Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate (CAS 72957-37-0) 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 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 72957-37-0 |
| Alias / Common Name | Tripeptide-1 acetate; GHK acetate; Prezatide monoacetate; Gly-His-Lys acetate salt |
| Molecular Formula | C16H28N6O6 |
| Molecular Weight | 400.43 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Tripeptide-1 |
| Peptide Sequence | Gly-His-Lys — GHK tripeptide, acetic acid counter-ion (HOAc salt form; TGF-β1 / fibronectin-receptor matrix signalling) |
| Functional Class | Free tripeptide; fibronectin-receptor / TGF-β1 matrix signalling active; copper-chelating GHK sequence |
| 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 at typical evaluation concentrations |
| 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; follow batch COA and SDS |
> Mechanism & Positioning
Tripeptide-1 (GHK acetate, CAS 72957-37-0) provides the free Gly-His-Lys tripeptide in an acetic acid counter-ion salt form, supplying the active GHK sequence for dermal fibroblast receptor signalling without palmitoyl or copper modification. Published Tripeptide-1 (GHK) literature discusses the Gly-His-Lys sequence interaction with fibronectin receptor complexes on dermal fibroblasts, activating TGF-β1-mediated downstream cascades associated with collagen type I and type III synthesis upregulation. Cell-based dermal fibroblast studies document pro-collagen I and III production modulation, fibronectin deposition and lysyl oxidase (LOX) pathway interaction — the copper-dependent crosslinking enzyme responsible for mature ECM fibre assembly. GHK matrix model data also notes MMP-1 (collagenase) and MMP-2 activity modulation alongside TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 upregulation, providing multi-axis matrix remodelling pathway activity in fibroblast assay systems at evaluation concentrations.
Based on available in vitro data, Tripeptide-1 (GHK acetate) is positioned for matrix-care serum, anti-age concentrate and regenerative emulsion concepts where TGF-β1-mediated collagen synthesis and LOX-pathway support are the primary mechanistic directions. The free GHK sequence serves as the biologically active component also present in Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) and GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HCl) — the HOAc salt form provides the aqueous GHK signal without lipidation or copper chelation, enabling clean aqueous serum positioning.
> Application Concepts
Matrix-Care Aqueous Serum and Leave-On Concentrate Architecture
Tripeptide-1 (GHK acetate) dissolves freely in deionised water, glycerin–water concentrates and buffered aqueous serum bases at evaluation concentrations of 10–1000 ppm (0.001–0.1% w/w) without co-solvent or glycol pre-mix. Introduce during the cool-down phase below 45°C; standard aqueous serum cool-down protocols are compatible. The HOAc salt form is hygroscopic — handle in a controlled-humidity environment and reseal immediately. For multi-pathway matrix positioning, GHK acetate (TGF-β1 fibronectin receptor) may be combined with Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3) for complementary GHK + GQPR matrix signalling. Confirm pH (5.0–7.5) and peptide assay retention via accelerated stability at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
HOAc vs HCl Salt Selection and GHK Lipidation Comparison
Tripeptide-1 is available in two salt forms from TCS NEXUS S.L.: the HOAc (acetate) form (CAS 72957-37-0) and the HCl (hydrochloride) form (CAS 49557-75-7). Both supply the same bioactive Gly-His-Lys tripeptide sequence; the counter-ion (acetate vs chloride) affects solubility characteristics, pH contribution on dissolution and potential compatibility with preservative systems. Formulators typically select the HOAc form for lower chloride-ion content or for compatibility with chelating agents; the HCl form is selected where acetate may interfere with specific matrix or colour stability. Both forms are freely water-soluble at 10–1000 ppm evaluation concentrations. Compare with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 for lipopeptide penetration enhancement options.
