What it is
Acetyl Tripeptide-53 Amide is a synthetic cosmetic peptide composed of three amino acids modified with an acetyl group at the N-terminus and an amide group at the C-terminus. The acetyl modification protects the peptide from enzymatic degradation, while the amide terminus improves skin penetration and stability in formulations. As a signal peptide, it is thought to mimic endogenous signaling molecules, prompting skin cells to activate repair processes. It is used in anti-aging face care products, where it may be combined with vitamins B3, B5, and E to support skin structure. Its small molecular size allows better absorption compared to larger peptides.
Safety & warnings
As a synthetic peptide, Acetyl Tripeptide-53 Amide is not expected to be a skin sensitizer or irritant at typical cosmetic use concentrations. Peptide ingredients of this class are generally considered low-risk. No specific allergenicity, comedogenicity, or irritancy data for this exact ingredient is publicly available; general cosmetic product safety assessment requirements apply under EU Regulation 1223/2009.
Origin & sourcing
Acetyl Tripeptide-53 Amide is produced synthetically via chemical peptide synthesis. The base tripeptide (Tripeptide-53) consists of three amino acids with the molecular formula C14H27N5O5; the final ingredient is formed by acetylating the free amine terminus and amidating the carboxyl terminus to improve stability and bioavailability.
History
Acetyl Tripeptide-53 Amide is a relatively recent addition to the INCI cosmetic ingredient dictionary. It is listed in the EU CosIng cosmetic ingredient database under the skin conditioning function. No CAS number has been formally assigned, indicating it is a newer ingredient not yet widely catalogued in general chemical databases.
Questions everyone asks
What does Acetyl Tripeptide-53 Amide do in skincare products?
It functions as a skin conditioning agent. Like other signal peptides, it is thought to support the skin's natural repair and renewal processes, and is used in anti-aging formulations to help improve skin texture and appearance.
Is Acetyl Tripeptide-53 Amide natural or synthetic?
It is fully synthetic. The peptide is manufactured through chemical synthesis and does not derive from animal, plant, or microbial sources.
Is Acetyl Tripeptide-53 Amide safe to use in cosmetics?
Yes. It is an approved cosmetic ingredient listed in the EU CosIng database with a skin conditioning function. Cosmetic products containing it must undergo mandatory safety assessment before sale in the EU, and animal testing of cosmetic ingredients has been banned in the EU since 2013.
What products contain Acetyl Tripeptide-53 Amide?
It appears in anti-aging face care products such as serums and creams, often combined with vitamins and other peptides. Its use is currently limited to a small number of specialty formulations.