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

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Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Also known as: Rigin, Pal-GQPR, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3

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.

Half-Life

Topical penetration-dependent; effects last hours to days

Route

Topical

Category

Skin & Cosmetic

Studies

41 references

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

Mechanism of Action

Pal-GQPR binds to monocyte and skin cell receptors to reduce IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF production. By dampening chronic low-level skin inflammation ('inflammaging'), it reduces collagen degradation by MMP enzymes, maintains skin matrix integrity, and reduces the appearance of inflammation-driven aging. Often combined with Matrixyl for complementary anti-aging effects.

Dosing Protocols

Topical Anti-Aging

Dose
2-5 ppm concentration in formulation
Frequency
Twice daily
Timing
AM and PM on cleansed skin
Cycle
Ongoing

Combine with Matrixyl 3000 and hyaluronic acid for synergistic anti-aging; use SPF in AM

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Side Effects

  • Contact sensitization (rare)
  • Well-tolerated at standard concentrations

Storage

Stable in acidic to neutral pH formulations (5.0-7.0). Avoid high temperatures; store at room temperature.

  1. 1.
    Injectable polypeptide/chitosan hydrogel with loaded stem cells and rapid gelation promoting angiogenesis for diabetic wound healing

    Xing C, Hou L, Sun C, Chen H, Li Y, Li L et al. · International journal of biological macromolecules · 2025PubMed Verified

  2. 2.
    Comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new multi-component anti-aging topical eye cream

    Yang F, Zhang X, Wang H, Guo M, Zhang J, Feng X et al. · Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · 2024RCTPubMed Verified

  3. 3.
    Usage of Synthetic Peptides in Cosmetics for Sensitive Skin

    Resende DISP, Ferreira MS, Sousa-Lobo JM, Sousa E, Almeida IF · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · 2021ReviewPubMed Verified

  4. 4.
  5. 5.
    Palmitoyl-transferase 3 promotes mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein degradation by modulating its ubiquitination

    Yi L, Song J, Zhang Z, Li L, Wu Y, Xue M et al. · International journal of biological macromolecules · 2025PubMed Verified

  6. 6.
    Antifungal Peptides with Unexpected Structure from a Library of Synthetic Analogs of Host-Defense Peptide Rigin

    Porras M, Hernández D, Boto A · International journal of molecular sciences · 2025PubMed Verified

  7. 7.
  8. 8.
    Surgical Treatment of Metatarsalgia and Severe Instability of Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints

    Bobrov DS, Rigin NV, Lychagin AV, Artemov KD, Slinjakov LJ, Kachesov AV · The Journal of foot and ankle surgery : official publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons · 2024PubMed Verified

  9. 9.
    The nucleoprotein of influenza A virus inhibits the innate immune response by inducing mitophagy

    Zhang B, Xu S, Liu M, Wei Y, Wang Q, Shen W et al. · Autophagy · 2023PubMed Verified

  10. 10.
  11. 11.
    Synthesis, structures, and reactivity of isomers of [RuCp*(1,4-(Me(2)N)(2)C(6)H(4))](2)

    Longhi E, Risko C, Bacsa J, Khrustalev V, Rigin S, Moudgil K et al. · Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003) · 2021PubMed Verified

  12. 12.
  13. 13.
    Structural Diversity in 2,2'-[Naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide)-N,N'-diyl]-bis(ethylammonium) Iodoplumbates

    Tremblay MH, Zeidell AM, Rigin S, Tyznik C, Bacsa J, Zhang Y et al. · Inorganic chemistry · 2020PubMed Verified

  14. 14.
    Functional outcomes comparative analysis of cemented and uncemented total knee arthroplasty

    Murylev VY, Muzychenkov AV, Zhuchkov AG, Tsygin NA, Rigin NV, Elizarov PM et al. · Journal of orthopaedics · 2020PubMed Verified

  15. 15.
    Exploring intermolecular contacts in multi-substituted benzaldehyde derivatives: X-ray, Hirshfeld surface and lattice energy analyses

    Hulushe ST, Manyeruke MH, Louzada M, Rigin S, Hosten EC, Watkins GM · RSC advances · 2020PubMed Verified

  16. 16.
    Synthesis and structural study of organic two-photon-absorbing cycloalkanone chromophores

    Bogdanov G, Tillotson JP, Khrustalev VN, Rigin S, Timofeeva TV · Acta crystallographica. Section C, Structural chemistry · 2019PubMed Verified

  17. 17.
    Crystal structure of 4,4'-bis-(4-bromo-phen-yl)-1,1',3,3'-tetra-thia-fulvalene

    Rigin S, Fonari M · Acta crystallographica. Section E, Crystallographic communications · 2019PubMed Verified

  18. 18.
    Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of new polymorph of racemic 2-phenyl-butyramide

