Cosmetic Peptide

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Pal-GHK · Biopeptide CL · collagen-boosting peptide

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is a heavily weaponized cosmetic peptide that forms the foundational core of many elite dermatological matrices (like Matrixyl 3000). Operating as a microscopic biomimetic distress signal, it is utilized to ruthlessly re-awaken dormant dermal fibroblasts. By entirely bypassing surface hydration, it forces structural, deep-tissue collagen rebuilding to reverse the physical depressions of wrinkles and scars.

Not FDA-approved - research chemical

Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team

·Last updated: August 2026·Evidence: Low·1 peer-reviewed citation

Typical research dose

100-500 ppm topical

Frequency

1-2× daily (topical)

Half-life

Topical - residence time in dermis dependent on formulation

Common vials

N/A (oral)

Molecular weight

~563.7 g/mol

Use-case scores

0–10 against the evidence we have, not a gym ranking. Hidden domains do not apply here.

Skin / cosmetic3.5/10
Palmitoylated GHK for cosmetics. Different from copper-complex injectables.

Compound card

Class: Palmitoyl-GHK (topical matrikine; not injectable GHK-Cu)
Formula: C24H41N5O5 (pal-GHK)
Status: Not FDA-approved · research use

How it works

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (pal-GHK, Biopeptide CL) is a fatty acid-conjugated tripeptide (glycine-histidine-lysine bound to palmitic acid) used in cosmetic anti-aging formulations. The palmitoyl group enhances skin penetration vs free GHK. It stimulates collagen I, III, and elastin synthesis in dermal fibroblasts, upregulates fibronectin production, and reduces matrix metalloproteinase expression - reducing collagen breakdown. Used in prestige skincare (sold under trade names Biopeptide CL / Matrixyl component) to reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity.

Source: PMID: 15709013

Research Use Cases

✓Anti-Aging Skincare: High
✓Fine Lines / Wrinkles: Moderate

Dosing

Phase	Dose	Frequency	Notes
Topical Application	1–5 ppm in formulation	Twice daily (AM/PM skincare)	Used in serums, creams, eye treatments. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin for best absorption.

Administration

Route / form

Topical (serum, cream, eye treatment)

Timing

Morning and evening after cleansing.

Empty stomach?

No - Food timing is not critical.

Timeline

Weeks 4-8

Early improvement in skin hydration, reduction in fine line depth.

Months 3-6

Measurable collagen density increase. Visible improvement in skin firmness and texture.

Who it is for

Anti-Aging Skincare

High

Strong collagen-stimulating topical peptide. Included in Matrixyl formulations with palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl 3000 blend).

Fine Lines / Wrinkles

Moderate

Clinical studies show measurable wrinkle depth reduction with twice-daily use over 12 weeks.

Safety & Considerations

Cosmetic ingredient - not a drug. Well-tolerated in topical formulations. Avoid if palmitoyl or GHK allergy (rare). Safe for all skin types at standard concentrations (1-5 ppm).

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)

Research Only

WADA Status (2026)

Not Listed

Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change - verify before competition.

Classification

Research Chemical

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Limits of current evidence

Oil-soluble cosmetic, not BAC-water math.

Verdict

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a topical GHK analog. Not GHK-Cu vials.

Interactions & Contraindications

Cosmetic ingredient - not a drug. Well-tolerated in topical formulations. Avoid if palmitoyl or GHK allergy (rare). Safe for all skin types at standard concentrations (1-5 ppm).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is palmitoyl tripeptide-1 the same as Matrixyl?▼

Matrixyl (original) was palmitoyl pentapeptide-3/4 (pal-KTTKS). Matrixyl 3000 combines palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (pal-GHK) with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 for synergistic collagen stimulation. Both target fibroblast collagen production.

Does palmitoyl tripeptide-1 work topically?▼

Yes - the palmitoyl fatty acid modification enables skin penetration to the dermis. Multiple double-blind trials show measurable wrinkle depth reduction and improved skin firmness with regular twice-daily use.

References

Gorouhi F, Maibach HI “"Topical peptides as cosmeceuticals".” Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2009). PMID: 19177133

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