MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Educational research guidelines only. Lyophilized peptides are investigational chemical compounds and are NOT approved for human consumption, diagnosis, or therapy. Consult a licensed physician before any research application.
Eyeseryl Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
Eyeseryl (INCI Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5) is a synthetic acetylated tetrapeptide cosmetic ingredient from Lipotec/Lubrizol, with the sequence Ac-betaAla-His-Ser-His (C20H28N8O7, about 492.5 Da). It is marketed for the eye contour to reduce the look of puffiness, under-eye bags and dark circles. Its main proposed mechanism is local inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme, giving a draining, decongestant effect that lowers capillary permeability and interstitial fluid, alongside an anti-glycation action that helps protect collagen in the thin infraorbital skin (PMC9760069). Manufacturer-sponsored studies report eye-bag improvement in roughly 70% of volunteers within 28 days, but independent peer-reviewed randomized trials are lacking. It is applied topically twice daily as 1-10% of the Eyeseryl trade solution and is never injected. Eyeseryl is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient, not an approved drug; the subcutaneous reconstitution model here is an educational measurement reference only.
Reconstitute: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water → 5 mg/mL concentration.
Typical dose: 1-10% trade solution topically, 2x/day (cosmetic; no injectable dose)
Easy measuring: At 5 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.0500 mg (50 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Store lyophilized powder frozen; keep reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2-8 C; protect from light and avoid repeated freeze-thaw.
Half-life: No established systemic half-life. Applied topically, the roughly 492 Da hydrophilic peptide barely penetrates intact skin, is cleared locally by tissue peptidases, and produces effects that accumulate over about 2-8 weeks and reverse on stopping.
Route: Topical eye-contour serum, cream or gel applied twice daily (1-10% of the Eyeseryl trade solution). The subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement reference only, not a real delivery route, and the peptide is never injected.
Status: Cosmetic ingredient only (INCI Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5; trade name Eyeseryl by Lipotec/Lubrizol; FDA UNII Y1DFQ308G8). Not FDA- or EMA-approved as a drug; presented here for educational purposes only.
About Eyeseryl
Eyeseryl is the cosmetic trade name (Lipotec/Lubrizol) for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, a synthetic acetylated tetrapeptide (Ac-betaAla-His-Ser-His) developed for the eye-contour area to soften the appearance of puffiness, under-eye bags and dark circles [1]. Its proposed mechanism is local angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibition with a draining, decongestant effect on the periorbital microcirculation, combined with anti-glycation protection of dermal collagen [2]. Clinically, and in every commercial product, it is used topically rather than injected: the real-world Eyeseryl dosage is 1-10% of the Eyeseryl trade solution applied twice daily to clean skin. The subcutaneous reconstitution figures below are an educational measurement reference only, not a delivery route.\n\nThis guide models a 10 mg vial reconstituted with 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water (5 mg/mL) so the educational doses map cleanly onto a U-100 insulin syringe: 250 mcg is about 5 units (0.05 mL), 500 mcg is about 10 units (0.10 mL), and 750 mcg is about 15 units (0.15 mL). A short titration lets you scale the modeled amount while keeping the measurements readable.\n\nFrequency: Twice daily, mirroring the real twice-daily topical application schedule. Eyeseryl is a cosmetic ingredient, is not FDA- or EMA-approved as a drug, and is presented here for educational purposes only. It should not be injected.
Quick Protocol Navigation
Reconstitution Instruction & Mixing Step-by-Step
Lyophilized powder must be reconstituted carefully. Agitating peptide chains can shear disulfide bonds and render the peptide biologically inert.
Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Inject the water slowly down the inside wall of the Eyeseryl vial; do not spray it directly onto the powder, to limit foaming.
Gently swirl or roll the vial until the powder fully dissolves into a clear solution; do not shake.
At 10 mg in 2.0 mL the concentration is 5 mg/mL, so 500 mcg is about 10 units (0.10 mL) on a U-100 syringe; draw the modeled educational dose.
