Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1)
Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, also known as Matrixyl basic) is a palmitoylated form of the GHK tripeptide that enhances skin penetration and collagen stimulation.
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Compound Profile
Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1)
Key Data
Research reference only
Research Focus
Preclinical data
⚠ Research & Educational Use Only. Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) 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 vs unmodified GHK
- Collagen I, III, and IV synthesis stimulation
- Fibronectin and hyaluronic acid upregulation
- Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) is not FDA-approved for human use. Cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1). No systemic approval required.
Research At a Glance
- Enhanced skin penetration vs unmodified GHK
- Collagen I, III, and IV synthesis stimulation
- Fibronectin and hyaluronic acid upregulation
- Used in Matrixyl formulations as the GHK component
In Plain English
Simple summaryPal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) is GHK with a palmitic acid tail attached to improve skin penetration -- the same modification strategy used in argireline, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, and other cosmetic peptides. The C16 fatty acid dramatically improves the peptide's ability to cross the stratum corneum's lipid barrier, bringing more GHK to the dermis where fibroblasts live. Once in the dermis, Pal-GHK promotes collagen, elastin, and proteoglycan synthesis and reduces expression of metalloproteinases (the enzymes that break down skin matrix). It's been studied in clinical formulations showing improvements in skin firmness, wrinkle depth, and overall skin quality. Some vendors sell Pal-GHK distinct from GHK-Cu because it doesn't require the copper ion to improve formulation stability.
- Enhanced skin penetration vs unmodified GHK
- Collagen I, III, and IV synthesis stimulation
- Fibronectin and hyaluronic acid upregulation
The full scientific detail, mechanisms, citations, and dosing data, follows below.
What is Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1)?
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Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) is the palmitoylated derivative of GHK (Gly-His-Lys). The palmitoyl modification improves lipid solubility and enhances penetration through the stratum corneum relative to the unmodified GHK tripeptide. Pal-GHK is the original "Matrixyl" peptide developed by Sederma and has been one of the most commercially successful cosmetic peptides since its introduction in the 1990s.
What It Is
- Palmitoyl (C16:0 fatty acid) conjugated to the N-terminus of Gly-His-Lys
- INCI name: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
- The original Matrixyl peptide (as opposed to Matrixyl 3000 which combines Pal-GHK + Pal-GQPR)
- Mimics a collagen degradation fragment, signaling fibroblasts to increase matrix production
How It Works
- Mimics the procollagen signal fragment that activates fibroblast matrix synthesis when collagen is degraded
- Binds TGF-beta receptor-associated signaling proteins, stimulating collagen I, III, and IV transcription
- Upregulates fibronectin and hyaluronan synthase-2 (HAS2) expression
- Example: In aged human fibroblast cultures, Pal-GHK at 1 mcg/mL increased collagen type I secretion (measured by ELISA) by 78% vs vehicle at 72 hours; fibronectin increased 65%
Key Research Findings
- Collagen stimulation: The most replicated finding is dose-dependent collagen type I and III upregulation in fibroblast culture (EC50 approximately 0.3-1 mcg/mL)
- Clinical anti-wrinkle study: 60-volunteer double-blind randomized controlled study showed 27% reduction in wrinkle depth (profilometry) at 12 weeks with 2% Pal-GHK vs placebo
- Skin thickness: Ultrasound measurement showed 10% increase in dermal thickness after 12 weeks of twice-daily application in the same study
- Matrix metalloproteinase balance: Pal-GHK reduced MMP-1 (collagenase) activity while upregulating TIMP-1 (MMP inhibitor), creating a net anabolic matrix environment
Dosing From the Literature
- Topical: 0.3-3% in cosmetic formulations
- Applied once or twice daily to face and target skin areas
Storage and Handling
- Lyophilised: 2-8 degrees C; stable 24 months
- In formulation: stable at pH 4-7
- The palmitoyl chain may crystallize below 15 degrees C in aqueous formulations; warm gently to redissolve
By the Numbers
Key Research Benefits
Documented effects observed in preclinical and clinical studies on Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1). 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. View all peptides' side effects →
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 to face and skin as part of anti-aging topical formulations.
What the research doesn't show
Pal-GHK research is largely from cosmetic company studies and a small number of independent academic papers. The clinical data shows real skin improvements in small study populations over 1-3 months -- consistent with the mechanism. But 'real improvements in small studies' is a description that fits a wide range of cosmetic interventions, and placebo-controlled, large-scale data doesn't exist for this ingredient specifically.
Medical Expert Videos
Physicians, researchers, and pharmacologists explain Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1), covering mechanisms of action, clinical context, and study findings.
Videos sourced from YouTube search. KnowYourPeptide does not endorse any individual creator. For research education only.
The Bottom Line
Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) has a growing body of preclinical evidence and a well-characterised safety profile in research settings. The most-studied application is: enhanced skin penetration vs unmodified ghk.
The most commonly reported side effect in research subjects is excellent tolerability in clinical studies. It is a research chemical, not approved for human use.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Quick Reference
How It Compares
GHK-Cu is the copper-complexed version of the same peptide backbone with extensive wound healing and anti-aging data. AHK-Cu is an alternative copper peptide complex for similar skin applications. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) uses a different peptide backbone (from procollagen type I) for collagen stimulation. Among palmitoyl peptides, Pal-GHK has a meaningful clinical evidence base -- more than most cosmetic peptides outside the Matrixyl series.
Compare Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) side-by-sideResearch Use Only
This information is for educational research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.