Name Ingredients:
Acetyl-tetrapeptide-3 is a biomimetic peptide that has been derived from another peptide which stimulates tissue remodeling. Recently, it has been used as an ingredient in some topical treatments that claim to treat hair loss.
Key insights:
- The in vitro (in cells) evidence suggests that acetyl-tetrapeptide-3 may enhance the gene expression of collagen III and collagen VII – types of collagen that are present in the hair follicle which may help to maintain hair anchorage within the scalp.
- The ex vivo (in skin explants) evidence suggests that after corticosteroid treatment which diminished collagen VII expression, acetyl-tetrapeptide-3 treatment was able to return expression levels back to the control level.
- Unfortunately, the clinical studies that do include acetyl-tetrapeptide-3 do not measure the effects of it alone, but rather in combination with a number of other ingredients, so we can’t say for sure what effect it has on hair loss in humans.
- Our experience tracking members: by itself, acetyl-tetrapeptide-3 alone is not enough to improve hair loss outcomes.
Additional links:
- Acetyl-tetrapeptide-3: Evidence Quality (Rubric)
- A new strategy to module alopecia using a combination of two specific and unique ingredients
- An Herbal Extract Combination (Biochanin A, Acetyl tetrapeptide-3, and Ginseng Extracts) versus 3% Minoxidil Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-week, Prospective, Randomized, Triple-blind, Controlled Trial