LL-37 vs Syn-Coll
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. It kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses by disrupting their membranes, while simultaneously modulating immune responses. Used for antimicrobial protection, immune priming, and wound healing.
- 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
- Very short (~1–2 hours) in plasma due to protease degradation; topical use bypasses systemic clearance
- Extended (lipid depot in stratum corneum)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical, Intranasal
- Topical
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 100–300 mcg
- 0.005-0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- 2–3x per week
- Once or twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial (bacteria, fungi, viruses)
- Promotes wound healing and angiogenesis
- Immune system modulation — enhances innate immunity
- Reduces LPS-mediated endotoxemia
- Anti-biofilm activity against resistant organisms
- Promotes tissue regeneration and keratinocyte migration
- May protect against sepsis
- 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 redness and irritation
- Mild inflammatory response at injection site
- Potential pro-inflammatory at high doses
- Rare: fever or flu-like symptoms at initiation
- Generally well-tolerated
- Rare mild irritation at high concentrations
- Possible sensitivity in individuals with inflammatory skin conditions
- Stacks With
- —
- —