Dermorphin vs Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Recovery & Repair
DermorphinSkin & Cosmetic
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7- Summary
- Dermorphin is a naturally occurring heptapeptide opioid isolated from the skin of South American phyllomedusine frogs. It is one of the most potent endogenous mu-opioid receptor agonists known, approximately 30-40 times more potent than morphine by weight. Explored for pain management and fatigue modulation.
- Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Rigin) is a cosmetic peptide consisting of palmitic acid linked to the tetrapeptide sequence GQPR (Gly-Gln-Pro-Arg). It was designed to mimic the biological activity of the IgG immunoglobulin C-terminus, which downregulates the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key driver of skin aging and inflammation.
- Half-Life
- Estimated 30-60 minutes (longer than endorphins due to D-Ala)
- Topical penetration-dependent; effects last hours to days
- Admin Route
- Subcutaneous (research), Intrathecal (research), Intranasal (research)
- Topical
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- Not established for human use; research doses vary widely
- 2-5 ppm concentration in formulation
- Frequency
- Not established
- Twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Potent analgesia superior to morphine on a per-weight basis
- May reduce perception of fatigue in high-intensity activity
- Longer-lasting than endogenous opioids due to D-amino acid substitution
- Research tool for mu-opioid receptor pharmacology
- Potential therapeutic application in refractory pain
- Reduces IL-6 inflammatory cytokine in skin
- Prevents 'inflammaging' of the skin
- Inhibits MMP collagen-degrading enzymes
- Synergistic with Matrixyl for anti-aging
- Clinically tested for wrinkle and skin texture improvement
- Well-tolerated topically
- Side Effects
- High addiction and dependence potential (mu-opioid agonism)
- Respiratory depression at high doses
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Sedation and cognitive impairment
- +2 more
- Contact sensitization (rare)
- Well-tolerated at standard concentrations
- Stacks With
- —
- —