Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3)
Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3) is a lipopeptide combining the AHK copper-binding tripeptide with a palmitoyl fatty acid for enhanced skin and scalp penetration.
⚠ Research & Educational Use Only. Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3) 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.
- Enhanced skin penetration via palmitoyl modification
- Hair follicle stimulation and scalp repair
- Collagen and elastin upregulation in fibroblasts
- Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3) is not FDA-approved for human use. It is a research chemical for scientific study only.
Research At a Glance
- Enhanced skin penetration via palmitoyl modification
- Hair follicle stimulation and scalp repair
- Collagen and elastin upregulation in fibroblasts
- Anti-inflammatory action in dermal cells
What is Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3)?
Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3) is the N-palmitoylated derivative of the AHK copper-binding tripeptide. The palmitoyl modification (C16:0 fatty acid) substantially enhances the peptide's lipophilicity, improving its ability to penetrate the stratum corneum and associate with hair follicle membranes. This approach mirrors the design principle used in Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Pal-GHK.
What It Is
- Palmitoyl (C16:0) modification at the N-terminus of Ala-His-Lys
- Designed for enhanced topical delivery compared to aqueous AHK
- Part of a family of palmitoyl peptides developed for cosmetic and hair care applications
- Known commercially as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 in cosmetic INCI naming
How It Works
- The palmitoyl tail intercalates into the lipid bilayer of the stratum corneum, carrying the AHK sequence into the epidermis and dermis
- Once in dermal tissue, the AHK sequence chelates copper ions and activates copper-dependent repair signaling
- Promotes VEGF expression in hair follicle dermal papilla, supporting follicle vascularization
- Example: In ex vivo scalp explant models, Pal-AHK at 5 mcg/mL increased Ki-67 (proliferation marker) in hair follicle dermal papilla cells by 40% vs vehicle at 48 hours
Key Research Findings
- Hair follicle studies: Extended anagen phase in organ culture models by 20-30% vs vehicle
- Skin penetration: Fluorescently labeled Pal-AHK showed 3-4x deeper skin penetration than non-palmitoylated AHK in tape-stripping studies on human skin explants
- Collagen synthesis: Pal-AHK at 1-5 mcg/mL increased procollagen type I secretion from aged fibroblasts by 25-35%
Dosing From the Literature
- Topical: 0.1-1% in serum or treatment cream
- Applied once or twice daily
Storage and Handling
- Lyophilised: 2-8 degrees C; stable 24 months
- In formulation: stable at pH 4-7
- Avoid repeated temperature cycling; the palmitoyl chain can crystallize
Key Research Benefits
Documented effects observed in preclinical and clinical studies on Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3). 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.
Administration in Research Settings
Standard reconstitution and administration methodology for laboratory research use.
Applied topically to scalp or skin in cosmetic formulations.
Explore Further
Quick Reference
Research Use Only
This information is for educational research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.