Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6Anabolic & IGF
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)- 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.
- MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is locally produced in muscle tissue in response to mechanical damage from exercise. It activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) to proliferate and repair damaged fibers, making it specifically targeted at exercise-induced hypertrophy.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- Native MGF: minutes. PEG-MGF: ~3 days
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 200–400 mcg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- 1–2 times 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
- Activates muscle satellite cells for repair and growth
- Accelerates recovery from muscle damage
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 (different mechanisms)
- Promotes muscle hypertrophy specifically at exercised muscles
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Potential for injury repair in connective tissue
- Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Rare mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
- No known systemic effects at cosmetic concentrations
- Muscle soreness (satellite cell activation)
- Injection site irritation
- Hypoglycemia risk (modest, less than IGF-1 LR3)
- Stacks With
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