Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Also known as: Matrixyl synthe'6, Pal-KMO2K, Pal-Lys-Met(O2)-Lys
A palmitoylated tripeptide sold as Matrixyl synthe'6 for anti-wrinkle skin care. A cosmetic ingredient, not an FDA-approved drug.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 is a lysine, methionine sulfone (oxidized methionine), lysine tripeptide with a palmitic acid tail added for skin penetration and stability. Its sequence is described as derived from a motif found in collagen VI and laminin, and it is proposed to act as a matrikine-like signal to dermal fibroblasts. Manufacturer in vitro data claim increased synthesis of six matrix components (collagens I, III and IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and laminin-5); these claims have not been independently replicated in published studies.
- Half-life
- Not well established
- Administration Routes
- Topical
- Research Status
- Preclinical
Reported Benefits
- Marketed to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles
- Claimed in manufacturer lab data to stimulate skin matrix proteins
- No published independent human study of the peptide alone
Potential Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated in topical cosmetic use
- Possible skin irritation or redness
- Limited independent safety data
Common Dosing
Not a drug, so there is no therapeutic dose. It is used as an ingredient in topical creams and serums at concentrations set by formulators, and the only published human data come from multi-ingredient products.
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 sensitivity to the ingredient or product components
- Application to broken or inflamed skin
No documented stacking partners for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 yet.
No notable studies catalogued for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 yet.