Tetrapeptide-3 (CAS 827306-97-8) 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 | Tetrapeptide-3 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 827306-97-8 |
| Alias / Common Name | Tetrapeptide-3; Lys-Gly-His-Lys-NH2 |
| Molecular Formula | C20H37N9O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 467.6 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Tetrapeptide-3 |
| Peptide Sequence | Lys-Gly-His-Lys-NH2 — KGHK amide (lysine-flanked GHK with C-terminal amide; aminopeptidase-resistant) |
| Functional Class | Synthetic tetrapeptide; GHK-extended matrix signalling sequence; collagen I/III synthesis activator |
| 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
Tetrapeptide-3 (Lys-Gly-His-Lys-NH2, KGHK-NH2, CAS 827306-97-8) is a GHK-extended tetrapeptide with lysine flanking at the N-terminus and a C-terminal amide modification, designed to provide enhanced fibronectin-receptor interaction and improved aminopeptidase resistance relative to the native GHK tripeptide. Published Tetrapeptide-3 literature discusses the Lys-Gly-His-Lys sequence interaction with fibronectin receptor complexes and TGF-β1-related downstream signalling in dermal fibroblasts — the core GHK motif retained within the KGHK tetrapeptide provides the primary fibronectin-receptor pharmacophore for collagen type I and III synthesis modulation. Cell-based dermal fibroblast studies document pro-collagen I output modulation and fibronectin deposition consistent with GHK-family matrix activity, with the extended lysine flanking providing additional receptor contact points. ECM model data also notes that the C-terminal amide modification confers resistance to carboxypeptidase-mediated degradation, potentially extending peptide activity duration in the formulation and biological environment relative to free carboxyl-terminus GHK.
Based on available in vitro data, Tetrapeptide-3 (KGHK-NH2) is positioned for matrix-care serum, anti-age concentrate and regenerative formulation concepts where GHK-extended sequence-mediated collagen synthesis is the primary mechanistic direction. The KGHK amide sequence complements the GHK family — including Tripeptide-1 (GHK HOAc) and GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HCl) — and pairs with Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3) for multi-active matrix architecture.
> Application Concepts
Matrix-Care Serum Architecture with GHK-Extended Tetrapeptide
Tetrapeptide-3 (KGHK-NH2) dissolves freely in deionised water and aqueous serum bases at 10–1000 ppm (0.001–0.1% w/w) without co-solvent. Introduce during the cool-down phase below 45°C; standard serum protocols are compatible. For multi-GHK-family matrix positioning, Tetrapeptide-3 may be evaluated alongside Tripeptide-1 (GHK HOAc) in the same aqueous serum base — both are water-soluble and pH-compatible at 5.0–7.5. Combine with GHK-Cu HCl for LOX-pathway copper supply and with Matrixyl for comprehensive multi-active matrix serum. Confirm pH alignment and peptide assay retention via HPLC at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
Comparison with GHK Tripeptide Variants in Serum Development
Tetrapeptide-3 (KGHK-NH2) extends the GHK tripeptide with an N-terminal lysine and a C-terminal amide modification. This structural extension provides: (i) potential additional receptor contact through the N-Lys residue; (ii) carboxypeptidase resistance from the C-terminal amide; and (iii) a higher MW (467.6 g/mol) that may affect diffusion and transdermal penetration compared to the 340.38 g/mol GHK-HCl tripeptide. In formulation development, compare side-by-side activity of Tetrapeptide-3 with Tripeptide-1 (HCl) and GHK-Cu at equivalent molar concentrations (not w/w equivalents, due to MW differences) in the target fibroblast assay. Confirm the preferred GHK-family active for your formulation brief via comparative in vitro data.
