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Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Matrixyl · Pal-KTTKS

Anti-Aging & SkinPreclinical
From$0.14/mgCompare prices
MW
802.1g/mol
Formula
C39H75N7O10

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, also known as Matrixyl, is a synthetic peptide derived from the natural protein sequence of collagen, classified as a cosmetic active ingredient. Researchers primarily study it for its potential anti-aging effects on the skin, particularly in stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity. Key findings from various studies indicate that palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 can enhance dermal fibroblast viability and promote the expression of extracellular matrix-related genes, contributing to skin rejuvenation. Additionally, preclinical evidence suggests that formulations containing this peptide may significantly improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Current research continues to explore innovative delivery systems and combinations with other bioactive compounds to maximize its efficacy in cosmetic applications.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Profile

Chemical structure
Chemical Structure
FormulaC39H75N7O10
Molecular Weight802.1 g/mol
CAS Number214047-00-4
PubChem CID9897237

Half-Life

INIntranasal

Not applicable

POOral

Poor bioavailability

Primarily used topically in cosmetic formulations; systemic pharmacokinetic data is limited.

Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (PPP-4) primarily acts by stimulating fibroblast activity, leading to increased collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix remodeling, likely through the activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. This peptide may also enhance hyaluronic acid production and promote macrophage M2 polarization, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects and improved skin elasticity. The exact receptors and detailed signaling mechanisms involved in PPP-4's action remain to be fully elucidated.

Research

25 Research Publications

460

Total Citations

9

Human/RCT

1.7

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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#01

Microneedle enhanced delivery of cosmeceutically relevant peptides in human skin.

In VitroInfluence4.0
86
Researchers observed a 2 to 22 fold improvement in microneedle enhanced delivery of peptides, including pal-KTTKS, into human skin using fluorescence imaging.
PubMed
#02

Collagen stimulating effect of peptide amphiphile C16-KTTKS on human fibroblasts.

In VitroInfluence3.0
71
The study demonstrated that the peptide amphiphile C16-KTTKS stimulates collagen production in human fibroblasts in a concentration-dependent manner, correlating with its self-assembly into nanotape structures.
PubMed
#03

Self-Assembly, Tunable Hydrogel Properties, and Selective Anti-Cancer Activity of a Carnosine-Derived Lipidated Peptide.

In VitroInfluence1.0
42
Researchers observed that the novel lipopeptide C16KTTβAH selectively induces cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells while demonstrating tunable hydrogel properties for potential biomedical applications.
PubMed
#04

Bioactive Glycyrrhizic Acid Ionic Liquid Self-Assembled Nanomicelles for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Anti-Photoaging Signal Peptides.

Wang Zhuxian, et al. · Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2025

AnimalInfluence1.0
34
Researchers observed that bioactive ionic liquids significantly improved the solubility and transdermal delivery of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, enhancing its anti-photoaging effects in cellular and animal models.

Key findings

  1. 01The ionic liquid significantly improved the solubility and skin permeability of the anti-aging peptide palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.
  2. 02This new delivery system increased collagen and hyaluronic acid production while reducing inflammation and skin damage.
  3. 03The study demonstrated that the ionic liquid micelles effectively enhanced the anti-aging effects of the peptides in animal experiments.
PubMed
#05

Efficacy of anti-aging products for periorbital wrinkles as measured by 3-D imaging.

Human
31
The study demonstrated that anti-aging products containing Pal-KT and Pal-KTTKS significantly improved the smoothness and reduced the depth of periorbital wrinkles in human subjects after four weeks.
PubMed
#06

Development of a LC-MS/MS method to monitor palmitoyl peptides content in anti-wrinkle cosmetics.

In VitroInfluence1.0
25
Researchers observed that a developed LC-MS/MS method reliably quantified pal-KTTKS in anti-wrinkle creams, highlighting the impact of formulation on peptide availability.
PubMed
#07

The Effects of a Novel Series of KTTKS Analogues on Cytotoxicity and Proteolytic Activity.

Tałałaj Urszula, et al. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2019

In Vitro
22
Researchers observed that palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 analogues exhibited no cytotoxicity on fibroblasts while showing effective inhibition of plasmin activity.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed that KTTKS analogues stimulate the production of extracellular matrix components.
  2. 02The study found that these peptides increase the expression of types I and III collagen in cell cultures.
  3. 03Researchers noted that pal-KTTKS, a more stable form, may enhance these effects compared to the original KTTKS.
PubMed
#08

Turning a Collagenesis-Inducing Peptide Into a Potent Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Agent Against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria.

In VitroInfluence1.0
19
The study demonstrated that the hybrid peptide 3.1-PP4 effectively inhibits multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and promotes collagen synthesis, indicating its potential for treating infected skin injuries.
PubMed
#09

N-Terminal Acetylation and C-Terminal Amidation of Spirulina platensis-Derived Hexapeptide: Anti-Photoaging Activity and Proteomic Analysis.

In Vitro
19
Researchers observed that the acetylated and amidated hexapeptide from Spirulina platensis significantly reduced oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinase expression in UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes and mice.
PubMed
#10

Double-blind, Randomized Trial on the Effectiveness of Acetylhexapeptide-3 Cream and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Cream for Crow's Feet.

UnknownInfluence1.0
17
The study demonstrated that palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 cream yielded better anti-aging results compared to acetylhexapeptide-3 cream and placebo in a double-blind trial involving 21 Indonesian female subjects.
PubMed
Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

While some studies have explored the efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in various formulations, there is a lack of large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials specifically assessing its safety and effectiveness in diverse populations beyond the small sample size of 21 Indonesian women. Additionally, the precise molecular mechanisms by which palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 enhances collagen production and its interactions with other bioactive compounds in dermal applications remain unclear, necessitating further investigation.

Solubility

Soluble in water and DMSO; limited solubility in organic solvents like acetonitrile.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Safety information is derived from published research and may not reflect all known risks. This is not medical advice.

Legal Status

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA as a drug. Used in cosmetics.

🇦🇺AU

Not scheduled by the TGA. Used in cosmetics.

🇬🇧UK

Not regulated as a medicinal product by the MHRA. Used in cosmetics.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Community Insights

Community Insights

Publications per Year

5 total
1
23
1
24
2
25
1
26
Pricing

Price Comparison

  • BESTIon PeptideUS
    1000mg
    $139.00
    Price/mg
    $0.14/mg
  • Biolab ShopUS
    20mg
    $39.73
    Price/mg
    $1.99/mg
  • RCpeptidesEU
    10mg
    $32.40
    Price/mg
    $3.24/mg
  • Ion PeptideUS
    10mg
    $129.00
    Price/mg
    $12.90/mg
  • PeptaNovaEU
    0.5mg
    $54.00
    Price/mg
    $108.00/mg

Top 5 of 7 offers from 7 vendors. Prices updated daily.

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Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer