Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 is a synthetic peptide composed of three amino acids modified by a trifluoroacetyl group. It is designed to reduce the visible effects of aging by modulating key processes in the skin, such as elasticity and firmness. It works by inhibiting proteolytic enzymes that degrade elastin and collagen, helping to maintain the skin’s structural integrity. This peptide is primarily used in anti-aging skincare formulations to target wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of firmness, offering a firmer and more youthful appearance.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 consists of a sequence of three amino acids (tripeptide) modified by the attachment of a trifluoroacetyl group (-COCF₃) at the N-terminus. This modification enhances the peptide’s stability and bioavailability, allowing it to penetrate the skin more effectively and interact with cellular pathways. The presence of the trifluoroacetyl group provides a unique property to the peptide, enabling it to inhibit metalloproteinases and other enzymes that contribute to the breakdown of skin matrix proteins such as collagen and elastin.

Physical Properties
Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 is typically found in the form of a white or off-white powder, which is soluble in water and can be easily incorporated into various skincare formulations. It is stable in aqueous solutions and works well in a wide pH range, making it versatile for use in creams, serums, and gels. The ingredient is used at low concentrations, usually ranging from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the formulation and intended efficacy.

Production Process
The production of trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 involves the following key steps:

1. Peptide Synthesis: The three amino acids that make up the peptide sequence are chemically synthesized and sequentially linked using standard peptide synthesis techniques such as solid-phase synthesis.

2. Trifluoroacetylation: The peptide is modified by attaching a trifluoroacetyl group to its N-terminal, enhancing its stability and activity.

3. Purification: The synthesized peptide is purified to remove impurities and byproducts, ensuring high purity and quality for cosmetic or pharmaceutical use.

4. Formulation: The purified trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 is then incorporated into cosmetic formulations, where it works synergistically with other anti-aging ingredients.

Applications

• Anti-Aging Skincare: Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 is a key ingredient in anti-aging products designed to improve skin elasticity, firmness, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is often found in serums, creams, and lotions that target sagging skin and aim to restore a youthful look by promoting a firmer skin structure.

• Firming and Lifting Treatments: This peptide is frequently used in high-performance skincare products focused on lifting and firming, especially in formulations for the face, neck, and décolleté.

• Prevention of Skin Aging: Due to its ability to inhibit the enzymes that degrade skin proteins, it is also included in preventive anti-aging treatments that aim to delay the visible signs of aging. 

INCI Functions:

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Skin protectant. It creates a protective barrier on the skin to defend it from harmful substances, irritants, allergens, pathogens that can cause various inflammatory conditions. These products can also improve the natural skin barrier and in most cases more than one is needed to achieve an effective result.

Environmental and Safety Considerations
Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 is considered safe for use in topical skincare products. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. As with all active ingredients, it should be used in accordance with recommended concentrations to avoid potential adverse reactions, although these are rare.

 It is important to note that the peptide is synthetic, so it does not carry the same environmental considerations as natural resource-based ingredients.

 It is biodegradable and does not pose a significant environmental threat when used in wash-off products. 

References__________________________________________________________________________

Shariati Pour SR, Oddis S, Barbalinardo M, Ravarino P, Cavallini M, Fiori J, Giuri D, Tomasini C. Delivery of Active Peptides by Self-Healing, Biocompatible and Supramolecular Hydrogels. Molecules. 2023 Mar 10;28(6):2528. doi: 10.3390/molecules28062528.

Abstract. Supramolecular and biocompatible hydrogels with a tunable pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.6 lead to a wide variety of formulations useful for many different topical applications compatible with the skin pH. An in vitro viability/cytotoxicity test of the gel components demonstrated that they are non-toxic, as the cells continue to proliferate after 48 h. An analysis of the mechanical properties demonstrates that the hydrogels have moderate strength and an excellent linear viscoelastic range with the absence of a proper breaking point, confirmed with thixotropy experiments. Two cosmetic active peptides (Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 and Palmitoyl tripeptide-5) were successfully added to the hydrogels and their transdermal permeation was analysed with Franz diffusion cells. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analyses of the withdrawn samples from the receiving solutions showed that Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 permeated in a considerable amount while almost no transdermal permeation of Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 was observed.

Schagen, S. K. (2017). Topical peptide treatments with effective anti-aging results. Cosmetics, 4(2), 16.

Abstract. In the last two decades, many new peptides have been developed, and new knowledge on how peptides improve the skin has been uncovered. The spectrum of peptides in the field of cosmetics is continuously growing. This review summarizes some of the effective data on cosmeceutical peptides that work against intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Some peptides have been proven in their efficacy through clinical skin trials. Well-known and documented peptides like copper tripeptide are still under research to obtain more details on their effectiveness, and for the development of new treatments. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 and Carnosine are other well-researched cosmeceuticals. Additionally, there are many more peptides that are used in cosmetics. However, study results for some are sparse, or have not been published in scientific journals. This article summarizes topical peptides with proven efficacy in controlled in vivo studies.

Yadav, A. R., & Mohite, S. K. (2020). Potential role of peptides for development of cosmeceutical skin products. Research Journal of Topical and Cosmetic Sciences, 11(2), 77-82.

Abstract. Peptides are considered to be useful in cosmetics because they are light and air stable, less harmful, have a good water affinity and have a moisturizing capacity. They are widely utilized to improve skin conditions in functional cosmetic products which contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, synthesis of collagen, antiwrinkle and wound healing effects. Dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) is an interface between the epidermis and the dermis, physically and biologically. The DEJ also acts as a passageway for molecular transport, in addition to providing structural integrity. DEJ's recent importance in skin aging has tested new peptide derivatives for their effect in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes on the signals of the basement membrane (BM). The study peptides and peptides complex induced protein expressions of collagen XVII, laminin and nidogen. Further examination of the excised human skin indicates a substantial increase in the expressions of dermal collagen and of collagens XVII and laminine in topical application of the peptides complex. This article summarizes biological activities of peptides related to their potential cosmeceutical application in-silico, in vitro and in vivo evidence.

Aristizabal, M., & Gold, M. H. (2021). Cosmeceuticals following Cosmetic Procedures Including the Use of Facial Mask. In Cosmeceuticals (Vol. 5, pp. 141-149). Karger Publishers.