Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Skincare

Also known as: Pal-GHK, Biopeptide-CL

Emerging Research

What is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1?

A collagen-boosting signal peptide most often paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 to form the Matrixyl 3000 complex. Popular in anti-aging formulations aimed at mature or sensitive skin.

How it works

Mimics collagen breakdown fragments (matrikines) to signal fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen I and III, triggering the skin's natural repair and renewal processes.

What marketers claim

  • boosts collagen as effectively as retinol
  • reverses deep wrinkles
  • immediate visible results

What evidence supports

  • in vitro studies show stimulation of collagen I and III production in fibroblasts
  • modest wrinkle reduction observed in in vivo studies over several weeks
  • generally well-tolerated including in sensitive skin

Best for

mature skinanti-aging preventionsensitive skin that cannot tolerate retinol

Safety notes & concerns

  • typically well-tolerated with minimal irritation risk
  • results require weeks of consistent use
  • more long-term human data is still needed
  • efficacy is formulation-dependent

Pairs well with

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7hyaluronic acidceramides

Use caution with

generally compatible with most ingredients

Products containing Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

The Ordinary

Buffet

Serum

Best-value multi-peptide serum; stacks Matrixyl, Argireline, and multiple supporting peptides in one affordable formula

MatrixylArgirelinePalmitoyl Tripeptide-1+1 more
$17.0030ml
4.2

Drunk Elephant

Protini Polypeptide Cream

Cream

Premium signal peptide moisturiser beloved by dermatologists for its clean formulation and results in mature and sensitive skin

MatrixylPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
$68.0050ml
4.5

Paula's Choice

Peptide Booster

Serum

Concentrated multi-peptide booster designed to be mixed into any existing moisturiser or serum for a customisable dose of anti-aging peptides

MatrixylArgirelinePalmitoyl Tripeptide-1+1 more
$46.0020ml
4.3

Olay

Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Cream

Drugstore-accessible peptide moisturiser with one of the best price-to-performance ratios; backed by Olay's substantial independent clinical research programme

MatrixylPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
$29.0050ml
4.1

Peter Thomas Roth

Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum

Serum

Broad-spectrum 21-peptide complex covering signal, carrier, and neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptide classes in one mid-range serum

MatrixylArgirelinePalmitoyl Tripeptide-1+1 more
$48.0030ml
4.0

CeraVe

Skin Renewing Cream Serum

Cream

Most accessible peptide + ceramide formula available; developed with dermatologists and designed to strengthen the skin barrier alongside anti-aging peptides

MatrixylPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
$20.0048ml
4.3

The Ordinary

Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Serum

Budget scalp peptide serum combining three researched hair-density complexes (Procapil, REDENSYL, AnaGain) with GHK-Cu; one of the most affordable hair peptide products available

MatrixylGHK-CuPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
$21.0060ml
3.9

VEGAMOUR

GRO Hair Serum

Serum

Plant-based vegan hair serum combining phyto-actives and synthetic peptides; marketed for hair thinning reduction and density improvement with clinical data from brand-sponsored studies

GHK-CuPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
$48.0030ml
4.0

SkinMedica

TNS Advanced+ Serum

Serum

The most clinically referenced physician-dispensed growth factor + peptide serum; SkinMedica's flagship product with extensive dermatologist recommendations and independent peer-reviewed publications

MatrixylGHK-CuPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
$295.0028.4g
4.6

Last updated: 2025-03-01

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, peptide, or treatment protocol.