Palmitoyl tripeptide-38
Cosmetic ingredientCosmetic signal peptide
Also known as: Matrixyl synthe'6, Palmitoyl lysyldioxymethionyllysine, PALMITOYL-LYSYL-DIOXYMETHIONYL-LYSINE, Palmitoyl Tripeptide 38, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 (acetate), Matrixyl Synthe'6, Pal-Lys-Met(O2)-Lys
Very thin human evidence
- Regulatory standing. Cosmetic ingredient, not regulated as a drug
- Animal / preclinical only. Evidence is largely animal or in-vitro
- Registered human trials. 1 registered study on ClinicalTrials.gov
- 1 cited source. Includes primary / regulatory sources
Computed with the same four public criteria as every profile. The human-evidence grade on an indexed profile is set automatically and may change when it is hand-reviewed. It is not a safety score, not a purity rating, and not medical advice, and not a claim that this compound treats, cures, or prevents any condition.
What it is
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 is a short synthetic peptide attached to a fatty acid (palmitic acid) to help it penetrate skin, sold as a skincare ingredient under the trade name Matrixyl synthe'6. It is described as a matrikine-like signal peptide thought to prompt skin cells to produce components of the skin matrix such as collagens and hyaluronic acid.
What the evidence shows
It is not FDA-approved and has no registered human clinical trials, with only a small number of published papers, much of the supporting data coming from lab studies and manufacturer-sponsored cosmetic testing. Independent, well-controlled human evidence that it meaningfully reduces wrinkles is lacking.
Key facts
Registered human trials
Live from ClinicalTrials.gov, refreshed daily.
Published literature
Live from Europe PMC. This is how much has been published, not how much is proven in humans.
Biorevitalizing effect of a novel facial serum containing apple stem cell extract, pro-collagen lipopeptide, creatine, and urea on skin aging signs.
An Open Label Clinical Trial of a Multi-Ingredient Anti-Aging Moisturizer Designed to Improve the Appearance of Facial Skin.
A serum containing vitamins C & E and a matrix-repair tripeptide reduces facial signs of aging as evidenced by Primos® analysis and frequently repeated auto-perception.
A Face Serum Containing Bakuchiol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid and a Polyherbal and Vitamin Blend Improves Skin Quality in Human Volunteers and Protects Skin Structure In vitro
Sources
- PubChem compound record (CID 71587932)
- Registered trials on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Published papers on Europe PMC
Risks, side effects and study doses are only published on hand-reviewed profiles. Want this one reviewed, or spotted something wrong? Tell us.