Pal-AHK
Also known as: Pal-AHK, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3
Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3) is a lipidated cosmetic peptide combining the alanine-histidine-lysine sequence with a palmitic acid tail for improved skin penetration. It is used topically in anti-aging and skin-firming formulations.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
Pal-AHK conjugates the AHK tripeptide (alanine-histidine-lysine) to a palmitoyl lipid chain, increasing lipophilicity so the peptide can cross the stratum corneum more effectively. The AHK motif is a signal peptide thought to stimulate dermal fibroblasts to upregulate collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. The lysine and histidine residues can also chelate copper, supporting copper-dependent enzymes involved in tissue remodeling and angiogenesis.
- Half-life
- Not formally characterized; acts locally in the skin after topical application
- Administration Routes
- topical
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Stimulates fibroblast collagen production in skin
- Improves skin firmness and elasticity
- Enhanced skin penetration from the palmitoyl tail
- May support dermal microcirculation and wound healing
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines
Potential Side Effects
- Possible localized skin irritation or redness
- Contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- Mild stinging upon application
Common Dosing
Used in topical cosmetic formulations typically at low concentrations (often well under 1 percent) of the peptide. For research and topical cosmetic formulation use only and not personal medical advice.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to the peptide or palmitoyl conjugates
- Application to broken or actively infected skin
Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1)
Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) is a lipidated derivative of the well-known GHK matrikine, engineered with a palmitic acid tail to enhance skin penetration. It is widely used in topical anti-aging and collagen-boosting cosmetics.
GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) widely researched for skin regeneration, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. Common in topical cosmetics.
Matrixyl
Matrixyl is a palmitoylated pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) used topically to stimulate collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis. It is a widely studied cosmetic anti-wrinkle peptide.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Argireline is a topical cosmetic peptide marketed as a needle-free alternative to neuromodulators, used to soften the appearance of expression lines.
No notable studies catalogued for Pal-AHK yet.