Pal-AHK vs PE-22-28
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- 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.
- PE-22-28 is a synthetic analog of spadin derived from sortilin, designed to block TREK-1 potassium channels with rapid-onset antidepressant and neurogenic effects. It shows fast-acting depression relief (within 24 hours) and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis.
- Half-Life
- Extended (lipid depot effect in stratum corneum)
- Relatively short; CNS effects may persist due to neurogenic mechanisms
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.05% in formulation
- 200–400 mcg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Once 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
- Rapid-onset antidepressant effects (within 24 hours)
- Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis
- Improves cognitive performance and memory
- Reduces anxiety and depressive behavior
- Novel mechanism — does not act on serotonin/dopamine/GABA receptors directly
- May help treatment-resistant depression
- Neuroprotective effects
- Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild irritation at high concentrations in sensitive skin
- Possible comedogenicity at very high palmitate concentrations (formulation-dependent)
- Generally well tolerated in animal models
- Limited human data available
- Possible mild headache or transient mood changes at initiation
- Injection site reactions (SC)
- Stacks With
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