Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & Cosmetic
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Anabolic & IGF
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)- 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.
- 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
- Topical penetration-dependent; effects last hours to days
- Native MGF: minutes. PEG-MGF: ~3 days
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 2-5 ppm concentration in formulation
- 200–400 mcg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- 1–2 times per week
- 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
- 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
- Contact sensitization (rare)
- Well-tolerated at standard concentrations
- Muscle soreness (satellite cell activation)
- Injection site irritation
- Hypoglycemia risk (modest, less than IGF-1 LR3)
- Stacks With
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