Multi-Active Anti-Age Concentrate and Regenerative Serum Formats
At 10–1000 ppm in anti-age concentrates and regenerative serums, Tetrapeptide-3 contributes GHK-family fibronectin-receptor matrix signalling alongside Matrixyl (KTTKS-GQPR sequence TGF-β1) and GHK-Cu (LOX copper delivery). All three are water-soluble and pH-compatible at 5.0–7.5 in the same serum base. For enhanced matrix positioning, add Tripeptide-10 Citrulline (Decorinyl) for decorin-pathway collagen fibril organisation, creating a four-peptide comprehensive matrix-architecture serum. Confirm combined pH, assay retention and stability before production scale-up. Evaluate the four-peptide matrix serum in a carbomer or xanthan gum base at pH 5.5–6.5, with a broad-spectrum preservative system to support the multi-active combination.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve Tetrapeptide-3 (KGHK-NH2) in deionised water or the aqueous phase at ambient temperature at 10–1000 ppm without co-solvent. Freely water-soluble and stable at standard processing temperatures. Introduce during the cool-down phase below 45°C. Maintain formulation pH within 5.0–7.5.
Evaluate compatibility with chelating agents and transition metals at typical concentrations — the His imidazole ring can coordinate Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺. Confirm peptide assay retention by HPLC after accelerated stability at 40°C/75% RH before production scale-up.
> Supply & Documentation
Tetrapeptide-3 (CAS 827306-97-8) 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
Tetrapeptide-3 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 Tetrapeptide-3?
Tetrapeptide-3 (CAS 827306-97-8) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. In cosmetic literature, Tetrapeptide-3 is positioned as an anti-ageing ECM-signalling peptide evaluated for stimulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan production in the dermis — suited to anti-ageing serums and emulsions targeting loss of dermal density, firmness and skin thickness associated with fibroblast ageing. TCS NEXUS S.L. supplies Tetrapeptide-3 as a B2B pure synthetic tetrapeptide for anti-ageing formulation specialists.
What is the CAS number for Tetrapeptide-3?
The CAS number for Tetrapeptide-3 is 827306-97-8. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Tetrapeptide-3; confirm CAS 827306-97-8 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does Tetrapeptide-3 (KGHK) signal matrix renewal — and why the extra lysine?
Tetrapeptide-3 is Lys-Gly-His-Lys with a C-terminal amide (KGHK-NH2) — the matrix-signalling GHK tripeptide extended and capped so it resists aminopeptidase breakdown. Like GHK it signals through the fibronectin route to support collagen I and III and matrix renewal, but the flanking lysine and amide cap are designed to give better stability and a longer-lasting signal than plain GHK.
What use level of Tetrapeptide-3 is typical, and how should it be evaluated?
Establish the use level conservatively for your base and claim rather than to a fixed figure; it is often 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 Tetrapeptide-3 in a matrix-renewal system?
Tetrapeptide-3 (stabilised GHK signal) layers with other matrix peptides such as Matrixyl and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, with copper-delivery GHK-Cu and with niacinamide. It is water-soluble; confirm combined stability and pH in the finished base.
How does Tetrapeptide-3 differ from GHK (Tripeptide-1)?
Tetrapeptide-3 (KGHK-NH2) is a stabilised extension of the GHK sequence: adding a lysine and capping the C-terminus with an amide makes it more resistant to aminopeptidase enzymes than the free GHK tripeptide (Tripeptide-1), aiming for a more durable matrix signal. The underlying fibronectin/collagen signalling is GHK-based. Tetrapeptide-3 is freely water-soluble.
What addition temperature is recommended for Tetrapeptide-3 during manufacturing?
Introduce Tetrapeptide-3 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 Tetrapeptide-3 stable in a finished formula?
Tetrapeptide-3 is most stable at roughly pH 5.0–7.5; confirm the finished-product pH after all actives are incorporated and evaluate combined stability with low-pH actives such as ascorbic acid.
Is Tetrapeptide-3 compatible with other actives in multi-active cosmetic systems?
Tetrapeptide-3 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 Tetrapeptide-3 (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
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 827306-97-8 and INCI name Tetrapeptide-3 consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should Tetrapeptide-3 be stored?
Store Tetrapeptide-3 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 Tetrapeptide-3?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 827306-97-8 and HPLC purity ≥98% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Tetrapeptide-3. 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 Tetrapeptide-3?
Sample and bulk quantities for Tetrapeptide-3 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.