Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
low riskAlso: Pal-GHK · Palmitoyl-GHK · Matrixyl component · Biopeptide CL
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is a fatty acid-conjugated peptide derived from the collagen breakdown sequence Gly-His-Lys (GHK). The palmitoyl group enhances skin penetration by increasing lipophilicity. It is a key component of Matrixyl (combined with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) and is one of the most widely used cosmetic active ingredients. In vitro and limited clinical data support its role in stimulating collagen I and III synthesis, fibronectin, and glycosaminoglycans in dermal fibroblasts.
Reported Benefits
Collagen synthesis and skin firmness
In vitro studies consistently show increased collagen I, III, and fibronectin production in fibroblasts treated with Pal-GHK. Small clinical studies demonstrate measurable wrinkle reduction and skin firmness improvements.
Wrinkle reduction
Clinical evaluations of Matrixyl (which contains Pal-GHK) showed statistically significant wrinkle reduction vs. placebo in 12-week studies, including the widely cited Levin and Momin review.
Wound healing support
GHK and its derivatives promote wound contraction and re-epithelialization in animal models; topical cosmetic concentrations are below therapeutic wound-healing levels.
Mechanism of Action
GHK is an endogenous copper-binding tripeptide generated during collagen breakdown. It signals to fibroblasts to upregulate extracellular matrix production (collagen I, III, fibronectin, glycosaminoglycans) and downregulate matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9). The palmitoyl modification facilitates percutaneous absorption through the stratum corneum by increasing lipid bilayer partitioning. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 mimics this matrikine signaling.
Key Clinical Studies
Katayama et al. (1993)
Randomized, double-blind, split-face · 12
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (close analog) reduced wrinkle volume and skin roughness; supported mechanism for Pal-GHK class
Robinson et al. (2005)
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled · 93
Matrixyl formulation (containing Pal-GHK and Pal-KTTKS) significantly reduced wrinkle depth vs. placebo at 12 weeks
Overview
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a lipidated matrikine peptide — a fragment of collagen’s breakdown products conjugated to a fatty acid to improve skin penetration. Its active sequence, GHK (Gly-His-Lys), is the same found in the copper-binding peptide GHK-Cu, though Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 does not bind copper and works through a different delivery and signaling mechanism. It is most commonly known as one half of Matrixyl, a widely used cosmetic ingredient combination developed by Sederma.
Evidence Summary
The evidence for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is more solid than most cosmetic peptides. The in vitro data is consistent across labs, and several small but controlled clinical trials support wrinkle reduction and skin firmness improvements at typical formulation concentrations. The limitations: most clinical studies are industry-sponsored, sample sizes are small (30–100 subjects), and study duration rarely exceeds 12 weeks. Long-term comparative data against retinoids or established actives is absent. The effect size is real but modest.
Regulatory Status
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a cosmetic ingredient — not a drug. It is not FDA-regulated beyond general cosmetic safety requirements. No prescription required. Listed on the CosIng database (EU cosmetics inventory) with documented safety profile. INCI name: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1.
Most Common Use Cases
Used in anti-aging serums, neck creams, eye area treatments, and moisturizers targeting fine lines and loss of firmness. Most effective in well-formulated products at concentrations above 5 ppm, combined with skin barrier support ingredients. Often paired with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) or Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 for complementary collagen-stimulating effects.
✦ Sponsored
Stop Guessing About Your Health. Start Optimizing It.
Advanced diagnostics and licensed medical providers delivering personalized longevity care to uncover root causes, optimize health, and track progress virtually or in person.
Learn More →
Regulatory Status
Research OnlySafety Profile
Side Effects
- •Generally well tolerated
- •Rare: contact sensitization in hypersensitive individuals
Contraindications
- •Known hypersensitivity to palmitic acid or GHK sequence
Drug Interactions
- •None established at cosmetic use concentrations
Primary Uses
Related Peptides
Planning a protocol?
Use the AI Stack Builder to generate a phased schedule, compatibility analysis, and monitoring checklist.
Weekly Briefing
Regulatory updates + new study breakdowns.
For Practitioners
Do you prescribe Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1?
Get in front of patients who've already researched this protocol and are ready to consult. Featured listings from $199/mo.
Get Listed →