Peptide Comparison
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7vsGHK-Cu
Anti-inflammatory matrikine peptide that reduces IL-6-driven inflammaging for calmer, more youthful skin.
A naturally occurring copper peptide that acts like a master switch for your body's repair systems—boosting collagen production, accelerating wound healing, and helping your skin rebuild itself from the inside out.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
0.5%–8% %
GHK-Cu
1–3 mg
Frequency
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Once daily
GHK-Cu
Once daily
Administration
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Topical
GHK-Cu
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Ongoing/indefinite
GHK-Cu
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
GHK-Cu
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Limited human trials
GHK-Cu
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Aging
Skin Barrier Support
Skin Rejuvenation
Wound Healing
Tissue Regeneration
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Molecular Formula
C34H62N8O7
Molecular Weight
694.9 Da
Half-Life
Susceptible to enzymatic degradation; palmitoyl anchor reduces proteolytic cleavage rate compared to unmodified peptide
Bioavailability
Enhanced topical penetration via palmitoyl lipid modification enabling membrane interaction and dermal delivery
CAS Number
221227-05-0
GHK-Cu
Molecular Formula
C14H23N6O4Cu
Molecular Weight
403.93 g/mol
Half-Life
Approximately 1 hour (plasma)
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously; variable topically depending on formulation
CAS Number
49557-75-7
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
GHK-Cu
Applications
Best
suited for
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Individuals with aging skin showing signs of chronic low-grade inflammation
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals with aging skin showing signs of chronic low-grade inflammation. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those seeking to reduce UV-damage-related skin aging (photoaging)
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those seeking to reduce uv-damage-related skin aging (photoaging). Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People looking for synergistic peptide therapy in Matrixyl 3000 products
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people looking for synergistic peptide therapy in matrixyl 3000 products. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Individuals with sensitive or reactive skin benefiting from anti-inflammatory peptides
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals with sensitive or reactive skin benefiting from anti-inflammatory peptides. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
GHK-Cu
Anti-Aging Warriors
If fine lines, sagging skin, and lost elasticity are your enemies, GHK-Cu is your secret weapon. It ramps up collagen and elastin production—the two proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and youthful. Studies show it can tighten loose skin and improve elasticity better than many popular skincare ingredients.
Wound Healing Champions
Whether you're recovering from surgery, dealing with stubborn wounds, or healing from a cosmetic procedure, GHK-Cu accelerates the entire repair process. It attracts immune cells, builds new blood vessels, and stimulates the growth factors your body needs to rebuild tissue faster and better.
Scar Reducers
GHK-Cu doesn't just heal wounds—it helps remodel scar tissue. By regulating how your body lays down collagen during healing, it can help scars become flatter, softer, and more like surrounding normal skin. It even reduces the TGF-beta signals that lead to thick, raised scars.
Hair Growth Seekers
Research shows GHK-Cu can enlarge hair follicles and activate the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway—the signaling system that tells hair follicles to grow. If you're noticing thinning hair or increased shedding, this peptide may help stimulate thicker, healthier growth over time.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Common
- Mild Redness
- Slight Tingling
- Mild Irritation with Other Actives
- Dryness
Uncommon
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Serious
- Paradoxical Inflammatory Response
GHK-Cu
Common
- Injection site redness
- Skin tingling (topical use)
- Minor bruising
- Mild swelling at injection site
Uncommon
- Mild headache
- Temporary skin purging (topical)
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (Eyeliss) shows excellent safety for periocular use with minimal irritation potential (Draize score <0.5 at 2% concentration). No serious adverse events in cosmetic formulations used for 15+ years. Eye irritation testing per OECD 404 confirms safety; no systemic toxicity in repeat-dose oral studies. Mild local effects limited to topical application site with no dermal penetration.
Contraindications
- xKnown hypersensitivity to palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 or formulation excipients
- xActive skin infections at the application site
- xSeverely compromised skin barrier with active inflammation requiring medical intervention
- xNo known systemic contraindications at cosmetic concentrations
GHK-Cu
Evidence Level
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
GHK-Cu has an excellent safety profile backed by decades of research since its discovery in the 1970s. It's a naturally occurring peptide found in your blood, saliva, and urine—your body already knows it well. Concentrations naturally decline with age (from about 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60), which is part of why supplementation makes sense. Most side effects are mild and injection-related. The copper component is well-tolerated at recommended doses but should be monitored in long-term use.
Contraindications
- xWilson's disease or copper metabolism disorders
- xKnown allergy to copper or peptide components
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xChildren and adolescents
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 if...
- Individuals with aging skin showing signs of chronic low-grade inflammation
- Those seeking to reduce UV-damage-related skin aging (photoaging)
- People looking for synergistic peptide therapy in Matrixyl 3000 products
- Individuals with sensitive or reactive skin benefiting from anti-inflammatory peptides
Choose GHK-Cu if...
- Skin rejuvenation and anti-aging
- Wound and injury recovery
- Scar reduction
- Hair growth support