Bacteriostatic Water vs Sterile Water
The water you use to reconstitute your peptides directly affects how long they remain safe and effective to use.
Quick Comparison
| Property | Bacteriostatic Water (BAC) | Sterile Water |
|---|---|---|
| Contains | 0.9% benzyl alcohol | No additives |
| Shelf life after opening | 4 to 6 weeks refrigerated | 24 to 48 hours only |
| Multi-draw vial | Yes, safe to re-enter vial | No, single-use only |
| Prevents bacterial growth | Yes | No |
| pH | Slightly acidic (5.0 to 7.0) | Neutral (5.0 to 7.0) |
| Best for | All research peptides | Single-dose use only |
The Verdict
Always use Bacteriostatic Water (BAC Water)
BAC water is the standard for peptide reconstitution. The 0.9% benzyl alcohol prevents bacterial growth in the multi-dose vial, giving you 4 to 6 weeks of safe use. Sterile water is acceptable only if you will use the entire vial in a single dose, which is rare for most peptide protocols. If you want to see how the mixing math actually plays out once you have your water sorted, this step-by-step reconstitution walkthrough covers the full preparation sequence.
What NOT to Use
- Tap water, not sterile, contains contaminants
- Distilled water (not bacteriostatic), no preservative, contaminates within hours
- Saline (0.9% NaCl), can cause precipitation in some peptides
- Any water not specifically labeled for injectable use
Where to Get BAC Water in Vietnam
BAC water can be sourced from:
- •Your peptide supplier (often included or sold separately)
- •International pharmacies online (ships to Vietnam)
- •Some compounding pharmacies in HCMC and Hanoi