Pal-AHK vs Thymulin
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.
- Thymulin is a nonapeptide hormone produced exclusively by the thymic epithelium. It requires zinc for biological activity and plays a critical role in T-lymphocyte maturation, differentiation, and immune regulation. Thymulin levels decline dramatically with age, contributing to immunosenescence.
- Half-Life
- Extended (lipid depot effect in stratum corneum)
- ~30 minutes active half-life
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.05% in formulation
- 20-30 mcg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- 10 days per month (Khavinson protocol)
- 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
- Enhances T-cell maturation and differentiation
- Boosts NK cell cytotoxic activity
- Reduces inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1)
- Anti-nociceptive (pain-reducing) properties
- Restores age-related immune decline
- Anti-inflammatory via serotonin pathway modulation
- Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild irritation at high concentrations in sensitive skin
- Possible comedogenicity at very high palmitate concentrations (formulation-dependent)
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue initially as immune system activates
- Stacks With
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