Epithalon vs Syn-Coll
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed from the pineal gland extract Epithalamin by Russian scientist Dr. Vladimir Khavinson. It is one of the most researched longevity peptides, known for activating telomerase and extending telomere length — the molecular hallmarks of cellular aging.
- Syn-Coll is a palmitoylated tripeptide (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5) that mimics thrombospondin-1 to activate TGF-beta, the primary growth factor driving collagen synthesis in the dermis. It is one of the most mechanistically direct collagen-stimulating peptides in cosmetic formulations.
- Half-Life
- 2–4 hours
- Extended (lipid depot in stratum corneum)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Sublingual
- Topical
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 5–10 mg total per cycle
- 0.005-0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- 0.5–1 mg daily
- Once or twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Activates telomerase enzyme, extending telomere length
- May slow cellular and biological aging
- Regulates melatonin production and circadian rhythms
- Improves sleep quality
- Powerful antioxidant properties
- May reduce incidence of age-related diseases
- Supports immune system function
- Studied for cancer prevention properties in animal models
- Directly activates TGF-beta for potent collagen synthesis stimulation
- Increases dermal thickness and firmness
- Reduces depth of wrinkles and fine lines
- Improves skin elasticity
- Clinically validated in collagen induction studies
- Complementary to retinoids or vitamin C
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation (mild)
- Temporary sleep changes during cycle (usually improves)
- Rare: fatigue
- Generally well-tolerated
- Rare mild irritation at high concentrations
- Possible sensitivity in individuals with inflammatory skin conditions
- Stacks With
- —
- —