Active ingredient
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 (ac-KDVY; trade names Peptigravity, Uplevity, Thymulen-4 by Lipotec/BASF) is a biomimetic signal peptide derived from the thymopoietin hormone sequence. Its principal mechanism is upregulation of the elastin assembly pathway — specifically FBLN5 and LOXL1, proteins required to cross-link tropoelastin into mature elastic fibers — alongside collagen I/IV/VI/XIV stimulation and MMP inhibition. Peer-reviewed AFM studies (PMC6208634) confirm dose-dependent increases in keratinocyte cell stiffness and upregulation of ACTN1, ITGB4, and COL17A1. Used at 0.005–2% in serums, ampoules, and eye creams targeting firmness and skin density loss.
Also known as: Peptigravity, Uplevity, Thymulen-4
skin-firmingskin-conditioningelastin-boostinganti-aging
Benefits
- ✓Signal peptide that upregulates elastin assembly proteins Fibulin-5 (FBLN5) and Lysyl Oxidase-Like 1 (LOXL1), restoring the cross-linking of tropoelastin into functional elastic fibers — the primary mechanism behind its anti-sagging and firming activity
- ✓Stimulates collagen type I, IV, VI, and XIV gene expression in fibroblasts, plus COL17A1 (collagen XVII) in keratinocytes for strengthened dermal-epidermal junction integrity
- ✓Increases keratinocyte and fibroblast adhesion to the ECM via focal adhesion pathway proteins (zyxin, integrin, talin), and inhibits MMPs that degrade collagen — providing structural density and resistance to gravity-related tissue laxity
No known watch-fors.
Compatibility
✓ Works well with
+ Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5+ Copper Tripeptide-1+ Sodium Hyaluronate+ Adenosine+ Niacinamide
