actives•Aqueous Solution (trade name: Progeline by Lipotec/Lubrizol, typically supplied as aqueous solution with Glycerin and Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2 — verify supplier INCI; alternative: use standardized Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 solution at recommended 2-5% dosage of commercial solution delivering ~0.003-0.005% active peptide)

ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-38

Acetyl Hexapeptide-38

Tropocollagen-stimulating peptide — published human clinical study data (Lipotec) demonstrates improved firmness and elasticity via stimulation of collagen XVII and laminin-332 expression at dermal-epidermal junction; third regenerative active supporting cumulative elasticity and firming claims over 7-day protocol

INCI Name

ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-3...

Functions

1 Roles

Sustainability

6/10

Category

actives

What It Does

Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 is a synthetically engineered hexapeptide developed by Lipotec (now part of Lubrizol), commercially known as Progeline, designed to specifically target the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) by upregulating the expression of collagen XVII and laminin-332 — two structural proteins critical to anchoring the epidermis to the dermis and maintaining skin architecture. Unlike many firming peptides that act solely on dermal collagen, its unique mechanism addresses DEJ integrity, making it particularly relevant for addressing skin sagging and loss of structural cohesion associated with chronological aging and progerin accumulation. Formulators select it for its robust clinical backing, low effective use concentration (active peptide typically at 0.003–0.005% in finished formula), and its ability to synergize with other regenerative actives in multi-peptide anti-aging protocols.

Enhances formula performance
Contributes to product quality
Supports formulation goals
Improves user experience

Technical Properties

pH Range

5.0-7.0

Optimal working range

Ionic Charge

nonionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

neutral

Impact on formula thickness

Foaming Ability

none

Lather generation

Molecular Profile

Molecular Weight

701.80

g/mol

LogP

-1.70

Partition coefficient (lipophilicity)

H-Bond Donors

11

Hydrogen bond donor count

H-Bond Acceptors

11

Hydrogen bond acceptor count

Polar Surface Area

317.0

Angstroms squared

PubChem CID

155801571

View on PubChem

Ingredient Compatibility

Works Well With

humectantsnonionic surfactantswater-soluble polymersother peptide activesglycerin-based carriershyaluronic acid and its derivativesmost emollients at low aqueous phase concentrations

Avoid Combining

strong oxidizing agentsextreme pH environments (below 4.0 or above 8.0)high concentrations of cationic surfactantsheavy metal ions (may degrade peptide backbone)
Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

6/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

synthetic

Feedstock

Synthetically assembled hexapeptide chain from amino acid precursors, with acetyl modification at the N-terminus

Available Variants

2 forms available

Aqueous Solution (trade name: Progeline by Lipotec/Lubrizol, typically supplied as aqueous solution with Glycerin and Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2 — verify supplier INCI; alternative: use standardized Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 solution at recommended 2-5% dosage of commercial solution delivering ~0.003-0.005% active peptide)

Aqueous Solution (typically supplied as solution in water + glycols, cosmetic grade)

Quick Reference

Full INCI Name
ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-38
Common Name
Acetyl Hexapeptide-38
Category
actives

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ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-38 (Acetyl Hexapeptide-38) - Tropocollagen-stimulating peptide — published human clinical study data (Lipotec) demonstrates improved firmness and elasticity via stimulation of collagen XVII and laminin-332 expression at dermal-epidermal junction; third regenerative active supporting cumulative elasticity and firming claims over 7-day protocol | Genie Ingredient Database