Educational note: Eyeseryl is a cosmetic ingredient used topically twice daily, not by injection. These subcutaneous steps are a measurement reference only; store the reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8 C and protect it from light.
Interactive Eyeseryl Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 10 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 10mg dry powder in 2mL water yields 5.00 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 5.0 units (5 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Phase | Dose per injection | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation (Weeks 1-2) | 250 mcg | 5 units (0.05 mL) |
| Standard (Weeks 3-8) | 500 mcg | 10 units (0.10 mL) |
| Extended (Weeks 9-12) | 750 mcg | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 2 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 10 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (Eyeseryl, 10 mg each):
- check8 weeks (250-500 mcg titration) requires about 5 vials (~49 mg modeled)
- check12 weeks requires about 9 vials (~91 mg modeled)
- check16 weeks requires about 14 vials (~133 mg) - the high count illustrates why Eyeseryl is used topically in microgram amounts, not injected
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- checkPer week: 14 syringes (2/day)
- check8 weeks: 112 syringes
- check12 weeks: 168 syringes
- check16 weeks: 224 syringes
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use 2.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- check8 weeks (5 vials): 10 mL -> 1 x 10 mL bottle
- check12 weeks (9 vials): 18 mL -> 2 x 10 mL bottles
- check16 weeks (14 vials): 28 mL -> 3 x 10 mL bottles
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the application site each time (twice daily).
- checkPer week: 28 swabs (2 per application, 2x/day)
- check8 weeks: 224 swabs -> 3 x 100-count boxes
- check12 weeks: 336 swabs -> 4 x 100-count boxes
- check16 weeks: 448 swabs -> 5 x 100-count boxes
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Eyeseryl is the cosmetic trade name (Lipotec, now part of Lubrizol) for the ingredient with INCI name Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, a short synthetic peptide of four residues, beta-alanine, histidine, serine and histidine, acetylated at the N-terminus (Ac-betaAla-His-Ser-His). Its molecular formula is C20H28N8O7, with an average mass of roughly 492.5 Da and CAS number 820959-17-9 [1]. The molecule was designed for the periorbital and infraorbital region, where the skin is exceptionally thin (about 0.5 mm, roughly four times thinner than skin elsewhere), so edema (puffy eye bags) and pigmentation (dark circles) become visually prominent [2].\n\nThe principal proposed mechanism is local inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). By blunting ACE-driven vasoconstriction and fluid retention in the dermal microvasculature, Eyeseryl is described as producing a draining, decongestant effect that lowers capillary permeability and reduces the accumulation of interstitial fluid responsible for under-eye bags; reviews also report increased periocular hydration and elasticity with continued use [2][3].\n\nA second proposed mechanism is inhibition of protein glycation, the non-enzymatic cross-linking of sugars onto structural proteins such as collagen and elastin to form advanced glycation end-products. By limiting glycation and helping protect antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase from inactivation, the peptide is proposed to preserve the integrity of the dermal matrix that supports the lower-eyelid contour [3][5]. As a small, hydrophilic, charged molecule it acts at the level of superficial cutaneous tissue and is rapidly degraded by tissue peptidases [4][5].\n\nPharmacokinetics are essentially topical and local. With a molecular weight near 492 Da and several polar, ionizable residues, transdermal penetration through intact stratum corneum is limited and systemic absorption is considered negligible. Commercial products therefore use the peptide at low concentration, often combined with penetration enhancers or liposomal carriers, applied twice daily. There is no established systemic elimination half-life in humans because measurable plasma levels are not expected after cosmetic use; the visible effect develops gradually over roughly two to eight weeks of consistent application and is reversible on discontinuation [4][6].\n\nThe real-world route is topical application to the eye contour, not injection. The subcutaneous reconstitution scheme on this page is the educational measurement convention used across this site and is not a clinically validated delivery method; cosmetic-grade peptide is not formulated or sterility-tested for injection. Eyeseryl is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (INCI Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5; FDA UNII Y1DFQ308G8) and is not an approved drug in the United States or European Union [4][7][8].
