New — Free Peptide Starter Guide (2026): 13 chapters, 34 cited studies

Get it free
ToolsComparePalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 vs Cartalax

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 vs Cartalax

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

Skin & Cosmetic
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Anti-Aging & Longevity
Cartalax
Summary
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Rigin) is a cosmetic peptide consisting of palmitic acid linked to the tetrapeptide sequence GQPR (Gly-Gln-Pro-Arg). It was designed to mimic the biological activity of the IgG immunoglobulin C-terminus, which downregulates the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key driver of skin aging and inflammation.
Cartalax is a tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson for cartilage and connective tissue. It is tissue-specific for chondrocytes and cartilaginous structures, supporting cartilage matrix synthesis, slowing degenerative changes, and promoting joint longevity. It is used in the context of osteoarthritis, joint aging, and athletic cartilage preservation.
Half-Life
Topical penetration-dependent; effects last hours to days
Short (minutes); gene-regulatory effects are sustained
Admin Route
Topical
SubQ, Oral
Research
Typical Dose
2-5 ppm concentration in formulation
10 mg per day
Frequency
Twice daily
Daily for 10–30 days
Key Benefits
  • Reduces IL-6 inflammatory cytokine in skin
  • Prevents 'inflammaging' of the skin
  • Inhibits MMP collagen-degrading enzymes
  • Synergistic with Matrixyl for anti-aging
  • Clinically tested for wrinkle and skin texture improvement
  • Well-tolerated topically
  • Supports cartilage matrix synthesis and maintenance
  • May slow progression of osteoarthritic cartilage degradation
  • Reduces chondrocyte apoptosis
  • Promotes joint longevity in aging and high-impact sports
  • Anti-aging effects on connective tissue
  • Complementary to BPC-157 and TB-500 in joint recovery protocols
  • Well tolerated in available human and animal research
Side Effects
  • Contact sensitization (rare)
  • Well-tolerated at standard concentrations
  • Generally well tolerated
  • Mild injection site reactions
  • No significant adverse events reported at standard doses
Stacks With