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ToolsComparePalmitoyl Dipeptide-6 vs ARA-290

Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 vs ARA-290

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6
Immune SupportRecovery & Repair
ARA-290
Summary
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 is a synthetic dipeptide (lysine-threonine) with a palmitoyl fatty acid tail, designed to penetrate the skin barrier and stimulate the extracellular matrix components essential for skin firmness. It activates fibronectin and type IV collagen synthesis, improving skin density and firmness particularly in mature or sagging skin.
ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating hematopoiesis, providing tissue protection, anti-inflammation, and neuropathy relief.
Half-Life
Not applicable (topical)
~2–4 hours (SC administration)
Admin Route
Topical
SubQ
Research
Typical Dose
0.005–0.05% in formulation
4 mg (fixed dose)
Frequency
Once or twice daily
Once daily
Key Benefits
  • Increases skin firmness and density
  • Stimulates fibronectin and collagen IV production
  • Strengthens the dermal-epidermal junction
  • Reduces skin sagging in mature skin
  • Improves skin texture and smoothness
  • Supports extracellular matrix integrity
  • Reduces neuropathic pain from small fiber neuropathy
  • Anti-inflammatory without immune suppression
  • Tissue protection after ischemia/reperfusion injury
  • Promotes nerve fiber regeneration
  • Improves symptoms of sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
  • May reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health
  • Shown to improve autonomic neuropathy symptoms
Side Effects
  • Generally well-tolerated
  • Rare mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
  • No known systemic effects at cosmetic concentrations
  • Injection site reactions
  • Mild fatigue at initiation
  • Transient warm sensation post-injection
  • Rare: mild headache
Stacks With