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starIn manufacturer-sponsored evaluations of eye creams containing about 0.1% acetyl tetrapeptide-5 (formulated from roughly 10% of the Eyeseryl trade solution) applied twice daily, the appearance of eye bags was reduced in approximately 70% of volunteers within 28 days, with most subjects reporting a significant reduction within about 14 days and puffiness scores falling by up to roughly 30% [3][4].
- starSupplier data also describe an increase in periocular skin elasticity and hydration of around 30% over 30 days, consistent with the proposed local ACE-inhibitory, draining and decongestant effect that reduces interstitial edema and improves the look of dark circles [2][3].
- starThe anti-glycation component of the mechanism, inhibition of sugar-protein cross-linking and protection of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, provides the rationale for a claimed preservation of collagen and elastin in the thin lower-eyelid skin, although this pathway is characterized mainly in in vitro and supplier assays rather than independent clinical endpoints [3][5].
- starPeer-reviewed cosmeceutical reviews classify acetyl tetrapeptide-5 as an anti-edema or decongestant eye peptide that acts through local ACE inhibition and is commonly combined with other actives (for example acetyl hexapeptide-3, caffeine or chrysin) in eye-contour formulations [2][4].
- starIndependent, peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials of Eyeseryl are essentially absent; the most-cited efficacy figures originate from the manufacturer or from cosmetic brands, with methodologies that are not fully disclosed, so the strength of evidence is modest compared with actives such as retinoids [4][6][7].
- starBecause penetration of a roughly 492 Da hydrophilic tetrapeptide through intact skin into the circulation is negligible, no systemic pharmacology or systemic adverse-effect signal has been documented; this pharmacokinetic profile supports the regulatory classification of Eyeseryl as a cosmetic ingredient rather than a transdermal or injectable drug [6].
Side Effects & Tolerability Profile
Clinical subjects transiently report mild side effects. Slowly escalating the titration dose represents the single most effective intervention to limit side effects.
- warningTopical Eyeseryl is generally well tolerated, with reported reactions limited to mild, transient erythema, stinging or a sensation of tightness at the application site, particularly when layered with other actives such as retinoids or acids.
- warningBecause the product is applied close to the eye, accidental ocular contact can cause transient conjunctival irritation, watering or burning; keep the product off the lid margin and rinse promptly with water if it migrates onto the eye surface.
- warningTrue allergic contact dermatitis to acetyl tetrapeptide-5 is uncommon; most adverse skin reactions to eye-contour products are caused by other formulation components such as preservatives, fragrances or penetration enhancers and should be assessed by a dermatologist if persistent.
- warningNo systemic side effects have been documented, since absorption of this hydrophilic tetrapeptide through intact skin into the circulation is negligible and no measurable plasma exposure is expected after cosmetic use.
- warningSafety data in pregnancy, lactation and pediatric use are absent; on a precautionary basis, avoiding Eyeseryl-containing products during pregnancy and breastfeeding is reasonable despite the very low theoretical risk of systemic exposure.
- warningThe subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement model only; cosmetic-grade peptide is not manufactured, purity-graded or sterility-tested for injection, and it should never be injected.
- warningEyeseryl is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (INCI Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5) and is not an FDA- or EMA-approved drug; any use beyond topical cosmetic application is unstudied and should be regarded as research or educational only.
Subcutaneous Injection Technique
Most research peptides require subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue. Never inject directly into a blood vessel or deep muscle tissue unless clinically detailed.
1. Site Selection
Common locations include the abdomen (2 inches from navel), outer upper arms, or thighs.
2. Sanitization
Thoroughly clean the selected site, stopper and vial top using 70% isopropyl alcohol prep swabs.
3. Angle & Push
Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Depress plunger smoothly.
