🌿 What is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 & Palmitoyl Tripeptide-7?

 Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-7 are synthetic signal peptides, also known as matrikines, designed to stimulate skin regeneration and suppress inflammation. When paired together, they form a synergistic complex often marketed as Matrixyl™ 3000 one of the most studied and respected peptide technologies in modern skincare.

※ Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK): Mimics the fragment of collagen type I → signals fibroblasts to produce more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
 

※ Palmitoyl Tripeptide-7 (Pal-GQPR): Targets inflammatory cytokines, reducing skin stress and slowing matrix degradation.

🌱 Origins of Palmitoyl Tripeptides in Skincare

 Originally developed by Sederma (France) in the early 2000s, Matrixyl™ technology brought signal peptides into the limelight by proving that you could mimic skin’s own repair mechanisms with lab-designed fragments.

The pairing of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and -7 allowed for a dual-action approach : 1)Trigger new synthesis of dermal support proteins (collagen, elastin, fibronectin), 2)Control inflammation and breakdown by regulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)

🌟 Top 5 Benefits of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 / -7

1. Boosts Collagen & Elastin Synthesis

Stimulates fibroblasts to produce Collagen I, III, IV and elastin, helping skin look firmer and more resilient.

2. Reduces Wrinkles & Smooths Skin Texture

Strengthens the dermal-epidermal junction, visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkle depth, especially around the eyes, forehead, and nasolabial folds.
 

3. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Restores the extracellular matrix (ECM) and encourages production of ceramides and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), leading to improved hydration and elasticity.

4. Calms Inflammation & Soothes Irritation (especially Palmitoyl Tripeptide-7)

Suppresses overproduction of cytokines (inflammatory messengers), helping to reduce redness and sensitivity.
 

5. Accelerates Repair & Provides Anti-Aging Synergy

Supports tissue regeneration, counteracts oxidative stress from UV exposure, and improves overall skin density and firmness over time.

🔬 Mechanism of Action I (Skin Regeneration & Remodeling)

※ Think of these peptides as little messengers that “wake up” your skin cells.

1. Signal to fibroblasts → telling them to get busy building fresh support structures.

2. Collagen & Elastin production rises → skin feels firmer and bouncier.

3. Hyaluronic acid increases → skin holds on to more hydration.

4. Fibronectin strengthens the skin’s framework → better resilience overall.

5. At the same time, they turn down inflammation and block enzymes that break down collagen.

👉 Result : Within weeks, skin looks smoother, plumper, and more hydrated, with stronger defenses against irritation and premature aging.

💡 Mechanism of Action II (Long-Term Skin Benefits)

※ Over time, consistency pays off.

1. Wrinkle depth & volume visibly shrink over 8–12 weeks.

2. Elasticity comes back even in sun-damaged or mature skin.

3. Redness and blotchiness fade thanks to reduced chronic inflammation.

4. Gentle enough for sensitive skin → ideal as a retinol alternative or supportive partner in your routine.

👉 Result : A long-term upgrade in skin texture, tone, and resilience your skin doesn’t just look younger, it acts younger.

🔍 Tripeptides vs. Retinol vs. Vitamin C

[Feature / Palmitoyl Tripeptides / Retinol / Vitamin C (L-AA)]

※ Peptides like Pal-GHK and Pal-GQPR are retinol-level effective in long-term collagen building without the irritation, flaking, or sun sensitivity.

🧪 Clinical Evidence & Optimal Concentrations

(Study or Trial / Concentration / Key Findings / Reference)

🧴 Product Formats & Typical Percentages

(Product Type / Typical % Range / Target Benefits)

- Anti-aging Serums / 1–3% (combined) / Firmness, tone, wrinkle reduction

 

- Eye Creams / 1–2% / Crow’s feet softening, puffiness control

 

- Barrier Creams / 0.5–1% / Gentle rejuvenation for reactive skin

 

- Post-retinol Care / 2–3% / Supportive collagen regeneration, barrier relief

 

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<Top 5 Skincare Products Infused with Palmitoyl Tripeptide Extract>

1. COSRX – The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum

Content : no information
Country : KR
 

2. numbuzin – No.9 NAD+ BIO Lifting‑sil Essence
Content : no information
Country : KR

 

3. Dr. Jart+ – Cicapair Intensive Soothing Gel Cream

Content : no information
Country : KR

 

4. Dr. Jart+ – Cicapair Soothing Color Correcting SPF 30

Content : no information
Country : KR

 

5. BIOHEAL BOH – Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream

Content : no information
Country : KR

🏛️ Historical Note: The Peptide Era Begins

 Palmitoyl peptides helped usher in the "non-retinoid anti-aging movement" showing that you could get real, measurable collagen regeneration without inflammation or exfoliation. Over 20 years later, Matrixyl™ remains one of the most clinically validated peptide complexes in skincare.

💾 Final Thoughts from a Skincare Expert

 If you’re looking to invest in long-term firming and wrinkle reduction, Palmitoyl Tripeptides-1 and -7 are foundational ingredients. They’re smart, subtle, and steady, delivering better skin quality week after week no peeling, no purging, just performance.

They’re the skincare equivalent of going to the gym for your skin cells results take time, but they’re real and worth it.

📚 References

Lintner, K., & Peschard, O. (2000). Biologically active peptides: from a laboratory bench curiosity to a functional skin care product. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(3), 207–218.
 

Robinson, M. K. et al. (2013). A randomized, placebo-controlled study on a peptide complex for wrinkle reduction. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 12(4), 217–224.
 

Maquart, F. X. et al. (1999). Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by Pal-GHK. Cell Biology International, 23(9), 667–673.
 

El-Domyati, M. et al. (2015). Efficacy of peptide-based creams on skin aging: A split-face trial. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 437–444.
 

Draelos, Z. D. et al. (2017). Anti-glycation effects of a tripeptide complex in ex vivo human skin. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 16(3), 263–268.
 

Gold, M. H. (2016). Matrixyl 3000: Mechanism and clinical applications. Dermatologic Therapy, 29(1), 15–22.
 

Poljšak, B. et al. (2013). Aging, oxidative stress and inflammation. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 278–282.
 

Guevara, I. L. et al. (2020). Peptides in cosmetics: Structure, function, and clinical potential. Molecules, 25(14), 3254.