Frequently Asked Questions
Bacteriostatic Water is commonly used in laboratory environments for reconstitution and solution preparation. Because proper handling and storage are important, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our support team is always happy to help.
What is bacteriostatic water?
The critical difference lies in the preservative. Sterile Water for Injection contains no antimicrobial agents and is designed for single-use only; once the seal is broken, any remaining liquid must be discarded. In contrast, Bacteriostatic Water contains benzyl alcohol, which provides a “chain of sterility” for up to 28 days of repeated use. If your research involves smaller quantities or limited-run projects, our 3ml Bacteriostatic Water vials are a perfect, waste-reducing choice for single use and maintaining precise laboratory standards.
Why is bacteriostatic water commonly used with peptides?
Most research peptides are supplied in a “lyophilized” (freeze-dried) state to maintain their chemical stability during transit. To prepare these compounds for laboratory study, they must be rehydrated using a sterile diluent. Bacteriostatic water is preferred because the benzyl alcohol prevents bacterial contamination during the multi-dose measurement phase of a study. For high-volume research protocols, our 10ml Bacteriostatic Water provides the optimal balance of volume and cost-efficiency.
What is the difference between bacteriostatic water and sterile water?
The main difference is the presence of a preservative.
Sterile water
Contains no antimicrobial agents
Typically intended for single use
Bacteriostatic water
Contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol
Helps inhibit bacterial growth
Allows multiple withdrawals from the same vial when handled correctly
Because of this, bacteriostatic water is commonly chosen when preparing solutions for peptide research or laboratory compounds.
How should bacteriostatic water be stored?
Bacteriostatic water should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Recommended storage practices include:
Room temperature storage (20–25°C / 68–77°F)
Keep the vial sealed when not in use
Always use sterile syringes or equipment when withdrawing liquid
Avoid contaminating the vial
If the solution appears cloudy or contaminated, it should be discarded.
How quickly do orders ship?
We offer FREE Standard Shipping on all orders over $150.00. For orders below this amount, we provide a flat-rate Standard Shipping fee of $9.90. If your research requires faster delivery, we offer expedited options at checkout, including UPS 2-Day Air ($25.00) and UPS Next Day Air ($50.00).
Orders are usually processed within one business day after payment confirmation.
Shipping times:
Standard shipping: 2–5 business days
Expedited shipping: 1–2 business days
You will receive a confirmation email immediately after placing your order and a tracking number once your order ships.
Do you plan to offer international shipping?
Currently, we only ship within the United States, but we’re actively working to expand into global markets, starting with Europe.
If you’d like to be notified when international shipping becomes available, you can sign up for updates through our newsletter or contact our team directly.