form distinct structural networks — collagen provides tensile strength and matrix volume; elastin fibres provide recoil and elasticity. Most cosmetic peptide actives target the collagen synthesis pathway (Matrixyl, GHK-Cu, Pal-Tripeptide-1). Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) specifically targets elastin synthesis via EBP receptor agonism — providing a distinct ECM pathway that is under-served by collagen-centric peptide combinations. For truly comprehensive ECM serum positioning, a combined collagen + elastin architecture is scientifically more complete than collagen-only: Matrixyl 3000 (collagen I/III + calming) + Biopeptide-EL (elastin/fibrillin) + GHK-Cu (LOX crosslinking of both collagen and elastin) provides three-axis ECM coverage. Confirm combined lipopeptide PG-premix compatibility and emulsion stability.
Premium Anti-Age Firming Emulsion Formats
At 10–1000 ppm in rich o/w emulsions, cream-gel bases or gel-cream serums, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 contributes elastin-network support to premium anti-age formulations targeting loss of skin elasticity, “snap-back” and facial lifting. The palmitoyl chain enhances affinity for the lipid bilayer, potentially supporting dermal penetration and EBP receptor access. Combine with GHK-Cu for LOX-mediated elastin crosslinking support alongside EBP-mediated elastogenesis — providing both elastin synthesis (Biopeptide-EL) and elastin fibre maturation (GHK-Cu/LOX) in a single emulsion base. Evaluate propylene glycol pre-dispersion compatibility with all other lipophilic actives in the emulsion phase. Confirm combined lipopeptide emulsion stability at 40°C/75% RH before production scale-up.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 has limited direct water solubility due to the C16 palmitoyl chain — pre-disperse in propylene glycol (5–15% w/w) or low-concentration ethanol (10–20%) at ambient temperature before diluting into the aqueous or emulsion phase. Incorporate the premix during the warm phase at or below 40°C. Avoid temperatures above 45°C. Maintain formulation pH within 4.5–7.0.
Evaluate PG premix compatibility with other lipophilic actives and confirm emulsion integrity with the complete formulation. Confirm clarity, appearance and peptide assay retention by HPLC after accelerated stability at 40°C/75% RH. Where PG is restricted by formulation brief, evaluate ethanol (10–20%) pre-dispersion as an alternative EDTA at ≤0.1% is compatible as a chelating buffer in emulsion systems; avoid strong oxidising agents (H₂O₂ ≥1%, benzoyl peroxide) and high-pH bases above pH 8.0.
> Supply & Documentation
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) (CAS 171263-26-6) 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
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) 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 Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL)?
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) (CAS 171263-26-6) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. In cosmetic literature, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) is positioned as an elastin-stimulating lipopeptide that restores the elastic recoil network of the dermis — evaluated in anti-ageing serums and emulsions targeting loss of elastin and related structural proteins (fibronectin, collagen IV) that contribute to skin sagging and reduced firmness. TCS NEXUS S.L. supplies Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 as a B2B active for anti-ageing formulation specialists.
What is the CAS number for Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL)?
The CAS number for Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) is 171263-26-6. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12; confirm CAS 171263-26-6 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does Biopeptide-EL support elasticity — what is the elastin / EBP mechanism?
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) carries the VGVAPG sequence — a repeat from the hydrophobic domain of elastin — on a palmitoyl anchor. VGVAPG is a ligand of the elastin-binding protein (EBP) / elastin receptor, and through it the peptide is discussed as encouraging elastogenesis, the synthesis of new elastin fibres, positioning it for elasticity, firmness and bounce claim directions. The palmitoyl chain provides skin-penetration lipophilicity.
What use level of Biopeptide-EL is typical, and how should it be evaluated?
There is no one-size-fits-all dose: establish the use level conservatively for your base and claim; it is usually 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 Biopeptide-EL in an elasticity system?
Because it targets elastin, Biopeptide-EL complements collagen-focused peptides such as Matrixyl and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 — pairing elastin with collagen support — and combines with GHK-Cu and niacinamide. As a lipopeptide it needs pre-dispersion; confirm clarity and pH in the finished base.
What makes Biopeptide-EL distinct — the elastin (not collagen) focus?
Its distinctive feature is targeting elastin rather than collagen: the VGVAPG elastin-domain repeat acts on the elastin-binding protein to encourage elastin synthesis, addressing skin bounce and recoil, which most matrix peptides (focused on collagen) do not directly cover. That makes it a complementary elasticity partner. As a lipopeptide it has limited water solubility and is pre-dispersed before use.
What addition temperature is recommended for Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) during manufacturing?
Introduce Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) 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 Biopeptide-EL stable in an emulsion?
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is most stable at roughly pH 4.5–7.0 in emulsion systems; confirm the finished-product pH after all actives are incorporated and evaluate combined stability with low-pH actives.
Is Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) compatible with other actives in multi-active cosmetic systems?
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) 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 Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 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 171263-26-6 and INCI name Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) be stored?
Store Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) 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 Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL)?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 171263-26-6 and HPLC purity ≥98% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL). 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 Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL)?
Sample and bulk quantities for Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide-EL) 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.