Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is a fatty-acid-modified pentapeptide studied for eyelash and eyebrow growth promotion by stimulating keratinocyte production of keratin proteins. Found in cosmetic lash serums and brow enhancement formulations.
⚠ Research & Educational Use Only. Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is a research chemical documented here for scientific education. All information references peer-reviewed literature and preclinical/clinical study data. Not for human consumption. Not medical advice. Consult a licensed researcher or healthcare professional before any laboratory use.
- Proposed to stimulate keratinocyte production of keratin proteins — the structural proteins of hair shafts and eyelashes
- Extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicle cycle
- Myristoyl fatty acid modification enhances penetration into the follicular sheath
- Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is not FDA-approved for human use. Cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17). Regulated as cosmetic active ingredient. Not a drug.
Research At a Glance
- Proposed to stimulate keratinocyte production of keratin proteins — the structural proteins of hair shafts and eyelashes
- Extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicle cycle
- Myristoyl fatty acid modification enhances penetration into the follicular sheath
- Non-prostaglandin mechanism for lash growth (unlike bimatoprost) — avoids iris pigmentation side effects
What is Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17?
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is a synthetic pentapeptide with an N-terminal myristic acid (C14 fatty acid) modification, designed to stimulate lash and eyebrow growth by promoting keratinocyte and hair follicle cell activity. It is commercially known as Lash Matrix or similar trade names.
The rationale for lash growth peptides stems from the biology of the follicular unit: eyelash follicles, like scalp hair follicles, cycle through anagen (active growth), catagen (regression), and telogen (resting) phases. Extending the anagen phase or stimulating quiescent follicles back into anagen is the mechanism shared by both prescription lash growth drugs (prostaglandin analogues like bimatoprost/Latisse) and cosmetic peptide approaches.
**Proposed mechanism:** Unlike bimatoprost, which activates prostaglandin FP receptors and EP3/1 receptors on follicular cells, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is proposed to: 1. Stimulate keratinocyte proliferation in the outer root sheath of the follicle 2. Upregulate expression of structural keratin proteins (KRT35, KRT85, KRT81) that form the hair shaft 3. Extend the anagen phase duration through growth factor signaling
The myristoyl group provides lipophilicity that enhances penetration through the cornified layers of skin to reach the follicular infundibulum.
**Comparative context:** Clinical evidence for Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is less robust than for prescription bimatoprost, which has FDA approval for eyelash growth. Most cosmetic lash serum studies showing improvement with this ingredient are manufacturer-sponsored studies with small sample sizes. However, the safety advantage is significant: bimatoprost can cause iris pigmentation changes and periorbital fat loss with chronic use, while peptide-based cosmetics pose no such risks.
Common lash serum formulations combine Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 with Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (which anchors keratin precursors to the cortex), Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (follicular matrix stimulation), and Swertia japonica extract for multi-mechanism lash enhancement.
Key Research Benefits
Documented effects observed in preclinical and clinical studies on Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17. See all Skin & Anti-Aging peptides for comparison.
Side Effects & Risks
Adverse effects reported in the research literature. All data sourced from preclinical and clinical study reports.
Dosing Data from the Literature
Doses referenced below are sourced from published preclinical and clinical studies. Use the peptide dose calculator to convert these values to injection volume.
Cosmetic lash serum concentrations:
Standard range: 0.001-0.01% in aqueous lash serums Commercial products: Used at concentrations that are typically proprietary Application: 1x daily with a mascara-like brush along upper lash line before bed
Results timeline: 4-8 weeks for visible lash density improvement; 12 weeks for maximum effect
Administration in Research Settings
Standard reconstitution and administration methodology for laboratory research use.
Applied to the upper lash line daily with applicator brush. Avoid getting in eyes. Used in combination with Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (keratin anchor peptide) in multi-peptide lash formulations.
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Quick Reference
Research Use Only
This information is for educational research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.