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Evidence: MediumPeptide 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

No sourced amount

The concentrations in circulation come from the ingredient's supplier, and a seller's figure is not a source on this site; no study in the sources read sets one.

Regulatory status

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

Status as of this entry's last review, October 4, 2026. Approvals, compounding rules and sport rules change; the regulatory tracker is checked more often.

What the studies show

Pal-GHK is palmitoyl tripeptide-1, the copper-binding peptide GHK with a fatty-acid tail to help it into skin. The study below tested it in a combination; no study has tested it alone in people.

Animal · 2026

Stress-related hair loss

A combination of EGCG, biotin and Pal-GHK modulated TGF-beta/Smad and BMP signalling in docking, cell co-culture and animal models of stress-induced alopecia, and the authors propose it as a multi-target treatment; the study cannot separate Pal-GHK's share.

PMID 42575238

References

[manufacturer] Sederma. "Matrixyl 3000 technical data sheet and cosmetic ingredient profile."
[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(3):38-43. PMID: 20729942.
[pubmed] Zheng X, et al. "EGCG-Biotin-Pal-GHK composition modulates TGF-β and BMP pathways in scalp microenvironment for treating stress-induced alopecia." Eur J Pharmacol, 2026;1032:179217. PMID: 42575238.

Related peptides

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

The palmitoylated procollagen fragment sold as Matrixyl (pal-KTTKS): in a 12-week split-face trial in 93 women a moisturiser containing it reduced wrinkles more than the same moisturiser alone. A cosmetic ingredient, not a drug.

GHK-Cu

A copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma and sold widely in skin care; the evidence is mostly cell and animal work, with few trials in people.

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.

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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.