Pep®-Max12 — 12-Peptide Complex 2200ppm

Pep-Max12 is the most comprehensive peptide active The Sourcery stocks — a precision-formulated blend of twelve cosmetic peptides delivered at a combined concentration of 2200ppm, designed to address every major sign of visible skin ageing in a single ingredient. Rather than targeting one concern, Pep-Max12 stacks twelve distinct peptides simultaneously, delivering multi-layered performance that would otherwise require a complex of individually sourced actives at significant cost and formulation effort.

The twelve peptides — what each one does

The blend has been architected to cover six distinct anti-ageing targets with no redundancy.

Expression line relaxation

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 helps improve the look of expression lines — forehead lines, crow's feet and frown lines. At 12ppm within the complex it delivers meaningful results, particularly when the formula is used consistently.

Firmer-looking skin and structural support

Four peptides work in concert here. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is one of the most studied peptides in cosmetic science for improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles, with published data going back to 2003. Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 both help support a smoother, firmer-looking complexion, while Hexapeptide-9 helps improve the appearance of long-term skin firmness.

Firmness and elasticity

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 helps calm the look of stressed skin and supports a smoother, firmer appearance. Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 targets the look of skin firmness and elasticity — particularly relevant for mature skin that has lost its snap and resilience. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 rounds out this group, helping smooth the look of wrinkles and support more elastic-looking skin.

Signs of photoageing

Tripeptide-32 is one of the more specialised inclusions — it helps improve the look of skin showing signs of photoageing from years of UV exposure.

Under-eye concerns

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 helps reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles. Its inclusion makes Pep-Max12 particularly well suited to eye contour formulations.

Brightening and even tone

Nonapeptide-1 completes the complex by helping even the look of skin tone and reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation. It addresses the tone and dullness component of ageing that peptides alone rarely cover, giving Pep-Max12 a genuine brightening claim alongside its firming benefits.

Why this blend works

The oldest peptide in the complex, Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu, first identified in 1973), provides the foundation — supporting smoother, firmer-looking skin while the newer generation peptides target more specific concerns. The progression from GHK-Cu through to Nonapeptide-1 represents decades of peptide cosmetic science condensed into a single formula-ready active. No other single ingredient in The Sourcery range covers this much ground.

For brands and formulators working in the premium or professional skincare space, Pep-Max12 is a genuine shortcut to sophistication. A single SKU replaces what would typically be a five-to-seven ingredient peptide stack, simplifies your INCI list, reduces formulation time, and allows confident claims across wrinkle appearance, firmness, radiance, barrier support and brightening. It performs particularly well in high-concentration leave-on serums, eye contour treatments, neck creams and professional facial concentrate formats.

Pep-Max12 also layers well with The Sourcery's individual peptide range — formulators wanting additional targeted activity (extra acetyl hexapeptide-8 or dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate for the look of expression lines) can use Pep-Max12 as the foundation and supplement with single actives as needed.

Formulator's notes

• Concentration: 2200ppm combined peptide content, supplied as an aqueous solution — account for the water contribution in your formula balance.
• Recommended use level: 3–10% of final formula.
• Addition: Incorporate into the water phase at or below 40°C. All twelve peptides are heat-sensitive and must never be introduced to a hot base.
• pH stability range: 5.0–7.0.
• Compatibility: Works with standard humectants, film formers and preservation systems.

Technical data sheet and batch Certificate of Analysis available on request — email info@thesourcery.co.nz