Peptide Profile
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Elastin-derived signal peptide that stimulates dermal matrix renewal and skin elasticity through matrikine signaling.
Dose Range
0.003%-3%%
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Topical
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Limited
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C36H63N5O7 (hexapeptide-12 variant)
Molecular Formula
694.9 Da (approximate for palmitoylated hexapeptide)
Molecular Weight
Topical application; degradation rate dependent on formulation pH and temperature
Half-Life
Enhanced dermal penetration via palmitate conjugation; self-assembles with endogenous skin proteins
Bioavailability
171263-26-6
CAS #
Not individually indexed (component of cosmetic formulations)
PubChem Status
Developed By · 2003
Lipotec S.A. research team
Lipotec S.A. (Lubrizol Corporation)
Primary Benefits
Acts as a matrikine signal peptide to upregulate collagen type I, III, and IV synthesis in dermal fibroblasts through TGF-β pathway activation.
Enhances elastin production and strengthens the extracellular matrix framework, improving skin resilience and reducing sagging.
Stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis and strengthens the skin barrier to reduce transepidermal water loss and improve moisture retention.
Amino Acid Sequence
Pal-VGVAPG (Palmitoyl-Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly) — elastin-derived matrikine sequenceDosing
How much
do I take?
Timing
Best time to take
Apply Palmitoyl Oligopeptide to clean, dry skin. For best results, use consistently at the same time(s) each day. Evening application is often preferred to allow overnight absorption, unless otherwise directed.
With food?
As a topical product, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is not affected by food intake. Apply to clean skin and allow adequate absorption time before covering the area.
If stacking
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Individuals seeking collagen and elastin stimulation through topical peptides
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking collagen and elastin stimulation through topical peptides. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those with age-related loss of skin firmness and elasticity
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with age-related loss of skin firmness and elasticity. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People looking for gentle anti-aging actives suitable for sensitive skin
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people looking for gentle anti-aging actives suitable for sensitive skin. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Users wanting to complement retinoid or vitamin C regimens with peptide support
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on users wanting to complement retinoid or vitamin c regimens with peptide support. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Known allergy or hypersensitivity to palmitoylated peptides or formulation excipients
- ×Active skin infections or open wounds at the application site
- ×Concurrent use with strong oxidizing agents that may degrade peptide structure
- ×Severe dermatitis or eczema flares at intended application areas
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about Palmitoyl Oligopeptide use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Palmitoyl Oligopeptide in its prescribed form
- •Clean, dry storage container
- •Measuring device if applicable (oral syringe, measuring cup)
- •Calendar or reminder app for dosing schedule
Injection
Route
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is administered Topical—no injection required
Best sites
- •Not applicable—this is not an injectable formulation
Technique
- 1.Follow the specific administration instructions for your Palmitoyl Oligopeptide formulation
- 2.Take or apply as directed by your healthcare provider
- 3.Store properly between uses according to package instructions
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Palmitoyl oligopeptide has GRAS-equivalent status for cosmetic use with no serious adverse events in safety testing up to 5% w/w in topical formulations. Mild skin irritation reported in <3% of subjects at high concentrations (irritation index 0-1 on 0-10 scale). No dermal penetration beyond stratum corneum in Franz diffusion cell studies. Long-term use data spans 15+ years of cosmetic industry application with no systemic toxicity.
Cosmetic safety database (CosIng) documentation confirms mechanism through collagen synthesis stimulation (procollagen type I ELISA) and MMP inhibition preventing collagen breakdown. In vitro elasticity measurements using mechanical testing show 20-30% elasticity improvements over 8 weeks. Dermatological testing per ISO 10993 confirms biocompatibility; histopathology shows no irritation at concentrations up to 3%.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Transient Dryness
Rare mild dryness during initial use, typically resolving within the first week of application.
Management: Apply over a hydrating serum or follow with a moisturizer. Reduce application frequency if persistent.
Mild Tingling
Slight tingling sensation upon first application in some sensitive individuals, generally benign and transient.
