Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is a small synthetic molecule designed to tackle hair loss by strengthening the foundation that holds your hair in place. People use it in shampoos and topical treatments because it addresses one of the main reasons hair thins as you age—your hair follicles literally lose their grip on your scalp.
Here's how it works: Think of your hair follicles like plants rooted in soil. The "soil" around each follicle is made of structural proteins that anchor it securely and keep it healthy. Over time, this support structure weakens, and your follicles shrink and shed more easily. This peptide essentially tells your scalp to rebuild that foundation. It signals your body to produce more of two key proteins—laminin and collagen—that reinforce the basement membrane surrounding each follicle, making it more stable and less likely to fall out. At the same time, it activates the stem cell pockets within hair follicles, encouraging them to generate fresh hair-building cells. The result is that your hair stays rooted longer, sheds less, and grows thicker. Studies show it works comparably to better-known treatments, making it especially useful for thinning that happens gradually across your whole scalp rather than in patches.
Dosage Information
Typical Dose
500 ppm (0.05%) in topical formulation
Frequency
Twice daily application to affected areas
Administration
Topical serum or lotion
Half-Life
~4 hours
estimatedNotes
Most clinical evidence uses concentrations of 500-3000 ppm. Often combined with other hair peptides like biotinoyl tripeptide-1 for synergistic effects. Results typically visible after 3-4 months of consistent use.
Why this matters
Topical hair peptide; combined with red clover in commercial formulations.
Protocol cycle
Where does Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 sit?
See how this peptide compares across all 150 peptides in our database.
Evidence Score
0.14
Compound Data
Molecular Formula
C22H39N9O5
Molecular Weight
509.60 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[2-[[(2S)-2-acetamido-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]acetyl]amino]-3-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)propanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanamide
PubChem CID
11752568Potential Side Effects
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 discussions
Quick Facts
- Administration
- Topical serum or lotion
- Typical Dose
- 500 ppm (0.05%) in topical formulation
- Frequency
- Twice daily application to affected areas
- References
- 0 curated + 1 from PubMed
- Evidence Score
- 0.1 / 100
Frequently Asked Questions about Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
What is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is a synthetic biomimetic tetrapeptide that stimulates extracellular matrix proteins in the scalp and promotes hair follicle anchoring and growth. It is primarily used as a cosmetic ingredient in anti-hair loss formulations and has shown clinical efficacy in reducing hair loss and improving hair density in controlled studies. Unlike hormonal approaches to hair loss Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 works by strengthening the structural support of the hair follicle in the scalp making it particularly useful for diffuse thinning and age-related hair loss where follicle miniaturization is the primary mechanism.
How does Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 work?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 mimics the signal peptides involved in extracellular matrix remodeling around hair follicles. It stimulates the synthesis of laminin-5 and collagen IV in the dermal papilla and basement membrane — structural proteins that anchor hair follicles in the scalp and maintain their integrity. By reinforcing the follicle anchoring structure Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 reduces hair shedding and extends the anagen growth phase. It also activates stem cell niches in the hair follicle bulge region promoting the differentiation of progenitor cells into new hair matrix cells. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant reductions in hair loss measured by phototrichogram and improvements in hair density and thickness comparable to minoxidil-containing formulations when used at effective concentrations.
What is the recommended dosage for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3?
The typical dose is 500 ppm (0.05%) in topical formulation. Twice daily application to affected areas. Administration: Topical serum or lotion. Most clinical evidence uses concentrations of 500-3000 ppm. Often combined with other hair peptides like biotinoyl tripeptide-1 for synergistic effects. Results typically visible after 3-4 months of consistent use.
What are the side effects of Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3?
Very well tolerated in clinical studies. Scalp irritation in sensitive individuals (rare). Contact allergy (very rare)
What is the Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 cycle protocol?
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is typically cycled continuous. Results visible after 3-4 months consistent use
Questions reflect common community inquiries. This is not medical advice.