Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride (CAS 49557-75-7) 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 5.0–7.5, with cool-down addition below 45°C recommended in standard serum and leave-on manufacturing protocols.
> Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 49557-75-7 |
| Alias / Common Name | Tripeptide-1; Gly-His-Lys; GHK; HCl salt form confirmed by batch COA |
| Molecular Formula | C14H24N6O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 340.38 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Tripeptide-1 |
| Peptide Sequence | Gly-His-Lys — GHK tripeptide, HCl salt (fibronectin-receptor / TGF-β1 matrix signalling) |
| Functional Class | Free tripeptide; fibronectin-receptor / TGF-β1 matrix signalling active; HCl counter-ion salt form |
| Purity / Assay | ≥98% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White to off-white hygroscopic 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 incorporated |
| Storage | Store sealed below 25°C in cool, dry, light-protected conditions; hygroscopic — reseal immediately after use |
> Mechanism & Positioning
Tripeptide-1 (GHK hydrochloride, CAS 49557-75-7) provides the free Gly-His-Lys tripeptide as a hydrochloride counter-ion salt, supplying the active GHK sequence identical to the HOAc form for dermal fibroblast fibronectin-receptor signalling. Published Tripeptide-1 (GHK) literature discusses interaction of the Gly-His-Lys sequence with fibronectin receptor complexes on dermal fibroblasts, activating TGF-β1-mediated downstream signalling cascades associated with collagen type I and III synthesis, fibronectin deposition and lysyl oxidase (LOX) pathway modulation. Cell-based dermal fibroblast studies document pro-collagen I and III output modulation alongside MMP-1 and MMP-2 suppression and TIMP upregulation in ECM model assay systems at evaluation concentrations. GHK matrix model data also notes copper chelation potential of the histidine imidazole ring, enabling copper delivery to LOX enzyme active sites — the same copper-delivery pathway leveraged in the GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) variant.
Based on available in vitro data, Tripeptide-1 (HCl) is positioned for aqueous serum, matrix-care concentrate and advanced age-care leave-on concepts where GHK-sequence-driven TGF-β1 fibronectin-receptor signalling is the primary mechanistic direction. The HCl salt form provides the same bioactive Gly-His-Lys sequence as the acetate form; salt selection depends on formulation pH and counter-ion compatibility. Compare with Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) for counter-ion selection and with GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HCl) for copper-chelated GHK active positioning.
> Application Concepts
Aqueous Serum and Multi-Pathway Matrix Architecture
Tripeptide-1 (HCl) dissolves freely in deionised water, glycerin–water concentrates and buffered aqueous serum bases at 10–1000 ppm without co-solvent. Introduce during cool-down below 45°C; standard aqueous serum protocols are compatible. The HCl salt form may slightly lower dissolution pH — confirm final pH within 5.0–7.5 after all actives are incorporated. For multi-pathway ECM positioning, GHK (TGF-β1 fibronectin receptor) may be combined with Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3) for complementary GQPR sequence coverage. Confirm peptide assay retention via accelerated stability at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
HCl vs HOAc Salt Form Selection
Tripeptide-1 is available from TCS NEXUS S.L. in two salt forms — HCl (CAS 49557-75-7) and HOAc acetate (CAS 72957-37-0). Both supply the same Gly-His-Lys bioactive sequence; counter-ion selection affects pH contribution on dissolution (HCl acidifies slightly more) and potential interaction with metal-chelating preservatives containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The HCl form has a lower molecular weight (340.38 g/mol vs 400.43 g/mol for the acetate) because the molecular weight listed for the acetate form includes the acetic acid counter-ion. For formulations where acetate may affect ester-linked actives or fragrance stability, the HCl form provides a chloride-counter-ion alternative. Both forms are freely water-soluble at 10–1000 ppm. Contact info@tcspeptides.com to discuss salt form selection for your formulation project.
