GHK vs Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
GHKSkin & Cosmetic
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7- Summary
- GHK is the natural tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) released from human albumin that activates tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging gene expression. The copper-free form is the biological signaling molecule; it chelates copper in tissue to form GHK-Cu but also has independent biological activity.
- 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
- Extremely short as free peptide; tissue binding extends local effects
- Topical penetration-dependent; effects last hours to days
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical, Oral
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–500 mcg
- 2-5 ppm concentration in formulation
- Frequency
- Daily or 5x per week
- Twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis
- Activates tissue repair gene expression programs
- Anti-aging: reverses 57% of age-related gene changes
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Wound healing and skin barrier repair
- Improves skin laxity, texture, and radiance
- Neuroprotective (stimulates NGF, BDNF)
- Anti-fibrotic in liver and lung models
- 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
- Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
- Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
- No significant adverse effects identified in research
- Contact sensitization (rare)
- Well-tolerated at standard concentrations
- Stacks With
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