Bacteriostatic water is sterile water with a small amount of benzyl alcohol (typically 0.9%) added as a preservative. The preservative limits bacterial growth, which is why it is the standard diluent for reconstituting lyophilized peptides.
What it is
At its core it is just sterile water, but the added benzyl alcohol makes the key difference. That preservative means a solution can be stored and accessed over a period of time without bacteria taking hold, rather than needing to be used all at once.
Bacteriostatic vs. sterile water
| Bacteriostatic water | Sterile water (SWFI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sterile | Yes | Yes |
| Preservative | 0.9% benzyl alcohol | None |
| Best for | Multi-use storage | Single use |
Browse research-grade peptides
Every Axis compound is third-party tested to 99.4%+ purity, with a certificate of analysis on every batch.
Why it is used for peptides
A reconstituted peptide solution is often used over days or weeks. Bacteriostatic water lets that solution be stored without bacterial contamination, which is exactly what a research setting needs.
Key takeaways
- Bacteriostatic water is sterile water plus about 0.9% benzyl alcohol.
- The preservative limits bacterial growth.
- That makes it suited to multi-use storage, unlike plain sterile water.
- It is the standard diluent for reconstituting research peptides.
A note on research use
The peptides supplied by Axis Peptide Labs are reference compounds for laboratory and research use only. They are intended for qualified researchers working in academic, institutional, and analytical settings. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics, or medical products, and they are not intended for human or veterinary consumption. Documented identity and documented purity are what matter most when sourcing a compound, both of which are published on the Axis certificates of analysis page.
