Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate in Skin Care

Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, also known as SYN®-HYCAN, is a small peptide (less than 500 Da) widely used in skincare products for its powerful anti-aging properties. This peptide is specifically designed to boost hyaluronic acid (HA) production within the skin. HA is a crucial component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which helps retain moisture, adding volume and improving skin firmness.

This fascinating ingredient is found in the top selling medical grade skin care brand Alastin.

In this article, I will discuss why this is one of the hotttest new antiaging ingredients in skin care.

Boosts Hyaluronic Acid production

Enhances skin firmness and elasticity

Improves skin hydration

Has a poor EWG safety rating due to a component that is a PFA

What is SYN®-HYCAN?

Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate is a peptide that increases hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis within the skin. By boosting HA production, it helps the skin retain more moisture, adding volume and making it appear plumper. Increasing HA within the extracellular matrix (ECM) facilitates signaling that improves fibroblast functionality, leading to increased production of many components such as HA and collagen. This plumps skin volume, firms skin, decreases laxity and reduces sagging. It hydrates and strengthens the skin structure, contributing to a smoother, more youthful complexion.

What Does It Do?

Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate works by increasing the production of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the skin responsible for maintaining moisture and structural integrity. It stimulates the fibroblasts, which are the skin cells that produce collagen and HA, to increase HA synthesis. As the levels of HA in the skin rise, skin retains more water, leading to enhanced hydration, plumper skin, and reduced appearance of wrinkles. This peptide’s action also supports collagen production, which in turn firms, strengthens, and smooths the skin.

Matrisome

Increasing levels of HA helps improve matrisome function.

The matrisome is the collection of proteins and structures that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are essential for skin health. It provides a scaffold for cells, helping maintain the skin’s structure and communication between cells like fibroblasts, which are responsible for producing collagen, HA, other glycosaminoglycans, and key proteins.

Function of the Matrisome

The matrisome surrounds fibroblasts and supports the cytoskeleton, which helps fibroblasts adhere to the matrix and communicate with other cells. The matrisome’s interaction with the fibroblast cytoskeleton generates mechanical forces, which are transmitted through structures called LINX complexes to the fibroblast’s DNA. This “tug” on the cytoskeleton activates the fibroblast’s DNA to produce important components like collagen and hyaluronic acid, which are crucial for keeping the skin firm, hydrated, and youthful. (1)

Benefits

Increasing the amount of HA in skin gives the following skin benefits:

Firms

Tightens

Reduces Laxity

Hydrates

Plumps

Gives Jello-O skin

Side Effects and Safety

This ingredient receives a safety rating of 10 from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), indicating that it is considered unsafe. The concern arises from the inclusion of trifluoroacetate , a fluorinated compound classified as a PFA (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance). PFAs are known for their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them highly persistent in the environment and raise potential health concerns due to their bioaccumulation and toxicity.

There seems to be differing opinions about the safety of this ingredient. I am looking into this to learn more.

SYN®-HYCAN is well-tolerated by most skin types, with minimal reported side effects.

Products

Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate is a key ingredient in HA Serums. The tripeptide works by increasing the skin’s HA production, making it one of the most effective products for achieving plump and hydrated skin.

Research Studies

Several interesting studies have highlighted the ability of Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate to increase HA in skin.

Widgerow et al. (2022) : This study focused on the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid (HA). Widgerow et al. demonstrated that SYN®-HYCAN stimulates fibroblast production of high molecular weight HA (~2 MDa), which has anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. The peptide was found to significantly improve skin hydration and regeneration, promoting a healthier extracellular matrix.

Garre et al. (2017) : In an open-label clinical study, a SYN®-HYCAN-based product was tested on 33 women aged 45–65. After 56 days, the participants showed improved facial contouring, skin firmness, hydration, and elasticity. The peptide’s ability to increase HA production was linked to reduced sagging and wrinkles, with participants also reporting subjective improvements in skin texture.

Gempeler et al. (2018) : This study explored the impact of SYN®-HYCAN on dermal remodeling. Using advanced imaging techniques, the peptide was shown to enhance skin volume and firmness across multiple facial zones. Over 87% of the study participants reported smoother, more supple skin, with nearly 70% confirming improved elasticity. This supports the peptide’s role in non-invasive facial remodeling.

These studies together highlight SYN®-HYCAN’s effectiveness in increasing HA production and enhancing skin firmness and hydration, making it a potent anti-aging ingredient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SYN®-HYCAN is a scientifically backed peptide that significantly boosts hyaluronic acid production, enhancing skin hydration, volume, and firmness. Multiple studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce sagging, improve facial contour, and promote a more youthful appearance. By supporting the extracellular matrix, it offers non-invasive anti-aging benefits, making it an effective ingredient in modern skincare.

It’s essential to know which of the 16 skin types you are. Once you do, we can guide you to the best products for your skin. Look for the octagon symbol that matches your skin type. Have questions? Visit our community on Reddit at r/skintypesolutions or ask our AI bot. Sign up for our educational newsletters to stay updated on skincare science.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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