Combination with GHK-Cu and Matrix-Synthesis Actives
The GHK tripeptide sequence in the HOAc salt form can be combined with GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HCl) for dual-route matrix support: free GHK provides fibronectin-receptor TGF-β1 signalling; GHK-Cu delivers copper to lysyl oxidase (LOX) for collagen and elastin crosslink maturation. At 10–1000 ppm for each, both are water-soluble and stable at pH 5.0–7.5 in standard serum bases. Additionally, combining with Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3) provides three matrix-synthesis input routes: TGF-β1 (GHK) + LOX copper supply (GHK-Cu) + fibronectin-receptor GQPR signalling (Matrixyl). Confirm combined pH alignment and assay retention before scale-up.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve Tripeptide-1 (GHK acetate) in deionised water or the aqueous phase at ambient temperature; the peptide is freely water-soluble at evaluation concentrations of 10–1000 ppm. The HOAc salt form is hygroscopic — measure in a controlled-humidity environment and reseal containers immediately after dispensing. Introduce during the cool-down phase at temperatures below 45°C; avoid prolonged thermal exposure. Maintain formulation pH within 5.0–7.5 and confirm final pH after all actives and buffering agents are incorporated.
Evaluate compatibility with EDTA-containing preservative systems and chelating agents; the histidine imidazole ring can interact with transition metals. Confirm colour, clarity and peptide assay retention via accelerated stability at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up. Where acetate counter-ion compatibility is a formulation concern, consider Tripeptide-1 HCl (CAS 49557-75-7) as an alternative salt form.
> Supply & Documentation
Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate (CAS 72957-37-0) 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 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate 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 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate?
Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate (CAS 72957-37-0) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. It is positioned for matrix-care aqueous serums and anti-age concentrates where TGF-β1-mediated collagen I/III synthesis and LOX-pathway activation are the primary claim directions.
What is the CAS number for Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate?
The CAS number for Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate is 72957-37-0. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Tripeptide-1; confirm CAS 72957-37-0 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does the free GHK tripeptide signal skin repair — what is the TGF-β1 mechanism?
Tripeptide-1 (GHK acetate) is the free Gly-His-Lys (GHK) tripeptide as its acetic-acid (HOAc) salt. GHK is a matrikine that signals through the fibronectin receptor and TGF-β1 to prompt fibroblasts to remodel the extracellular matrix — upregulating collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis — and it also has a natural high affinity for copper ions. This is the same GHK sequence used in GHK-Cu, supplied here in its metal-free acetate form.
What use level of GHK acetate is typical, and does the pure vs trade-solution basis matter?
The appropriate dose is formulation- and claim-dependent, so build it up conservatively from your own evaluation instead of fixing on one published number. GHK acetate reaches the market both as a diluted trade solution and as pure peptide; we supply the pure material with COA so you can dose precisely on a pure-peptide basis. Contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation with your dosing basis.
Which actives pair with GHK acetate, and how does the copper affinity affect combinations?
Free GHK acetate layers with matrix-signal peptides such as Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK), and with niacinamide for tone and barrier. Because the GHK sequence chelates copper, be mindful when combining it with copper-based actives or strong chelators, and confirm colour and stability in the finished base — unlike GHK-Cu it enters the formula without pre-complexed copper.
How does free GHK acetate differ from GHK-Cu and from Pal-GHK?
All three share the Gly-His-Lys sequence but are supplied in different forms. Tripeptide-1 (GHK acetate) is the free, freely water-soluble tripeptide with an acetate counter-ion and no bound metal; GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is the pre-formed 1:1 copper complex that delivers Cu²⁺; and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is the lipidated version with limited water solubility. Choose the form based on whether you want copper delivery, lipid penetration or a plain water-soluble GHK, and confirm the INCI and CAS accordingly.
How should hygroscopic GHK acetate be handled and added?
Tripeptide-1 acetate is hygroscopic — weigh it quickly and reseal the container immediately to limit moisture uptake. It is freely water-soluble, so dissolve it directly in deionised water or the aqueous phase at ambient temperature and add during the cool-down phase below 45°C; no co-solvent is needed at typical evaluation concentrations. Confirm clarity and finished pH before scale-up.
What pH range keeps GHK acetate stable in a finished formula?
Tripeptide-1 (GHK acetate) is most stable at pH 5.0–7.5, suiting common serum and emulsion targets. Confirm the finished-product pH after all actives and buffering agents are incorporated, and evaluate combined stability where it shares a base with low-pH actives such as ascorbic acid.
Is Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate compatible with other actives in multi-active cosmetic systems?
Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate 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 72957-37-0 and INCI name Tripeptide-1 consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate be stored?
Store Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate 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 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 72957-37-0 and HPLC purity ≥98% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate. 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 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate?
Sample and bulk quantities for Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) / GHK Acetate 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.