Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6Anti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- 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.
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. It is one of the most promising mitochondrial longevity compounds, studied in clinical trials for heart failure, renal disease, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Half-Life
- Not applicable (topical)
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Daily to several 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
- Restores mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Protects inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
- Cardioprotective — studied in heart failure trials
- Renoprotective — reduces ischemic kidney injury
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
- Potential in neurodegenerative disease prevention
- Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Rare mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
- No known systemic effects at cosmetic concentrations
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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