a multifunctional peptide designed to combat skin sagging, enhance skin firmness, protect against pollution, and brighten the complexion.

Pep®-Neo (Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2), a multifunctional peptide designed to combat skin sagging, enhance skin firmness, protect against pollution, and brighten the complexion.

Mechanism of Action and Key Benefits

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 is a highly effective peptide that addresses multiple skin concerns, particularly sagging, loss of firmness, and environmental damage. This peptide enhances the synthesis and proper assembly of critical structural proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin's firmness and elasticity. It also protects the skin from pollutants and oxidative damage while providing significant brightening effects.

• Enhanced Structural Protein Assembly: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 boosts the production of Fibulin 5 (FBLN5) and Lysyl Oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1), both of which are crucial for the assembly of functional elastin. By reinforcing these proteins, the peptide enhances skin's resistance to gravitational forces and external aging factors, improving overall skin cohesion and firmness.

• Antioxidant and Pollution Protection: Inspired by the antioxidant properties of green tea, particularly Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 mimics these effects by inhibiting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) and activating Nuclear Factor-Erythroid 2-Related Factor-2 (NRF2). This dual action reduces oxidative damage and enhances the skin's detoxification processes, offering comprehensive protection against both indoor and outdoor pollution.

• Skin Brightening and Anti-Hyperpigmentation: The peptide also plays a role in reducing melanin synthesis, making it effective in brightening the skin and diminishing the appearance of dark spots. By reducing oxidative stress and protecting the skin from environmental aggressors, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 helps maintain a radiant and even complexion.

Scientific Data and Efficacy

• Increase in FBLN5 and LOXL1 Levels: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 significantly increases the levels of FBLN5 by up to 2.3-fold and LOXL1 by 1.7-fold in human dermal fibroblasts, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing elastin assembly and skin firmness.

• Elastin and Collagen Synthesis: The peptide stimulates elastin synthesis by 21.7% and collagen I by 47.3%, essential for reinforcing the skin's structural integrity.

• Gene Expression Enhancement: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 upregulates several genes involved in collagen production and cell adhesion. For instance, collagen XIV expression increased by 36.1%, collagen I by 31.1%, and other types of collagen and adhesion molecules also showed significant upregulation.

• Antioxidant Activation: In vitro studies showed a 69% increase in antioxidant activation (HO-1) in treated explants compared to non-treated, non-polluted controls. The peptide also provided 23% protection against internal pollution.

• Protection from Pollution: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 significantly protects skin proteins, lipids, and DNA from heavy metals and smoke. It reduced advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) by 62%, DNA oxidative damage by 22%, and lipid peroxidation by 14% in cells exposed to pollutants.

• Brightening and Anti-Hyperpigmentation: The peptide demonstrated a 41% reduction in melanin levels, outperforming kojic acid, a common skin-lightening agent. In a clinical study with 20 Asian women, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 led to a 28% reduction in melanin and a 38% decrease in the surface area of dark spots within 7 days of application.

• In Vivo Efficacy: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 significantly improved skin luminosity and reduced lipid peroxidation. Over a 28-day period, it increased radiance by up to 45.4%, reduced melanin in dark spots by 31.4%, and decreased lipid peroxidation by 20.2%.

Use: for wrinkle reduction products Available in the form of gel, serum, lotion or cream.

How to mix:  The temperature of cosmetics must be below 40 °C

Utilization rate: 2-10%

Product characteristics: colorless liquid

Solubility: can dissolve in water

Storage: For long-term storage keep in refrigerator temperature 4 °C -8 °C At least 24 months from the date of manufacture.

INCI Name : Aqua (and) Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 (and) Propanediol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin