Pal-GHK
Also known as: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl-GHK, Pal-GHK-OH, Biopeptide CL
Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) is a lipopeptide consisting of the GHK tripeptide conjugated to palmitic acid. The palmitoyl modification dramatically enhances skin penetration and cell membrane interaction, making it one of the most widely used peptides in anti-aging skincare for collagen stimulation and wrinkle reduction.
Pal-GHK is a 578.78 Da research peptide. Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) is a lipopeptide consisting of the GHK tripeptide conjugated to palmitic acid. The palmitoyl modification dramatically enhances skin penetration and cell membrane interaction, making it one of the most widely used peptides in anti-aging skincare for collagen stimulation and wrinkle reduction.
Also called: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl-GHK, Pal-GHK-OH
578.78
Molecular Weight
Daltons
3
Strong Evidence
benefits
4
Studies Cited
peer-reviewed
0-0
Typical Dose
100-500 ppm in formulation
Overview
Pal-GHK, also known as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, is a synthetic lipopeptide created by conjugating the naturally occurring GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine) tripeptide with palmitic acid (a C16 fatty acid). This modification was engineered to solve GHK's primary limitation as a topical agent; poor skin penetration due to its hydrophilic nature. The palmitoyl group dramatically increases lipophilicity, enabling the peptide to penetrate the stratum corneum and interact with cell membranes in the dermal layer. Pal-GHK is one of the most commercially successful cosmeceutical peptides, found in hundreds of anti-aging skincare products worldwide. It stimulates collagen I, III, and IV synthesis, promotes glycosaminoglycan production, and activates dermal fibroblast proliferation. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvements in wrinkle depth, skin firmness, and overall photoaged skin appearance. Pal-GHK is frequently formulated in combination with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (a lipopeptide that suppresses IL-6-mediated inflammation) as the branded complex Matrixyl 3000, one of the best-selling anti-aging peptide technologies in the cosmetics industry.
Key Takeaways: Pal-GHK
- Strongest evidence supports Pal-GHK for collagen synthesis stimulation and wrinkle depth reduction
- Research doses typically range from 0 to 0 100-500 ppm in formulation via topical application
- 3 benefits with strong evidence, 2 moderate, 0 preliminary
- Half-life: Hours (topical dermal residence; enhanced by palmitoyl anchor)
- 4 cited research studies in this guide
Mechanism of Action
The palmitoyl chain anchors the molecule into cell membranes, positioning the GHK peptide for receptor interaction and prolonged dermal residence. Once delivered to the dermis, the GHK component activates fibroblasts through multiple pathways. It stimulates TGF-β signaling, a key driver of collagen I and III synthesis. It activates tissue remodeling by modulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity — upregulating MMPs needed for clearing damaged collagen while simultaneously stimulating new collagen deposition. Pal-GHK increases the production of glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate) which hydrate the extracellular matrix and provide structural support. The peptide also stimulates fibronectin production, which is essential for cell-ECM adhesion and wound healing. Through fibroblast activation, Pal-GHK increases the synthesis of decorin and elastin, contributing to skin elasticity and structural integrity. The net effect is accelerated dermal remodeling, replacing photoaged, disorganized extracellular matrix with organized, youthful collagen-rich tissue. When combined with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl 3000), the collagen-stimulating effect of Pal-GHK is complemented by anti-inflammatory IL-6 suppression, reducing the chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) that drives dermal aging.
Research Benefits
Pal-GHK at a Glance
The palmitoyl chain anchors the molecule into cell membranes, positioning the GHK peptide for receptor interaction and prolonged dermal residence.
Collagen Synthesis Stimulation
Strong EvidencePotently stimulates fibroblast production of collagen types I, III, and IV, the primary structural proteins of the dermis. Clinical studies show measurable collagen density improvements.
Wrinkle Depth Reduction
Strong EvidenceClinical studies demonstrate significant reduction in wrinkle depth and fine lines with topical Pal-GHK application over 2-4 months, comparable to retinol in some assessments.
Enhanced Skin Penetration vs. GHK
Strong EvidenceThe palmitoyl modification provides dramatically superior skin penetration compared to unmodified GHK, enabling effective topical delivery to the target dermal fibroblasts.
Skin Firmness Improvement
Moderate EvidenceIncreased collagen and elastin production measurably improves skin firmness and elasticity, as assessed by cutometry and clinical grading.
ECM Remodeling and Hydration
Moderate EvidenceStimulates glycosaminoglycan (hyaluronic acid) production and fibronectin synthesis, improving dermal hydration and extracellular matrix organization.
