Research Only Cosmetic & Skin

Acetyl Hexapeptide-37

also known as: Diffuporine, Ac-Ser-Pro-Ala-Gly-Gly-Pro-NH2, Ac-SPAGGP-NH2

The Lipotec "Diffuporine" cosmetic peptide — identified by luciferase-reporter combinatorial screening as an AQP3 inducer; increases epidermal water transport and barrier proteins at cosmetic concentrations; entirely topical, no systemic development.

A synthetic acetylated hexapeptide (Ac-Ser-Pro-Ala-Gly-Gly-Pro-NH2, CAS 1447824-16-9) discovered by Lipotec (now Lubrizol) via a luciferase combinatorial peptide screen designed to identify inducers of the aquaporin-3 gene in keratinocytes. Aquaporin-3 is the dominant skin aquaporin, mediating water and glycerol flux from the basal epidermis to the stratum corneum. In-vitro data from the manufacturer show roughly two-fold upregulation of AQP3 transcription together with increases in collagen I and keratinocyte proliferation; the ingredient is marketed under the trade name Diffuporine® as a moisturising, barrier-supporting cosmetic active. No independent clinical trials; no systemic or drug development.

Mechanism of action

Induces transcriptional upregulation of the aquaporin-3 gene in epidermal keratinocytes (identified via a luciferase-reporter combinatorial screen). AQP3 is a hydroglyceroporin channel that transports water, glycerol, and urea from the basal epidermis toward the stratum corneum, contributing to both hydration and glycerol-dependent barrier lipid synthesis. Secondary manufacturer-reported effects include stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation and increased collagen I expression in dermal fibroblasts. Mechanism is cell-signalling / topical; no systemic activity is claimed.

Primary uses

Topical cosmetic moisturising / barrier-support formulations

Typical dosing

3–5 % (finished formulation, as supplied solution) twice daily (topical)

Cosmetic concentrations. Supplied by the manufacturer as a pre-solubilised aqueous solution at approximately 100 ppm active peptide.

Regulatory status

Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug. INCI-listed.

References

[manufacturer] Lipotec / Lubrizol. "Diffuporine™ (Acetyl Hexapeptide-37) technical data sheet." CAS 1447824-16-9.
[review] Oshimura E, Sakamoto K. "Amino acids, peptides, and proteins." In: Cosmetic Science and Technology: Theoretical Principles and Applications, 2017; pp. 285-303.
[review] Hara-Chikuma M, Verkman AS. "Roles of aquaporin-3 in the epidermis." J Invest Dermatol, 2008;128(9):2145-2151 (AQP3 function in skin).

Related peptides

Argireline

A cosmetic-industry hexapeptide marketed as "topical Botox" — reduces muscle contraction signaling at the neuromuscular junction; modest but documented effects on expression-line depth.

Matrixyl

A palmitoylated pentapeptide derived from a collagen-I breakdown fragment (KTTKS) — widely used in cosmetic topicals with clinical data supporting modest reductions in fine-line depth over 12 weeks.

Pal-GHK

The palmitoylated form of the GHK tripeptide (distinct from GHK-Cu) — widely used as a cosmetic ingredient in combination with Matrixyl (Matrixyl 3000 is Pal-GHK + Pal-KTTKS) for fine-line reduction.

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Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.