Pal-GHK vs Pinealon
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Pal-GHK is the palmitoylated form of the GHK tripeptide without a copper ion. By conjugating palmitic acid to glycine-histidine-lysine, skin penetration is substantially enhanced, enabling deeper dermal collagen stimulation. It is commonly paired with Pal-GHK-Cu or GHK-Cu in anti-aging formulations.
- Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation, designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and exert neuroprotective, neurogenic, and anti-aging effects by regulating pineal gland and brain cell function.
- Half-Life
- Extended (lipid depot in stratum corneum)
- Short (peptides rapidly degraded), but epigenetic/gene regulatory effects persist
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, Oral, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.1% in formulation
- 5–10 mg (oral) or 50–100 mcg (SC)
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Once daily for 10 days
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates collagen I and III synthesis in dermis
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin elasticity and firmness
- Inhibits collagenase (MMP-1) to preserve existing collagen
- Enhances wound healing and skin repair
- Well-tolerated in anti-aging serums and creams
- Neuroprotection against oxidative stress and hypoxia
- Promotes neuronal regeneration and repair
- Improves memory and cognitive function
- Enhances sleep quality via melatonin regulation
- Anti-aging effects on brain cells
- May slow cognitive decline in neurodegeneration
- Improves cerebrovascular circulation
- Reduces neuroinflammation
- Side Effects
- Generally very well-tolerated
- Rare skin irritation at very high concentrations
- Possible formulation-dependent comedogenicity
- Excellent safety profile in clinical use
- Rare: mild drowsiness
- Transient mild headache at initiation
- Injection site reaction (SC)
- Stacks With
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