Skip to main content
PepStack

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Anti-Aging & Skin
MatrixylPal-KTTKS

Overview

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, also known as Matrixyl or Pal-KTTKS, is a synthetic peptide composed of five amino acids linked to a palmitic acid. This modification enhances its lipophilicity, facilitating better skin penetration. It is synthesized through solid-phase peptide synthesis, a method that allows for precise control over the peptide sequence and modifications. Researchers have primarily investigated Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 for its potential anti-aging effects on the skin. Studies have observed that it can stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These effects make it a popular ingredient in cosmetic formulations aimed at rejuvenating the skin. The mechanism of action of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 involves mimicking the natural skin matrix components, thereby promoting the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. This activity is believed to be mediated through the activation of specific signaling pathways that regulate skin repair and regeneration. Pharmacokinetic data on Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is limited. Its stability and bioavailability are enhanced by the palmitoyl group, which aids in skin penetration. However, detailed information on its half-life and systemic absorption is not well-documented. Current research on Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is focused on further elucidating its mechanisms and optimizing its formulation for enhanced efficacy. It is not classified as a drug by regulatory agencies and is primarily used in cosmetic products. Its regulatory status varies by region, with no known restrictions on its use in cosmetics.

Mechanism of Action

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 acts by mimicking skin matrix components, promoting collagen and fibronectin synthesis. It activates signaling pathways involved in skin repair and regeneration, enhancing extracellular matrix production.

Molecular Data

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

Half-Life

IntranasalNot applicable
OralPoor bioavailability

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

Storage

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

Solubility

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

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.

10 Research Publications

Synergistic Effects of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Bioactive Peptides on Dermal Fibroblast Viability and Extracellular Matrix Gene Expression: An In Vitro Study.

In Vitro

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025

Researchers studied the combined effects of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) and cosmetic peptides on skin cells involved in aging. They found that this combination may enhance cell viability and promote the expression of genes important for skin structure, suggesting a potential for improved facial rejuvenation.

  • Researchers observed that i-PRF alone and in combination with peptides increased the viability of human dermal fibroblasts.
  • The study found that both Matrixyl and GEKG, when combined with i-PRF, positively influenced the proliferation of skin cells.
  • Researchers noted enhanced gene expression related to the extracellular matrix when fibroblasts were treated with the combined therapies.
PubMed

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

Animal

Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2025

Researchers studied a new method to enhance the delivery of anti-aging peptides for skin rejuvenation. They found that a specially designed ionic liquid made from natural ingredients improved the absorption of these peptides through the skin, leading to better skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles in animal models.

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

Self-Assembly and Wound Healing Activity of Biomimetic Cycloalkane-Based Lipopeptides.

Animal

ACS applied materials & interfaces · 2024

Researchers studied new lipopeptides designed to promote wound healing and found that those with cycloalkane chains significantly improved healing in diabetic rats. The most effective compound, DDKT, not only enhanced collagen production but also stimulated the growth of hair follicles and blood vessels, indicating a strong potential for wound repair applications.

  • The lipopeptides DKT and DDKT showed excellent compatibility with skin cells.
  • DDKT-treated diabetic rats exhibited faster wound healing, with increased hair follicle regeneration and blood vessel formation.
  • Collagen deposition was significantly enhanced in DDKT-treated wounds, leading to a denser collagen network.
PubMed

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy using Pal-KTTKS-enriched carboxylated cellulose improves burn wound in rat model.

Animal

Archives of dermatological research · 2024

Researchers studied a new type of wound dressing made from carboxylated cellulose enriched with a peptide called pal-KTTKS and combined it with stem cells to improve healing in burn wounds in rats. They found that this composite significantly enhanced wound healing compared to traditional dressings, especially when stem cells were included.

  • The pal-KTTKS-enriched composite showed better wound healing capabilities than standard dressings.
  • Incorporating mesenchymal stem cells further improved healing by reducing inflammation and increasing collagen production.
  • The best results were observed in the group treated with the stem cell-enriched composite, indicating its potential for clinical use.
PubMed

Liposome Encapsulation of the Palmitoyl-KTTKS Peptide: Structural and Functional Characterization.

