Pal-AHK vs Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pal-AHKSkin & Cosmetic
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7- Summary
- Pal-AHK is the palmitoylated form of the AHK-Cu copper tripeptide, created by attaching a palmitic acid chain to enhance skin penetration and lipid bilayer affinity. The palmitoyl modification significantly improves dermal bioavailability compared to unmodified AHK, making it particularly effective in anti-aging and hair growth formulations.
- 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
- Extended (lipid depot effect in stratum corneum)
- Topical penetration-dependent; effects last hours to days
- Admin Route
- Topical
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.05% in formulation
- 2-5 ppm concentration in formulation
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Enhanced skin penetration vs. unmodified AHK-Cu
- Stimulates dermal collagen and elastin production
- Promotes hair follicle anagen phase
- Antioxidant and wound healing activity
- Firming and plumping effect on aging skin
- Improved bioavailability via lipid bilayer incorporation
- 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
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild irritation at high concentrations in sensitive skin
- Possible comedogenicity at very high palmitate concentrations (formulation-dependent)
- Contact sensitization (rare)
- Well-tolerated at standard concentrations
- Stacks With
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