Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 vs GHK
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
GHK- 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.
- GHK is the natural tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) released from human albumin that activates tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging gene expression. The copper-free form is the biological signaling molecule; it chelates copper in tissue to form GHK-Cu but also has independent biological activity.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- Extremely short as free peptide; tissue binding extends local effects
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, Topical, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 100–500 mcg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Daily or 5x per week
- 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
- Stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis
- Activates tissue repair gene expression programs
- Anti-aging: reverses 57% of age-related gene changes
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Wound healing and skin barrier repair
- Improves skin laxity, texture, and radiance
- Neuroprotective (stimulates NGF, BDNF)
- Anti-fibrotic in liver and lung models
- Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Rare mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
- No known systemic effects at cosmetic concentrations
- Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
- Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
- No significant adverse effects identified in research
- Stacks With
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