Rigin (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7)
Also known as: Rigin, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Rigin is a palmitoylated tetrapeptide (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) used in topical cosmetic formulations to reduce signs of skin aging by modulating inflammatory signaling. It is valued for calming reactive, aging skin and supporting a more even tone.
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Mechanism of Action
Rigin is the tetrapeptide Gly-Gln-Pro-Arg conjugated to palmitic acid, which improves lipophilicity and penetration through the stratum corneum. In skin it is reported to down-regulate excess production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, notably interleukin-6 (IL-6), which rises with chronological and photo-induced aging and contributes to glycation and extracellular-matrix breakdown. By dampening this inflammatory signaling, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is theorized to reduce immunosenescence-related dermal damage and help preserve collagen and elastin integrity, improving firmness and tone. It is frequently combined with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Matrixyl-type peptides) in cosmetic blends.
- Half-life
- Not well characterized; acts locally in skin rather than systemically
- Administration Routes
- topical
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Reduces inflammatory cytokine signaling in skin (e.g. IL-6)
- Supports a more even, calmer skin tone
- May help preserve collagen and elastin by limiting matrix breakdown
- Improves perceived firmness in topical anti-aging formulations
- Often paired with Matrixyl-type peptides for synergistic effects
Potential Side Effects
- Possible mild topical irritation or redness
- Rare contact sensitization
- Transient stinging on application to compromised skin
Common Dosing
Research-use only and not medical advice; in cosmetic research Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is typically formulated at low concentrations of roughly 1-5 ppm of active peptide in topical leave-on 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 hypersensitivity to the peptide or formulation excipients
- Application to broken or infected skin
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.
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.
Syn-Coll (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5)
Syn-Coll is a topical lipidated tripeptide designed to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve skin firmness and wrinkle appearance.
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Rigin, another phagocytosis-stimulating tetrapeptide isolated from human IgG. Confirmations of a hypothesis
1981
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Microneedle enhanced delivery of cosmeceutically relevant peptides in human skin
2014
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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
2015
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Usage of Synthetic Peptides in Cosmetics for Sensitive Skin
2021
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Comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new multi-component anti-aging topical eye cream.
2024
Note: Tested in a multi-ingredient product, so the result can't be attributed to Rigin (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) alone.