Impact of Shipping Temperature on Peptide and Anti-Aging Ingredient Stability

Regarding your concern about sending a tester product containing peptides or anti-aging ingredients internationally, and the potential impact of shipping conditions (7 days transit, potentially above 6-8°C) on ingredient stability:

Many peptides and anti-aging active ingredients are sensitive to temperature, light, and pH levels. While some ingredients can tolerate room temperature storage (20-25°C) for a period, prolonged exposure to higher temperatures, such as those that might occur during international shipping, can accelerate their degradation.

For ingredients like Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu), Tetrapeptide-21, and Acetyl Octapeptide-3, refrigeration (4-8°C) is often recommended for long-term storage to maintain their stability and efficacy. Kinetin also recommends refrigeration for long-term storage.

Even ingredients like REGU®-AGE, which can be stored at room temperature, should be protected from heat and direct sunlight.

A 7-day transit period at temperatures significantly above their recommended storage conditions could potentially reduce the potency of these sensitive ingredients. The extent of degradation depends on the specific ingredient, the maximum temperature reached, the duration of exposure, and the overall formulation.

While the ingredients may not become completely inactive, their effectiveness could be diminished compared to a product stored under optimal conditions. To minimize this risk when shipping temperature-sensitive formulations, consider using insulated packaging or other methods to help maintain a more stable temperature during transit.