active

Tetrapeptide-21 Solution

INCI: Tetrapeptide-21; Glycerin; Butylene Glycol; Aqua

What is it?

Tetrapeptide-21 is a short, lab-made chain of four amino acids, glycine, glutamic acid, lysine, and glycine, matching a fragment naturally found in collagen and elastin. It's supplied pre-diluted in a glycerin and butylene glycol solution rather than sold pure. The proposed mechanism is that this fragment acts as a...

How is it used?

Add it to the water phase after your emulsion has cooled to 40°C or below. It's sold preservative-free, so it needs to go into an already adequately preserved formula.

Forms

Available forms and grades affect how this ingredient behaves and how it should be selected for a formula.

Appearance

Color, texture, and physical characteristics can vary between suppliers and product grades.

Usage rate

Recommended incorporation levels depend on product type, supplier guidance, and the intended result.

Why we use it

Formulators choose this ingredient for specific performance, sensory, and stability benefits.

Strengths and limitations

Its advantages, compatibility considerations, and practical tradeoffs should be weighed during development.

Alternatives and substitutions

Possible replacements depend on the ingredient's role, desired skin feel, and formulation system.

Storage and shelf life

Appropriate storage conditions help protect quality and performance throughout the ingredient's usable life.

Tetrapeptide-21 Solution

What is it?

How is it used?

Create an account to read the full guide