    Rigin S, Armijo B, Krivoshein AV, Fonari M, Timofeeva T · Acta crystallographica. Section E, Crystallographic communications · 2019PubMed Verified

  19. 19.
    Synthesis, crystal structure studies and solvatochromic behaviour of two 2-{5-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]penta-2,4-dien-1-ylidene}malononitrile derivatives

    Bogdanov G, Tillotson JP, Khrustalev VN, Rigin S, Timofeeva TV · Acta crystallographica. Section C, Structural chemistry · 2019PubMed Verified

  20. 20.
    Associations between interleukin-10 gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus risk: a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

    Yuan Y, Wang X, Ren L, Kong Y, Bai J, Yan Y · Clinical and experimental rheumatology · 2019Meta-AnalysisPubMed Verified

  21. 21.
    Cytoplasmic Translocation of Nucleolar Protein NOP53 Promotes Viral Replication by Suppressing Host Defense

    Meng W, Han SC, Li CC, Dong HJ, Chang JY, Wang HR et al. · Viruses · 2018PubMed Verified

  22. 22.
  23. 23.
    The effects of new taping methods designed to increase muscle strength

    Fukui T, Otake Y, Kondo T · Journal of physical therapy science · 2017PubMed Verified

  24. 24.
    Duck TRIM27-L enhances MAVS signaling and is absent in chickens and turkeys

    Blaine AH, Miranzo-Navarro D, Campbell LK, Aldridge JR Jr, Webster RG, Magor KE · Molecular immunology · 2015PubMed Verified

  25. 25.
    Microneedle enhanced delivery of cosmeceutically relevant peptides in human skin

    Mohammed YH, Yamada M, Lin LL, Grice JE, Roberts MS, Raphael AP et al. · PloS one · 2014PubMed Verified

  26. 26.
    The second life of antibodies

    Navolotskaya EV · Biochemistry. Biokhimiia · 2014ReviewPubMed Verified

  27. 27.
  28. 28.
    TRIM11 negatively regulates IFNβ production and antiviral activity by targeting TBK1

    Lee Y, Song B, Park C, Kwon KS · PloS one · 2013PubMed Verified

  29. 29.
    Determination of an unusual secondary structural element in the immunostimulating tetrapeptide rigin in aqueous environments: insights via MD simulations, (1)H NMR and CD spectroscopic studies

    Kumar N, Kishore R · Journal of peptide science : an official publication of the European Peptide Society · 2010PubMed Verified

  30. 30.
    Folded conformation of an immunostimulating tetrapeptide rigin: high temperature molecular dynamics simulation study

    Ashish A, Kishore R · Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry · 2002PubMed Verified

  31. 31.
  32. 32.
  33. 33.
    Possible action of human placental aminopeptidase N in feto-placental unit

    Mizutani S, Goto K, Nomura S, Ino K, Goto S, Kikkawa F et al. · Research communications in chemical pathology and pharmacology · 1993PubMed Verified

  34. 34.
    Synthesis and biological activity of [L-hydroxyproline]3-tuftsin analogue and its alpha- or beta-O-D-glucosylated derivatives

    Biondi L, Filira F, Rocchi R, Tzehoval E, Fridkin M · International journal of peptide and protein research · 1993PubMed Verified

  35. 35.
    Glyco-tuftsin derivatives modulate interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor production

    Rocchi R, Biondi L, Filira F, Tzehoval E, Dagan S, Fridkin M · International journal of peptide and protein research · 1991PubMed Verified

  36. 36.
    Synthesis and biological activity of tuftsin and rigin derivatives containing monosaccharides or monosaccharide derivatives

    Rocchi R, Biondi L, Cavaggion F, Filira F, Gobbo M, Dagan S et al. · International journal of peptide and protein research · 1987PubMed Verified

  37. 37.
    Immunomodulation by some oligopeptides

    Paegelow I, Werner H · Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology · 1986PubMed Verified

  38. 38.
    New biologically active fragments of immunoglobulins

    Chipens G · Survey of immunologic research · 1985PubMed Verified

  39. 39.
    Three-dimensional structural analysis of human immunoglobulin G: localization of Fc active sites

    Hahn GS · Clinical physiology and biochemistry · 1983ReviewPubMed Verified

  40. 40.
    Rigin, another phagocytosis-stimulating tetrapeptide isolated from human IgG. Confirmations of a hypothesis

    Veretennikova NI, Chipens GI, Nikiforovich GV, Betinsh YR · International journal of peptide and protein research · 1981PubMed Verified

  41. 41.
    Factorial and monosomic analysis of the characters "ligule" and "auricle" in soft wheat

    Rigin BV, Lebedeva TV · Soviet genetics · 1974PubMed Verified

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Many compounds listed are research chemicals not approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any protocol.

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