Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Matrixyl
Skin & Hair
Human RCT
A synthetic peptide commercially known as Matrixyl, purpose-built for skincare by French cosmetic ingredient company Sederma. Works as a matrikine, mimicking a collagen breakdown signal that triggers fibroblasts to produce new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. One of the most widely used and well-studied peptides in the global skincare industry with strong human evidence for wrinkle reduction and skin firmness. OTC, topical only, excellent safety profile and safe for use during pregnancy.
Topical · Serum
OTC Supplement
What It Is
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, commercially known as Matrixyl, is a synthetic peptide composed of a palmitic acid chain attached to the tripeptide glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) — the same core sequence as GHK-Cu but without the copper ion and with a fatty acid modification that enhances skin penetration. It was developed by Sederma, a French cosmetic ingredient company, in the early 2000s and has become one of the most widely used and studied peptides in the global skincare industry. It is often found alongside its successor Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (together marketed as Matrixyl 3000) in premium anti-aging formulations. Unlike many peptides in this catalog, Matrixyl was purpose-built for cosmetic application and has a robust body of industry-sponsored and independent research supporting its efficacy.
Mechanism of Action
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 works as a matrikine, a peptide fragment that signals the extracellular matrix to initiate repair and collagen synthesis. Specifically it mimics a fragment of collagen that is produced when collagen breaks down, acting as a biological signal that damage has occurred and triggering fibroblasts to up regulate production of Type I and Type III collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. The palmitic acid modification serves a dual purpose, it increases the peptide's lipophilicity allowing it to penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin more effectively than unmodified peptides, and it improves stability in cosmetic formulations.
Use Cases
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is used exclusively in topical skincare applications. Human clinical studies have demonstrated reduction in wrinkle depth and surface area, improvement in skin firmness and elasticity, increased skin hydration, and improvement in overall skin texture and tone. It is particularly well studied for periorbital wrinkles (around the eyes) and nasolabial folds. It is appropriate for all skin types and is one of the most accessible evidence-backed anti-aging skincare ingredients available OTC.
Known Risks
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 has an excellent safety and tolerability profile. It is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and appropriate for sensitive skin. No serious adverse effects have been reported in clinical literature. As a cosmetic ingredient it does not carry the risks associated with injectable or systemic peptide use. Standard skincare precautions apply, patch testing recommended for individuals with highly reactive skin. Safe for use during pregnancy unlike many other active skincare ingredients.
Available Forms
Regulatory Status
OTC cosmetic ingredient. No prescription required. Regulated by the FDA as a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug. Widely available in mainstream retail, department stores, and online. One of the most accessible and lowest-risk compounds in this catalog.
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492182/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503476/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8486721/
Similar Compounds
GHK-Cu, Collagen Type I, Collagen Type III
