Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effects.

It is a carrier peptide naturally found in human plasma, consisting of glycine, histidine, and alanine. If that sounds familiar, then yes, it is the same amino acid chain found in Copper Tripeptide-1 (read about it here: Copper Tripeptide-1).

They share many of the same properties and abilities but there is a slight difference: Palmitoyl tripeptide doesn’t carry around a copper atom and instead has a palmitic acid on one end for better oil solubility and enhanced skin penetration. This molecule by itself is used under the trade name Biopeptide-CL, and in combination with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is called Matrixyl™ 3000.

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a signal peptide for collagen renewal. According to the manufacturer’s tests, it increases the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycanes. The effects are comparable to those of retinoic acid but without the skin irritation side effects.

There were a few clinical trials done on healthy volunteers. In 15 women over a period of four weeks, a cream with Pal-GHK (another name for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) was seen to reduce wrinkle length, depth, and skin roughness.

In another study on 23 women over four weeks, it was found that there was a significant increase in skin thickness. For 3% Matrixyl 3000 as a combination treatment, a patent study on 28 volunteers confirmed its anti-wrinkle efficacy and also noted an increase in skin density.