Research Dosing Protocols
Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
| Research Protocol | Dose Range | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Topical serum/cream concentration | 0–0 100-500 ppm in formulation | Topical application |
| Matrixyl 3000 formulation | 0–0 3-8% Matrixyl 3000 complex | Topical application |
Frequency
Once or twice daily (topical application)
Timing
Evening application preferred (collagen synthesis peaks during sleep); can also be used morning
Cycle Length
Ongoing daily use; results improve progressively over 2-6 months
Research Notes
- 1Pal-GHK is a topical cosmeceutical — not injectable.
- 2Most effective when formulated at appropriate concentrations in stable delivery vehicles.
- 3Results are cumulative; expect 2-4 months for visible wrinkle reduction.
- 4Often combined with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 as Matrixyl 3000.
- 5Compatible with most other active skincare ingredients (retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid).
- 6The palmitoyl group makes it oil-soluble, formulation matters for efficacy.
Reconstitution Guide
Standard Reconstitution
Vial Size
0 mg
Bacteriostatic Water
0 mL
Concentration
NaN mcg
per 0.1 mL (10 units)
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Materials
Pal-GHK vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.
Equilibrate Temperature
Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).
Sanitize
Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.
Draw Water
Draw 0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.
Add Water to Vial
Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.
Mix Gently
Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.
Store Properly
Refrigerate at Room temperature (in finished cosmetic products); refrigerated for raw material. Per product labeling — typically 6-12 months after opening.
Storage Temperature
Room temperature (in finished cosmetic products); refrigerated for raw material
Shelf Life
Per product labeling — typically 6-12 months after opening
Important Notes
- •Pal-GHK is used in finished topical formulations, not reconstituted from powder.
- •Raw material should be stored cool and dry.
- •Stable in properly formulated cosmetic products.
- •Not administered by injection.
Pal-GHK Dosing Calculator
Calculate daily intake, cycle totals, and vials needed with pre-filled protocols →
Pal-GHK Reconstitution Calculator
Calculate concentration, syringe units, and doses per vial with auto-filled values →
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- !Generally very well tolerated as a topical ingredient
- !Mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals (uncommon)
- !Allergic/contact dermatitis (rare, patch test if concerned)
- !No systemic side effects from topical application
- !No photosensitivity (safe for daytime use with sunscreen)
Potential Interactions
- ⚡Compatible with retinoids (retinol, tretinoin); complementary mechanisms.
- ⚡Compatible with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) serums.
- ⚡Compatible with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
- ⚡Note: GHK-Cu (copper peptide) should not be combined with vitamin C in the same formulation step (copper oxidizes ascorbic acid).
- ⚡Pal-GHK does NOT contain copper, so it IS compatible with vitamin C.
- ⚡Can be layered with most other anti-aging actives.
Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Research Studies
The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 increases collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts
Demonstrated Pal-GHK significantly stimulates collagen I and III synthesis in human dermal fibroblast cultures, with dose-dependent increases in procollagen secretion.
Clinical efficacy of Matrixyl 3000 in reducing wrinkle appearance
Controlled clinical study showing Matrixyl 3000 (Pal-GHK + Pal-GQPR) significantly reduced wrinkle depth, volume, and density over 2 months compared to placebo.
Lipopeptides in anti-aging cosmeceuticals: mechanism and efficacy review
thorough review of palmitoylated peptide technology in skincare, covering Pal-GHK's mechanism of action, clinical evidence, and comparison to other anti-aging actives.
Peptide-enhanced dermal remodeling and ECM regeneration
Reviewed GHK and its derivatives including Pal-GHK for dermal remodeling capacity, covering collagen synthesis, glycosaminoglycan production, and gene expression changes.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) is a modified version of the GHK peptide with a palmitic acid chain attached. This modification enables skin penetration for topical anti-aging applications. It stimulates collagen production and reduces wrinkles.
GHK-Cu is the copper-bound form used topically and by injection for wound healing and anti-aging. Pal-GHK replaces the copper with a palmitoyl chain optimized for cosmetic formulation and skin penetration. Pal-GHK is more common in commercial skincare; GHK-Cu is used in both skincare and injectable protocols.
Matrixyl 3000 is a branded cosmetic ingredient combining Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. The combination provides collagen stimulation (Pal-GHK) plus anti-inflammatory action (Pal-GQPR). It is one of the best-selling anti-aging peptide complexes.
Yes. Pal-GHK and retinol work through different mechanisms and are complementary. Retinol increases cell turnover and retinoic acid receptor activation, while Pal-GHK directly stimulates collagen synthesis. They can be used in the same routine.
Visible wrinkle reduction typically requires 2-4 months of consistent daily use. Collagen synthesis improvements can be measured earlier, but structural skin changes take time to manifest visibly.
Research & Educational Use Only
All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.