What Is Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3?
Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3 is a lab crafted molecule made by joining a short chain of four amino acids—glycine, histidine and arginine arranged in a set pattern—to myristic acid, a fatty acid found in nutmeg, coconut oil and some animal fats. Binding the peptide to the fatty acid gives it a “lipid tail” that helps it blend with the skin’s natural oils and travel through the outer layer more easily.
Peptide technology for beauty products took off in the early 2000s when researchers learned that tiny protein fragments could signal skin to look firmer and smoother. Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3 soon followed as part of this wave, valued for being small enough to slip into skin yet stable enough to stay active in a cream or serum.
The ingredient is produced by first building the tetrapeptide through standard solid-phase peptide synthesis. Chemists then attach myristic acid to one end of the chain, purify the final compound, dry it to a powdered form and add it to cosmetic bases.
You will most often spot Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3 in products that focus on age defense or skin renewal. These include lightweight serums, eye creams, night moisturizers, sheet masks, leave-on treatments for fine lines as well as some brow and lash conditioning formulas.
Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This peptide mainly serves as a skin conditioning agent, helping formulas do the following:
Skin conditioning means it works to keep skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy. By supporting the skin’s own proteins it can improve texture, make fine lines look less obvious and boost overall resilience over time.
Who Can Use Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3
Because it is lightweight and non greasy, Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3 suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Sensitive skin generally tolerates the peptide as it is fragrance free and used in low amounts, though anyone with a known allergy to coconut or nutmeg derived myristic acid should be cautious.
The compound is made through lab synthesis and the myristic acid portion is commonly sourced from coconut oil, making it suitable for vegetarians and most vegans. Those who follow a strict vegan routine may want to confirm the lipid tail comes from a plant rather than animal fat, since both are chemically identical.
No data links Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3 with hormonal action, so products containing it are not known to pose unique risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list to a healthcare professional before use.
The peptide is not a photosensitizer, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daytime sun care is still advised as part of a basic routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues, but most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or stinging
- Temporary itching
- Small surface bumps if the formula includes a high level of other rich oils that clog pores
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to fatty acid derivatives
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if irritation, rash or any other troubling symptom appears.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3 is used in very low concentrations and the peptide itself is lightweight. While it carries a fatty acid tail, the amount present is far too small to block pores in most cases. The rating is therefore close to non comedogenic.
That means it is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Formulas that pair this peptide with heavy butters or waxes could still clog pores, so check the full ingredient list if you are highly blemish prone.
Summary
Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3 conditions skin by helping it stay smooth, flexible and resilient. The peptide portion signals the skin to keep its support proteins in good shape while the myristic acid tail helps the molecule reach the surface where it can do its job.
It pops up most often in anti-aging serums, eye creams and lash or brow conditioners, but it is not one of the buzziest peptides on the market so you will not see it in every new launch.
Current research and user reports show it to be safe for regular use with only rare irritation. As with any new product, do a simple patch test first to make sure your skin agrees with it.