Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Syn-Coll / Pal-KVK — a palmitoyl tripeptide modeled on the thrombospondin-1 motif that activates latent TGF-β. Mechanistically distinct from Matrixyl-family matrikines: activates a growth-factor signalling pathway rather than directly mimicking collagen fragments. Cosmetic ingredient only.
A synthetic lipopeptide (Palmitoyl-Lys-Val-Lys, CAS 623172-56-5) modeled on the KRFK motif of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) that is known to activate latent extracellular TGF-β in vivo; the simplified KVK tripeptide is claimed by the manufacturer to reproduce the TSP-1 activity in topical formulations. Originally developed by Pentapharm (subsequently DSM, now DSM-Firmenich / dsm-firmenich) and marketed as Syn®-Coll; INCI designation Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 (formerly Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3). Primary preclinical evidence comes from manufacturer-sponsored collagen-induction and wrinkle-reduction studies; independent replication is limited. Cosmetic ingredient only; no drug-development program.
Mechanism of action
Modeled on the Lys-Arg-Phe-Lys (KRFK) motif of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a matricellular glycoprotein that activates latent TGF-β by inducing a conformational change in the LAP–LTBP–TGF-β complex. The simplified Pal-KVK structure is proposed by the manufacturer to reproduce the TSP-1 latent-TGF-β–activating activity; activated TGF-β then engages SMAD2/3-dependent fibroblast transcription, upregulating collagen I and III synthesis. In-vitro fibroblast assays from the manufacturer report a 2–3-fold increase in collagen production over baseline. This mechanism — growth-factor pathway activation rather than direct matrikine mimicry — distinguishes Syn-Coll from the Matrixyl and Rigin families. Independent mechanistic confirmation is limited.
Primary uses
- Topical cosmetic anti-aging formulations (collagen stimulation / wrinkle reduction)
Typical dosing
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. INCI name: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 (formerly Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3).
Status as of this entry's last review, April 19, 2026. Approvals, compounding rules and sport rules change; the regulatory tracker is checked more often.
What we checked
Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, sold as Syn-Coll, is modelled on a thrombospondin-1 motif that activates TGF-beta, a signal for collagen production. On PubMed it appears in delivery-system papers and a multi-ingredient microneedle-patch study, not in a trial of the ingredient alone; this section records what can be checked.
Identity, computed
| Sequence | Not established |
The dataset gives Pal-Lys-Val-Lys. The calculator does not model the palmitoyl group, so the dataset's formula is not recomputed here.
Regulatory status, read October 5, 2026
Drugs@FDA: 0 records for “palmitoyl tripeptide-5”. EMA medicines list: 0 records for “palmitoyl tripeptide-5”. Run for semaglutide, the same queries return 6 and 5 records (and the registry search 84 trials), so a zero here is an absence, not a broken search. Not named on the WADA 2026 and 2027 Prohibited Lists. As a substance with no current approval for human therapeutic use, it falls under section S0 (non-approved substances), which is prohibited at all times; the lists were read on September 27, 2026.
What the maker or sellers claim
Claim, from the ingredient's maker and cosmetic sellers: It boosts collagen like retinol without irritation. The data come from the maker's technical material.
About thrombospondin and TGF-beta
Thrombospondin-1 activates latent TGF-beta through a short binding motif, as the 2000 review cited in References describes; a 1993 study, also cited, found a procollagen pentapeptide stimulated matrix production in cells. Neither tested this ingredient.
What we looked for and did not find
No trial of the ingredient on its own, no registry record and no drug application.
| Source | Query | Results, October 5, 2026 | What it was |
|---|---|---|---|
| PubMed | "palmitoyl tripeptide-5" | 4 | |
| PubMed | "Syn-Coll" | 0 | |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | palmitoyl tripeptide-5 | 0 | |
| Drugs@FDA (openFDA) | palmitoyl tripeptide-5 | 0 | |
| EMA medicines list | palmitoyl tripeptide-5 | 0 |
References
- [manufacturer] DSM / dsm-firmenich. "Syn®-Coll (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5) technical data sheet." CAS 623172-56-5. Formerly marketed by Pentapharm.
- [pubmed] Murphy-Ullrich JE, Poczatek M. "Activation of latent TGF-beta by thrombospondin-1: mechanisms and physiology." Cytokine Growth Factor Rev, 2000;11(1-2):59-69 (TSP-1/TGF-β mechanistic basis). PMID: 10708953.
- [pubmed] Katayama K, et al. "A pentapeptide from type I procollagen promotes extracellular matrix production." J Biol Chem, 1993;268(14):9941-4. PMID: 8486721.
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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.