Management: Normal sensory response. If uncomfortable, dilute product or reduce concentration.
Product Interaction Sensitivity
Potential for mild irritation when layered with strong active acids or retinoids in the same application.
Management: Separate acid-based products to different times of day. Apply peptide serum first, then other actives after absorption.
Minimal Erythema
Very rare mild redness at application site in highly reactive skin types.
Management: Reduce frequency to once daily. Patch test on inner arm before facial application.
Less Common
- •Contact Dermatitis
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !Benzoyl Peroxide - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !High-concentration AHAs (>15%) - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Strong oxidizing agents - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Palmitoyl Oligopeptide. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
What to Expect
Weeks 1-4
What you might notice
- •Skin barrier strengthening and initial hydration improvements
- •Matrikine signaling activates fibroblast collagen and elastin gene expression
- •Subtle improvements in skin texture and moisture retention may be noticed
What's normal
- •Full integration of Palmitoyl Oligopeptide into physiological systems is established
- •Long-term Palmitoyl Oligopeptide response remains personalized to your physiology
- •Palmitoyl Oligopeptide tolerance is well-maintained with consistent dosing
What's next
- →Maintain your established Palmitoyl Oligopeptide protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm Palmitoyl Oligopeptide efficacy
- →Review comprehensive Palmitoyl Oligopeptide response with your provider
Weeks 4-8
What you might notice
- •Measurable firmness improvement begins
- •New collagen and elastin synthesis becomes apparent
- •Fine lines appear softer
- •Skin texture refinement progresses with continued twice-daily application
What's normal
- •Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is now achieving steady-state pharmacokinetics
- •Measurable changes aligned with Palmitoyl Oligopeptide's mechanism may appear
- •Initial adjustment effects typically resolve by this point
What's next
- →Maintain Palmitoyl Oligopeptide dosing exactly as established
- →Track progress toward intended outcomes in detail
- →Review lab work or biomarker changes with your healthcare team
Weeks 8-12+
What you might notice
- •Optimal results achieved
- •Significant wrinkle reduction documented in clinical studies
- •Improved elasticity, firmness, and overall skin tone
- •Continued use maintains and builds upon improvements
What's normal
- •Full therapeutic effects of Palmitoyl Oligopeptide are well-characterized at this point
- •Maintenance of Palmitoyl Oligopeptide's therapeutic effects is typical
- •Tolerance patterns with Palmitoyl Oligopeptide are generally stable over months
What's next
- →Comprehensive assessment of Palmitoyl Oligopeptide efficacy should be conducted
- →Discuss long-term continuation, cycling, or protocol modifications
- →Continue regular monitoring of relevant biomarkers or symptoms
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Palmitoyl Oligopeptide over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Noninvasive monitoring of palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 in human skin layers: mechanical interaction and skincare benefits"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 demonstrated self-assembly in skin layers, initiating gel formation through endogenous ions and strengthening the skin barrier. Co-assembly with native molecules created biocooperative structures for cosmetic benefit.
View Study"Self-assembly of short biopeptides onto skin tissue components studied using QCM-D"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: Six cosmetic peptides showed differential affinities for skin components—collagen proved most adhesive, while hyaluronic acid had minimal affinity. Palmitoyl-modified peptides showed order-of-magnitude higher adsorption than acetylated versions.
View Study"Synergistic effects of injectable platelet-rich fibrin and bioactive peptides on dermal fibroblast viability and ECM gene expression"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: Combining platelet-rich fibrin with palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 synergistically increased fibroblast viability and upregulated extracellular matrix genes. The combination showed stronger effects than individual treatments.
View Study"Bioactive peptides in cosmetic formulations: review of current in vitro and ex vivo evidence"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: A comprehensive review identified 102 commercially available cosmetic peptides with diverse mechanisms: signaling peptides stimulate collagen, modulation peptides affect pigmentation, inhibitor peptides block enzymes. Evidence quality varies.
View Study"Matrikines in the skin: origin, effects, and therapeutic potential"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: No abstract available for comprehensive analysis.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions