Research Only Cosmetic & Skin

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

also known as: Matrixyl Synthe'6, Matrixyl S6, Pal-KMO2K, Pal-Lys-Met(O2)-Lys

Sederma's Matrixyl Synthe'6 — a palmitoyl tripeptide (Pal-KMO2K) claimed to stimulate six dermal-matrix components (collagens I / III / IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, laminin-5). Follow-on to Matrixyl and Matrixyl 3000; almost all efficacy data is manufacturer-generated.

A synthetic lipopeptide consisting of palmitic acid conjugated to the tripeptide Lys-Met(O2)-Lys, where the central methionine is oxidised to the sulfone. Developed by Sederma (Croda International) and launched in 2011 under the trade name Matrixyl™ Synthe'6; CAS numbers 128446-35-5 and 1447824-23-8 appear in supplier literature. In-vitro manufacturer studies on contracted collagen lattices reported stimulation of six extracellular-matrix components (collagens I, III, IV; fibronectin; hyaluronic acid; laminin-5) with a claimed 31–100 % reduction in wrinkle depth after two months of 2 % topical application; independent replication is limited. Cosmetic ingredient only; no regulated clinical-drug development.

Mechanism of action

Classified as a matrikine-mimetic signalling peptide. The palmitoyl chain provides stratum corneum penetration and the tripeptide motif (derived from collagen-VI chain-region analysis) is proposed to bind fibroblast surface receptors and trigger transcriptional upregulation of multiple extracellular-matrix components. In-vitro collagen-lattice assays show increases in collagen I, collagen III, collagen IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and laminin-5 — the "six" of the Synthe'6 trade name. Methionine sulfone substitution is claimed to improve oxidative stability versus standard methionine. Independent mechanistic replication outside Sederma is limited.

Primary uses

Topical cosmetic anti-aging formulations (wrinkle filling / dermal-epidermal junction support)

Typical dosing

2 % (finished formulation, as supplied 2 % solution) twice daily (topical)

Cosmetic concentrations. Supplied by the manufacturer as a pre-solubilised solution with recommended use-rate of 2 % in finished product.

Regulatory status

Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug. INCI name: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38.

References

[manufacturer] Sederma (Croda International). "Matrixyl™ Synthe'6 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38) technical data sheet." Awarded the in-cosmetics 25 Years of Innovation Award, 2015.
[review] Errante F, Ledwoń P, Latajka R, Rovero P, Papini AM. "Cosmeceutical peptides in the framework of sustainable wellness economy." Front Chem, 2020;8:572923.
[pubmed] Schagen SK. "Topical peptide treatments with effective anti-aging results." Cosmetics, 2017;4(2):16.

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.

Pal-GHK

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.

Rigin

A cosmetic tetrapeptide marketed as an anti-inflammatory "Matrixyl companion" — claimed to reduce IL-6 and dampen glycation-driven skin aging; co-formulated with Pal-KTTKS + Pal-GHK in Matrixyl 3000+Rigin products.

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.