Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used as a bulking agent and lyoprotectant in lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide vials. It is not pharmacologically active.

What it does:

• Creates visible white cake in the vial
• Protects peptide structure during freeze-drying
• Makes the lyophilizate easier to handle and dissolve

Reconstitution note: Mannitol-containing vials may appear to dissolve more slowly — this is normal. The white powder is the excipient matrix. Gentle swirling (not shaking) is preferred.

Benzyl alcohol (0.9%) is the preservative in bacteriostatic water (BAW), the most common reconstitution solvent for peptides.

Standard range: 0.9% (pharmaceutical standard)

Function:

• Inhibits bacterial growth in multi-use vials
• Extends usability of reconstituted peptide
• Does not affect peptide activity at standard concentration

⚠ Note: Some individuals are sensitive to benzyl alcohol. Sterile water may be substituted but reduces shelf life post-reconstitution.

Dilute acetic acid (0.1–1%) is used for compounds that require slightly acidic conditions to dissolve — primarily growth hormone fragments and some lipophilic peptides.

Compounds requiring AA:

• AOD-9604
• HGH Fragment 176-191
• Some GH-releasing peptides

Preparation: Typically 0.6% concentration. Add a few drops of glacial acetic acid to sterile water to achieve target pH (~3.0–4.0).

Storage note: AA-reconstituted peptides may have shorter stability windows than BAW-reconstituted ones.

DMSO is a polar aprotic solvent used for highly lipophilic or poorly water-soluble research compounds.

Used for:

• SLUPP-332
• Some SARMs
• Certain steroid-adjacent compounds

⚠ Critical warnings:

• DMSO rapidly penetrates skin — wear nitrile gloves
• Carries dissolved compounds transdermally
• Do not use with contaminated equipment
• Strong garlic-like odor is normal

Typical concentration: 10–50% DMSO in sterile water or BAW depending on compound solubility.

Trehalose is a disaccharide used in high-quality lyophilized formulations to protect peptide tertiary structure during freezing and drying.

Significance on COA: Its presence indicates a more sophisticated manufacturing process. More protective than mannitol alone for sensitive peptides.

Reconstitution: No special handling required. Dissolves readily in BAW or sterile water. Slightly sweet if tasted (not relevant for research use).

Used in some formulations to enhance solubility of poorly water-soluble peptides and prevent aggregation at the vial surface.

When you'll see it: More complex formulations, some GH peptides, and certain carrier-enhanced products.

⚠ Note: May cause foaming during reconstitution. Gentle swirling instead of vigorous mixing is essential when Polysorbate 80 is present. Foam does not indicate degradation.