Molar Ratio
Definition
In a blend, the proportion of one compound to another counted in molecules rather than in milligrams. Two blends with the same mass ratio have different molar ratios whenever the molecular weights differ, which they almost always do.
What this means for research sourcing
Structure and identity terms are what a certificate of analysis is written in. Every Volta compound ships with its sequence, molecular weight and measured purity, so these terms map directly onto the specification on the product page.
Related Terms in Chemistry & Structure
Nomenclature
The naming conventions a peptide arrives under. A single compound can carry a sequence-derived code, a developer's number, a trade name and an INCI name, and the suffixes carry information of their own: LR3 names a substitution, DAC names a linker, 176-191 names a residue span.
Carrier Peptide
A cosmetic-chemistry class whose members bind a trace metal and deliver it, copper being the usual one. GHK-Cu is the canonical example, and the copper is a cofactor for enzymes involved in matrix assembly rather than an inert passenger.
Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptide
A cosmetic-chemistry class that works by slowing an enzyme rather than by signalling, usually a matrix metalloproteinase that degrades collagen. The mechanism is conservation of existing matrix rather than synthesis of new matrix.
Neurotransmitter-Inhibitor Peptide
A cosmetic-chemistry class described as interfering with transmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, with acetyl hexapeptide-8 and acetyl octapeptide-3 the usual members. Published support is mostly in vitro and in manufacturer studies.
Copper Tripeptide-1
The INCI name for GHK-Cu, the glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex. The two names denote one molecule, and which appears depends on whether the document is a cosmetic ingredient list or a research paper.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
The INCI name for the six-residue sequence marketed as Argireline. Acetyl hexapeptide-3 appears in older listings for the same material, so two names in a label archive do not mean two ingredients.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
The INCI name for the palmitoylated five-residue sequence sold as Matrixyl. The palmitoyl group is a lipid tail added to help a hydrophilic peptide associate with the stratum corneum.
Bioactive Peptide
A peptide that produces a measurable response in living cells, as distinct from one that is merely present. The term is used loosely across food science, cosmetics and pharmacology, so it carries no implication about how strong the evidence is.