Research Only Cosmetic & Skin

Pal-GHK

also known as: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Pal-Gly-His-Lys

The palmitoylated form of the GHK tripeptide (distinct from GHK-Cu) — widely used as a cosmetic ingredient in combination with Matrixyl (Matrixyl 3000 is Pal-GHK + Pal-KTTKS) for fine-line reduction.

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, the palmitoylated form of the GHK copper-binding tripeptide, formulated as a cosmetic ingredient without the copper chelate; co-formulated with Matrixyl (Pal-KTTKS) to produce the widely used Matrixyl 3000 combination.

Mechanism of action

Palmitoylation of the GHK tripeptide improves skin penetration by increasing lipophilicity while retaining the signaling sequence. Proposed to stimulate fibroblast collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix remodeling similarly to GHK-Cu but without the copper-chelate component, via mechanisms that remain less well-characterized than the copper-bound form.

Primary uses

Topical cosmetic anti-aging formulations

Typical dosing

3–5 % (topical formulation) twice daily (topical)

Cosmetic concentrations; often co-formulated with Pal-KTTKS (Matrixyl) as Matrixyl 3000.

Regulatory status

Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug. Commonly co-formulated with Matrixyl.

References

[pubmed] Trookman NS, et al. "Immediate and long-term clinical benefits of a topical treatment for facial lines and wrinkles." J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2009;2:38-43.
[manufacturer] Sederma. "Matrixyl 3000 technical data sheet and cosmetic ingredient profile."

Related peptides

Matrixyl

A palmitoylated pentapeptide derived from a collagen-I breakdown fragment (KTTKS) — widely used in cosmetic topicals with clinical data supporting modest reductions in fine-line depth over 12 weeks.

GHK-Cu

A naturally occurring human tripeptide-copper complex with extensive topical cosmetic evidence and strong in-vitro data on collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory signaling.

Argireline

A cosmetic-industry hexapeptide marketed as "topical Botox" — reduces muscle contraction signaling at the neuromuscular junction; modest but documented effects on expression-line depth.

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.