Ingredient review
Acetyl S-Carrot Tetrapeptide-1 Amide
INCI: Acetyl S-Carrot Tetrapeptide-1 Amide
A lab-made peptide inspired by carrot proteins that may help smooth wrinkles and firm skin, but human studies are limited.
In plain English
This is a man-made fragment of a protein, modeled after a protein found in carrots. In skincare, it's added to signal skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin, which are the building blocks that keep skin plump and firm. Think of it as a tiny messenger that tells your skin to act younger. Because it's a peptide, it's very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Acetyl S-Carrot Tetrapeptide-1 Amide is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Acetyl S-Carrot Tetrapeptide-1 Amide.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
emergingThe ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.
What it is
A synthetic tetrapeptide (a chain of four amino acids) that is chemically modified with an acetyl group and an amide end to improve stability and skin penetration. It is inspired by a protein sequence from carrots (Daucus carota sativa).
How it works
When applied to skin, the peptide is thought to bind to specific receptors on fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen). This binding triggers a signaling cascade that encourages increased production of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins, leading to firmer, more resilient skin over time.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Unlike stronger anti-aging actives like retinol, this peptide is non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin types.
Targets collagen production
It works at a cellular level to encourage your skin's own collagen synthesis, which can lead to firmer skin over time.
Cons and cautions
Limited evidence
Most supporting data comes from lab or animal studies, not large human trials, so the real-world effects are less certain.
Slow results
Peptides generally take weeks to months of daily use to show visible improvement, so patience is required.
Best for
- Adults looking for a gentle anti-aging ingredient
- People with sensitive skin who want to avoid strong retinoids or acids
Use caution if
- Anyone allergic to peptides or with known sensitivity to carrot-derived ingredients (though the peptide is synthetic and unlikely to cause a carrot allergy)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Acetyl S-Carrot Tetrapeptide-1 Amide is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. No significant safety concerns have been reported in available literature.
Research notes
Research on this specific peptide is still emerging. Early in vitro studies suggest it can stimulate collagen production, but there are few published human clinical trials. Its efficacy is supported by analogy to better-studied peptides like Matrixyl.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 0.1% to 1% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for cosmetic use in the EU, US, and other major markets as a skin conditioning agent. Not classified as a drug.
- Common uses
- Anti-aging serums, Eye creams, Firming lotions
- Environmental note
- Synthetic peptides are produced in controlled lab conditions, which reduces environmental impact compared to harvesting from natural sources.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often found in high-end anti-aging serums and eye treatments.
- It is stable in formulations with a pH around 5.5 to 7.0.
Common questions
What is Acetyl S-Carrot Tetrapeptide-1 Amide in beauty products?
This is a man-made fragment of a protein, modeled after a protein found in carrots. In skincare, it's added to signal skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin, which are the building blocks that keep skin plump and firm. Think of it as a tiny messenger that tells your skin to act younger. Because it's a peptide, it's very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.
What does Acetyl S-Carrot Tetrapeptide-1 Amide do in a beauty product?
When applied to skin, the peptide is thought to bind to specific receptors on fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen). This binding triggers a signaling cascade that encourages increased production of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins, leading to firmer, more resilient skin over time.
Is Acetyl S-Carrot Tetrapeptide-1 Amide safe for most people?
Acetyl S-Carrot Tetrapeptide-1 Amide is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. No significant safety concerns have been reported in available literature.
Who should be careful with Acetyl S-Carrot Tetrapeptide-1 Amide?
Anyone allergic to peptides or with known sensitivity to carrot-derived ingredients (though the peptide is synthetic and unlikely to cause a carrot allergy)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.