Dermatology · Research Phase
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
No lawful US pathway
01 · Overview
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (also called Pal-GHK) is a synthetic lipopeptide in which the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) is linked to palmitic acid to improve skin penetration. The GHK sequence occurs within the alpha-2 chain of type I collagen, and the parent GHK-copper complex has been proposed to act as a wound-derived signal that stimulates matrix repair (PMID 3169264).
Pal-GHK is widely used in cosmetic anti-wrinkle products, although published data on its skin permeability and effectiveness remain limited (PMID 39963574).
02 · Research summary & key findings
Evidence for collagen effects comes mainly from the parent GHK-copper complex, which stimulated collagen synthesis in cultured fibroblasts (PMID 3169264) and increased glycosaminoglycan synthesis by human fibroblasts in vitro (PMID 1522753). A 2025 review noted a surprising absence of clinical studies testing Pal-GHK itself, despite its broad use in anti-wrinkle products (PMID 39963574). Available human data come from multi-ingredient cosmetic products, such as an open-label lip-care study without a control group, so effects cannot be attributed to the peptide alone (PMID 20725584).
03 · Regulatory status
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is in the research phase with limited clinical data in humans. Current evidence is primarily derived from preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies.
No lawful pathway today
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so we do not sell it and will not book a consultation for it. That can change: in 2026 FDA began reviewing several peptides for compounding. If you are working on the goal it is studied for, a licensed clinician can tell you what is lawfully available, which may be something else.
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Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a research compound, is not FDA-approved, and has no lawful US compounding pathway, so we do not offer it and no clinician we work with will prescribe it. Products sold online as “research chemicals” are not made or tested to the standards required of medicines. If you are working on longevity and healthy ageing, a licensed clinician can tell you at a free consultation whether an FDA-approved or lawfully compounded treatment fits you, or whether nothing does.
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04 · Administration routes
- Topical
References
- [1]Stimulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ Life Sci, 1992. PMID 1522753
- [2]Clinical assessment of a combination lip treatment to restore moisturization and fullness J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2009. PMID 20725584
- [3]Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ FEBS Lett, 1988. PMID 3169264
- [4]Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective Bioimpacts, 2025. PMID 39963574
Primary literature
- PubMed: "Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.