Combined GHK and Copper-Delivery Matrix Systems
Tripeptide-1 (HCl) can be combined with GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HCl) for dual-channel GHK matrix activity: free Gly-His-Lys provides fibronectin-receptor TGF-β1 signal peptide activation; copper-chelated GHK-Cu delivers bioavailable copper to lysyl oxidase for collagen and elastin crosslink maturation in the ECM. Both are freely water-soluble and stable at pH 5.0–7.5 in standard serum bases. For comprehensive matrix positioning in a single serum concentrate, further combine with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3 (Matrixyl) for lipidated fibronectin-receptor KTTKS-GQPR sequence coverage at 10–1000 ppm alongside GHK. Confirm combined pH, stability and peptide assay retention before scale-up.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve Tripeptide-1 (HCl) in deionised water or the aqueous phase at ambient temperature at 10–1000 ppm without co-solvent. The HCl salt form is hygroscopic — handle in low-humidity conditions and reseal containers immediately after dispensing. Introduce during the cool-down phase below 45°C. Maintain formulation pH within 5.0–7.5; the HCl counter-ion contribution on dissolution may require minor pH adjustment after incorporation.
Evaluate compatibility with EDTA-containing preservative systems and transition-metal-chelating agents at typical cosmetic concentrations. Confirm colour, clarity and peptide assay retention via accelerated stability testing at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up. Where chloride counter-ion is a formulation concern, consider Tripeptide-1 HOAc (CAS 72957-37-0) as the alternative salt form.
> Supply & Documentation
Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride (CAS 49557-75-7) 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
Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride 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 Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride?
Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride (CAS 49557-75-7) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. It is positioned for aqueous serum, matrix-care concentrate and advanced age-care leave-on concepts where GHK-sequence TGF-β1/fibronectin-receptor signalling is the mechanism.
What is the CAS number for Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride?
The CAS number for Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride is 49557-75-7. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Tripeptide-1; confirm CAS 49557-75-7 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does free GHK signal matrix renewal — and what does the HCl salt change?
Tripeptide-1 (HCl) is the free Gly-His-Lys (GHK) tripeptide supplied as its hydrochloride salt. GHK is a matrikine that signals through the fibronectin receptor and TGF-β1 to prompt fibroblasts to rebuild the extracellular matrix — collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans — and it also has a natural affinity for copper. The hydrochloride counter-ion does not change this signalling; it simply defines a stable, water-soluble salt of the same metal-free GHK sequence.
What use level of GHK HCl is typical, and does the salt affect dosing?
The right use level depends on your base and claim, so establish it conservatively rather than to a fixed figure, and account for the hydrochloride salt when converting to active GHK. We supply the pure material with COA; contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation with your dosing basis.
Which actives pair with GHK HCl, and how does its copper affinity affect combinations?
Free GHK HCl layers with matrix-signal peptides such as Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) and with niacinamide. Because the GHK sequence chelates copper, be mindful when pairing it with copper-based actives or strong chelators; unlike GHK-Cu it enters the formula metal-free, so any copper interaction happens in the base. Confirm colour and stability in the finished system.
How does GHK HCl differ from the GHK acetate (HOAc) salt and from GHK-Cu?
Tripeptide-1 as the hydrochloride and as the acetate (HOAc) salt are the same free GHK tripeptide with different counter-ions — both freely water-soluble, chosen mainly on supply, pH-on-dissolution and documentation preference. Both differ from GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1), which is the pre-formed copper complex that delivers Cu²⁺, and from Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK), the lipidated version. Confirm the exact INCI, salt form and CAS you require.
What addition temperature is recommended for Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride during manufacturing?
Introduce Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride 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 GHK HCl stable in a finished formula?
Tripeptide-1 (HCl) is most stable across roughly pH 5.0–7.5. Since the hydrochloride dissolves slightly acidic, verify and buffer the finished-product pH after all actives are incorporated, and evaluate combined stability where it shares a base with low-pH actives such as ascorbic acid.
Is Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride compatible with other actives in multi-active cosmetic systems?
Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride 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 Tripeptide-1 (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
Tripeptide-1 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 49557-75-7 and INCI name Tripeptide-1 consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride be stored?
Store Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride 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 Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 49557-75-7 and HPLC purity ≥98% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride. 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 Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride?
Sample and bulk quantities for Tripeptide-1 (HCl) / GHK Hydrochloride 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.