A fatty-acid-conjugated version of GHK designed for better skin-layer delivery in cosmetics.
Also known as: Pal-GHK · palmitoyl oligopeptide
Part of the Cosmetic & skin peptides cluster
Overview
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is a lipidated cosmetic peptide made by attaching palmitic acid to the glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) tripeptide. The palmitoyl chain increases lipophilicity, and it is discussed in cosmetic science alongside other matrikine peptides. It is presented here as a cosmetic ingredient.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic palmitoyl conjugate of the GHK tripeptide
Primary research or clinical context: Cosmetic ingredient in topical formulations
Why palmitoylation
The parent GHK tripeptide is a well-studied matrikine, but is hydrophilic. Adding a palmitoyl (C16) chain raises lipophilicity so the molecule interacts more readily with the skin's lipid barrier — a common formulation strategy for cosmetic peptides.
Cosmetic context
In cosmetic-science literature, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is described as a fibroblast-signaling matrikine used in topical anti-aging formulas, often combined with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. This page frames it strictly as a cosmetic ingredient, not a therapeutic agent.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
GHK
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
FAQ about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
What is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1?+
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is a lipidated cosmetic peptide made by attaching palmitic acid to the glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) tripeptide. The palmitoyl chain increases lipophilicity, and it is discussed in cosmetic science alongside other matrikine peptides. It is presented here as a cosmetic ingredient.
Is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 an approved medicine?+
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Cosmetic ingredient in topical formulations. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1?+
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is commonly described as approximately 3 amino acids (Cosmetic ingredient peptide).