Syn-Coll vs ARA-290
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Syn-Coll is a palmitoylated tripeptide (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5) that mimics thrombospondin-1 to activate TGF-beta, the primary growth factor driving collagen synthesis in the dermis. It is one of the most mechanistically direct collagen-stimulating peptides in cosmetic formulations.
- ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating hematopoiesis, providing tissue protection, anti-inflammation, and neuropathy relief.
- Half-Life
- Extended (lipid depot in stratum corneum)
- ~2–4 hours (SC administration)
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.005-0.05% in formulation
- 4 mg (fixed dose)
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Directly activates TGF-beta for potent collagen synthesis stimulation
- Increases dermal thickness and firmness
- Reduces depth of wrinkles and fine lines
- Improves skin elasticity
- Clinically validated in collagen induction studies
- Complementary to retinoids or vitamin C
- Reduces neuropathic pain from small fiber neuropathy
- Anti-inflammatory without immune suppression
- Tissue protection after ischemia/reperfusion injury
- Promotes nerve fiber regeneration
- Improves symptoms of sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
- May reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health
- Shown to improve autonomic neuropathy symptoms
- Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Rare mild irritation at high concentrations
- Possible sensitivity in individuals with inflammatory skin conditions
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue at initiation
- Transient warm sensation post-injection
- Rare: mild headache
- Stacks With
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