What Is BAC. WATER?
BAC WATER, short for bacteriostatic water, is a precisely formulated sterile aqueous solution primarily used in pharmaceutical and research settings for reconstituting lyophilized (freeze-dried) compounds like peptides, hormones, and injectable drugs. Its core composition is sterile water for injection (WFI) with 0.9% benzyl alcohol added as a bacteriostatic agent—this key additive inhibits bacterial growth, making it suitable for repeated use after the vial is first opened.| Aspect | BAC Water (Bacteriostatic Water) | Acetic Acid Water (Acetic Acid Dilution) |
| Primary Purpose | Reconstitute lyophilized peptides/hormones for multi-dose use (preserves solution sterility). | - Sterile water + dilute acetic acid (typically 0.1–1% concentration) - No preservatives. |
| Key Composition | - 99.1% sterile pyrogen-free water
- 0.9% benzyl alcohol (preservative). |
- Sterile water + dilute acetic acid (typically 0.1–1% concentration)
- No preservatives. |
| Core Function | 1. Dilutes dry compounds into injectable solutions
2. Inhibits bacterial growth (enables 28-day post-opening use). |
1. Lowers pH (acidic environment) to solubilize hydrophobic peptides
2. No preservation—only aids dissolution. |
| Peptide Compatibility | Ideal for hydrophilic peptides (soluble in neutral water: e.g., GHRP-6, Melanotan II). | Required for hydrophobic peptides (insoluble in neutral water: e.g., some growth hormone fragments, cyclic peptides). |
| Sterility & Shelf Life | - Unopened: 36 months
- Opened: 28 days (refrigerated, due to benzyl alcohol). |
- Unopened: 12–24 months (depends on concentration)
- Opened: Use immediately (≤24 hours) — no preservative, high risk of bacterial growth. |
| pH Level | Neutral (≈7.0) — compatible with most peptide structures. | Acidic (≈2.0–4.0) — may degrade acid-labile peptides (avoid for sensitive compounds). |
| Safety & Use Notes | - Not for direct injection (only as diluent)
- Benzyl alcohol is safe at low doses; avoid high-volume use in infants. |
- Must be neutralized (e.g., with sodium acetate) before injection (acidic pH causes tissue irritation)
- Corrosive in high concentrations; handle with care. |
| Typical Application | Routine peptide reconstitution (e.g., fitness, research use for hydrophilic compounds). | Specialized reconstitution of hydrophobic peptides (e.g., research-grade peptides with poor water solubility). |