4. Site Rotation
Rotate injection sites continuously to avoid lipodystrophy or tissue scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical Eyeseryl dosage?expand_more
Eyeseryl (Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5) is used only as a topical cosmetic ingredient. Finished serums, creams and eye-contour gels contain roughly 1-10% of the Eyeseryl trade solution, which itself carries about 0.05% active peptide, so the actual peptide concentration in a product is very low. It is applied as a thin layer to clean under-eye skin twice daily. There is no validated injectable or systemic Eyeseryl dosage; the subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement reference only.
Is Eyeseryl FDA approved?expand_more
No. Eyeseryl is not an FDA-approved drug. It is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient in the United States and European Union under the INCI name Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 (FDA UNII Y1DFQ308G8) and is sold under cosmetic, not pharmaceutical, regulations. It has no EMA drug approval and is not approved for injection or any systemic medical use.
How do you reconstitute Eyeseryl for the educational model?expand_more
In real cosmetic use Eyeseryl needs no reconstitution because it is supplied within a finished topical product. For the educational subcutaneous model on this site, a 10 mg vial is mixed with 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water to give 5 mg/mL: draw the water slowly down the vial wall, swirl gently until clear, and refrigerate. At that concentration 500 mcg is about 10 units and 750 mcg about 15 units on a U-100 syringe. This is a measurement reference only; the peptide is not injected.
What is Eyeseryl's half life?expand_more
Eyeseryl has no established systemic half-life in humans. As a small hydrophilic tetrapeptide of about 492 Da applied topically, it penetrates intact skin poorly and is not expected to reach measurable plasma levels, so it is cleared locally by tissue peptidases rather than by systemic elimination. Its cosmetic effect builds gradually over roughly two to eight weeks of twice-daily use and reverses after the product is discontinued.
Can Eyeseryl be combined or stacked with other peptides?expand_more
Yes. In cosmetic formulations Eyeseryl is frequently combined with other eye-area actives such as caffeine, chrysin and N-hydroxysuccinimide (as in Haloxyl-type blends), acetyl hexapeptide-3 (Argireline), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and GHK-Cu copper peptide. It is generally compatible with most actives, although stacking multiple potent ingredients at once can increase the chance of mild irritation in the thin under-eye skin.
Related Guides & Tools
Step-by-step references for reconstituting, measuring, and storing Eyeseryl, plus the universal dosing calculator.
Academic References & Study Citations
PubChem. Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 (Eyeseryl), CID 11620163: molecular formula C20H28N8O7, average mass approximately 492.5 g/mol, CAS 820959-17-9. National Library of Medicine. View Scientific Paper →
Rovero P, Hernandez Malgapo DM, Sparavigna A, et al. The Clinical Evidence-Based Paradigm of Topical Anti-Aging Skincare Formulations Enriched with Bio-Active Peptide SA1-III (KP1) as Collagen Modulator: From Bench to Bedside. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022;15:2693-2703. View Scientific Paper →
Waszkielewicz AM, Miroslaw K. Peptides and Their Mechanisms of Action in the Skin. Appl Sci. 2024;14(24):11495. View Scientific Paper →
Pai VV, Bhandari P, Shukla P. Topical peptides as cosmeceuticals. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2017;83(1):9-18. View Scientific Paper →
Reddy BY, Jow T, Hantash BM. Bioactive oligopeptides in dermatology: Part II. Exp Dermatol. 2012;21(8):569-575. View Scientific Paper →
Gorouhi F, Maibach HI. Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2009;31(5):327-345. View Scientific Paper →
Errante F, Ledwon P, Latajka R, Rovero P, Papini AM. Cosmeceutical peptides in the framework of sustainable wellness economy. Front Chem. 2020;8:572923. View Scientific Paper →
Lupo MP, Cole AL. Cosmeceutical peptides. Dermatol Ther. 2007;20(5):343-349. View Scientific Paper →