Direct Answer
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (pal-GHK) is a lipidated tripeptide cosmetic ingredient, often combined with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (the pair is marketed as Matrixyl 3000). Cited human evidence comes from a multi-ingredient formula, so effects cannot be attributed to this peptide alone.
Summary Table
Evidence Level
High
Key Information
Classification
Key Takeaways
- Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (pal-GHK) is a cosmetic peptide, often paired with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl 3000)
- Cited human evidence is from a multi-ingredient formula
- Effects cannot be attributed to this peptide alone
Scientific Overview
In Plain English
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a peptide used in anti-aging cosmetics, usually paired with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (the combination is sold as Matrixyl 3000). The human study that reported skin improvements tested a product with several active ingredients, so the benefit cannot be credited to this one peptide.
Scientific Details
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a palmitoylated GHK-related tripeptide. A 12-week controlled human study of a multi-component topical formulation that included palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 reported improvements in measured skin hydration, elasticity, and the appearance of fine lines; an in vitro component reported fibroblast proliferation and collagen and elastin synthesis for the active complex. Because the formulation contained multiple actives, effects cannot be attributed to palmitoyl tripeptide-1 alone.
How It Works
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is described as a collagen-related peptide; laboratory work within a multi-component study associated the active complex with fibroblast proliferation and matrix-protein synthesis. The individual contribution of this peptide was not isolated.
Mechanism of Action
Matrix-protein signaling (formulation-level)
cell
In a multi-component study, the active complex was associated with fibroblast proliferation and collagen and elastin synthesis in vitro; the individual peptide effect was not isolated.
Evidence Level
Human Evidence
A 12-week controlled study of a multi-ingredient formula containing this peptide reported improvements in measured hydration, elasticity, and fine-line appearance.
Cell Evidence
In vitro work in the same study reported fibroblast proliferation and collagen and elastin synthesis for the active complex.
Limitations
Evidence is from a multi-component formulation; effects cannot be attributed to palmitoyl tripeptide-1 alone. The cited study is manufacturer-funded (Mageline Biology Tech).
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 →
Alternative Names
- Pal-GHK
- Palmitoyl oligopeptide variant
- tripeptide-1 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 a multi-ingredient formula; 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.