Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Synthetic lipopeptide: the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys linked to palmitic acid. It usually comes blended with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. Clinical data exist only for such blends and multi-ingredient products, not for the peptide alone
Evidence by route
Topical application
There are no studies of this peptide on its own. Controlled data exist only for multi-ingredient products and the blend with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. In the only randomized trial, wrinkles did not differ significantly between the product and vehicle groups. Only a biomarker, fibrillin-1, did
- Watson RE et al. Effects of a cosmetic 'anti-ageing' product improves photoaged skin [corrected]. Br J Dermatol. 2009;161(2):419-26. PMID 19438432
- Mondon P et al. Evaluation of dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction modifications using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging, in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy, echography, and histology: effect of age and peptide applications. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(2):152-60. PMID 25817264
- Trzaska AH et al. Permeation behaviour of cosmetic actives into the human stratum corneum. Int J Pharm. 2026. PMID 42790608
- Johnson et al. Safety Assessment of Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-12, Their Metal Salts and Fatty Acyl Derivatives, and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. 2018;37(3_suppl):90S-102S. doi:10.1177/1091581818807863
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Working concentrations
- Clinical studies do not state how much palmitoyl tripeptide-1 the products contained. The CIR report lists use concentrations of 1–30 ppm for peptides of this group, usually below 10 ppm, or 0.001% (Johnson 2018). These are use levels. The effective dose is unknown
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Sensitive, Combination
About this ingredient
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (pal-GHK) is the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys linked to palmitic acid. Its former INCI name is palmitoyl oligopeptide. It is usually supplied blended with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 as Matrixyl 3000. GHK without palmitic acid binds copper, but data on the copper complex GHK-Cu do not apply to this form. The supplier calls it a signal peptide for dermal matrix synthesis. No clinical study has tested it on its own. Three volunteers applied a serum with the blend. The authors found both peptides throughout the stratum corneum, between the cells, with less at greater depth. They did not examine deeper layers (Trzaska 2026). The main randomized trial tested a serum that also contained palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, retinyl palmitate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tocopherol and plant extracts (Watson 2009). Sixty people used the serum or its vehicle for six months. Wrinkles improved in 43% of the serum group vs 22% of the vehicle group, but the difference between groups was not significant (P=0.10). Only fibrillin-1 in skin biopsies differed (P=0.019). The serum's manufacturer funded the study. A supplier study compared the blend with placebo only by ultrasound and confocal microscopy. Its authors call it preliminary (Mondon 2015). The CIR expert panel found the ingredient safe at the concentrations used in cosmetics, usually below 10 ppm (Johnson 2018). There are no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 for?
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 suits: normal, dry, sensitive, combination.
What is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and what does it do in cosmetics?
Synthetic lipopeptide: the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys linked to palmitic acid.
What's the INCI name for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1?
The INCI name is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1. It may also appear as: Pal-GHK, Matrixyl 3000.
What concentration of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is effective?
Clinical studies do not state how much palmitoyl tripeptide-1 the products contained. The CIR report lists use concentrations of 1–30 ppm for peptides of this group, usually below 10 ppm, or 0.001% (Johnson 2018). These are use levels. The effective dose is unknown
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