Direct Answer
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (pal-GQPR) is a lipidated tetrapeptide cosmetic ingredient, frequently used with palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (Matrixyl 3000) or palmitoyl oligopeptide. Cited human and ex vivo evidence comes from multi-ingredient blends, so effects cannot be attributed to this peptide alone.
Summary Table
Evidence Level
High
Key Information
Classification
Key Takeaways
- Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (pal-GQPR) is a cosmetic peptide used in blends (e.g., Matrixyl 3000)
- Cited evidence is from multi-ingredient formulas and blends
- Effects cannot be attributed to this peptide alone
Scientific Overview
In Plain English
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide used in anti-aging cosmetics, usually combined with other peptides. The studies that reported skin-structure improvements tested blends, so the benefit cannot be credited to this one peptide.
Scientific Details
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is a palmitoylated tetrapeptide. A 12-week human study of a multi-component formula (with palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and other actives) reported improvements in measured skin parameters and appearance. A separate study of a blend of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 reported, using ex vivo and in vivo methods, improved extracellular-matrix structure versus placebo, which the authors described as preliminary. Both used combinations, so effects cannot be attributed to palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 alone.
How It Works
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is described in relation to extracellular-matrix and dermal signaling; the cited studies evaluated it within ingredient blends rather than in isolation.
Mechanism of Action
Extracellular-matrix signaling (formulation-level)
cell
Cited studies associate peptide blends containing palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 with extracellular-matrix changes; the individual peptide effect was not isolated.
Evidence Level
Human Evidence
A 12-week study of a multi-ingredient formula reported appearance and measured improvements; a blend study reported improved extracellular-matrix structure versus placebo, described as preliminary.
Cell Evidence
Ex vivo immunohistochemistry on skin explants examined matrix-protein changes for a peptide blend.
Limitations
Evidence is from ingredient blends; effects cannot be attributed to palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 alone, and one study described its findings as preliminary. Both cited studies are manufacturer-funded (Mageline; Sederma).
References
- Comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new multi-component anti-aging topical eye cream. Skin Research and Technology.Human Studydoi:10.1111/srt.13790 →
- Evaluation of dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction modifications using cosmetic peptides. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.Cell / In Vitrodoi:10.1111/jocd.12135 →
Alternative Names
- Pal-GQPR
- tetrapeptide-7 palmitate
Claim Boundaries
ION BLUE is an educational research aggregator. This content summarizes published scientific literature. It is not medically reviewed, is not medical advice, and is not a recommendation to use any substance. Several peptides discussed are research chemicals not approved for human use. Consult a licensed healthcare provider. Cited evidence is from ingredient blends; this entry does not attribute effects to this peptide alone and is not a recommendation to use it.
This page summarizes published research and is for informational purposes only; it is not medical advice.