Unknown

Pharmaceutics · 2024

Researchers studied how a specific peptide, N-palmitoyl-KTTKS, can be delivered using tiny lipid bubbles called liposomes. They found that this method improved the stability of the peptide and enhanced its ability to stimulate collagen production in skin cells compared to the peptide alone.

  • The study successfully integrated the N-palmitoyl-KTTKS peptide into liposomes using two preparation methods.
  • The liposomes showed a high percentage of structured phospholipids and a net negative surface charge.
  • When delivered with liposomes, the peptide significantly increased collagen production in skin cells compared to the free peptide and a known positive control.
PubMed

Boosting Cosmeceutical Peptides: Coupling Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids to Pentapeptide-4 Originates New Leads with Antimicrobial and Collagenesis-Inducing Activities.

Unknown

Microbiology spectrum · 2022

Researchers studied a new approach to enhance the effectiveness of a peptide known as pentapeptide-4 (PP4) by combining it with special ionic liquids. They found that this combination not only has antibacterial properties but also promotes collagen production, which is important for skin health.

  • Researchers observed that the hybrid peptide constructs demonstrated dual-action antibacterial effects.
  • The study found that the combination of PP4 with imidazolium-based ionic liquids enhances collagen production.
  • This research suggests potential new applications for improving skin health through innovative peptide formulations.
PubMed

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

In Vitro

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2019

Researchers studied a new series of KTTKS analogues, including a more stable version called pal-KTTKS, to understand their effects on cell toxicity and the breakdown of proteins. They observed that these peptides can stimulate the production of important structural proteins in cells. This research could have implications for skin health and aging.

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

Effect of Palmitic Acid Conjugation on Physicochemical Properties of Peptide KTTKS: A Preformulation Study.

Animal

Journal of cosmetic science · 2019

Researchers studied the properties of a peptide called KTTKS and its modified version, palmitoyl-KTTKS (Pal-KTTKS), to understand how palmitoylation affects their characteristics. They found that while KTTKS is hydrophilic and easily dissolves in water, Pal-KTTKS is lipophilic and has different physical and chemical properties, which could inform future cosmetic formulations.

  • KTTKS is hydrophilic and soluble in water, while Pal-KTTKS is lipophilic with distinct properties.
  • Pal-KTTKS exhibited surface activity, unlike KTTKS, indicating its potential use in formulations.
  • Both peptides showed similar physical characteristics but differed significantly in their chemical properties.
PubMed

Effect of Palmitoyl-Pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) on Wound Contractile Process in Relation with Connective Tissue Growth Factor and α-Smooth Muscle Actin Expression.

In Vitro

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine · 2017

Researchers studied the effects of Palmitoyl-pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) on skin cells involved in wound healing. They found that Pal-KTTKS reduced the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which are associated with scar formation, suggesting it may play a role in managing scarring.

  • Pal-KTTKS treatment decreased the number of fibroblasts turning into myofibroblasts, which are linked to scar formation.
  • The study observed a reduction in stress fibers in fibroblasts treated with Pal-KTTKS.
  • Researchers noted changes in the shape of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts under the influence of Pal-KTTKS.
PubMed

Dermal Stability and In Vitro Skin Permeation of Collagen Pentapeptides (KTTKS and palmitoyl-KTTKS).

Unknown

Biomolecules & therapeutics · 2014

Researchers studied two collagen peptides, KTTKS and its modified version pal-KTTKS, to assess their stability and ability to penetrate skin. They found that pal-KTTKS was more stable and could penetrate various layers of skin better than KTTKS, suggesting its potential as an effective anti-wrinkle ingredient in skincare products.

  • Palmitoyl-KTTKS (pal-KTTKS) showed greater stability compared to KTTKS.
  • Both peptides were quickly degraded, but adding protease inhibitors improved their stability.
  • Pal-KTTKS was detected in all layers of skin, while KTTKS was not found in any skin layers.
PubMed

Track Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 in PepStack

Log your research cycles, set reminders and visualize serum levels.

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or replaces consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.