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

Get it free
ToolsComparePalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 vs Dihexa

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 vs Dihexa

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

Skin & Cosmetic
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Cognitive Enhancement
Dihexa
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.
Dihexa is a potent experimental oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV that dramatically enhances synaptogenesis. Preclinical research shows cognitive enhancement orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF — it is considered one of the most powerful nootropic compounds in research, but has very limited human safety data.
Half-Life
Topical penetration-dependent; effects last hours to days
Unknown (limited pharmacokinetic data)
Admin Route
Topical
Oral, SubQ, Topical
Research
Typical Dose
2-5 ppm concentration in formulation
5–10 mg
Frequency
Twice daily
Daily
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
  • Dramatically increases synapse formation (potentially 10 million× more potent than BDNF in animal models)
  • Enhances memory and learning
  • May reverse cognitive decline
  • Improves neuroplasticity and executive function
  • Long-lasting cognitive benefits from short courses
  • Potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's
Side Effects
  • Contact sensitization (rare)
  • Well-tolerated at standard concentrations
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Brain fog during washout period
  • Unknown long-term effects (insufficient data)
Stacks With