Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Also referenced as: pal-KTTKS, Matrixyl
A lipid-modified collagen-related cosmetic signal peptide.
- Evidence grade
- CEarly Human Research
Early Human Research
- Regulatory status
- Not FDA Approved
A cosmetic ingredient, not an FDA-approved anti-aging drug. Cosmetic marketing and ingredient safety reviews do not establish injectable safety or therapeutic approval.
- Human data
- Limited
No registered clinical trials identified
- Last reviewed
- October 27, 2026
Overview
A lipid-modified collagen-related cosmetic signal peptide.
A cosmetic ingredient, not an FDA-approved anti-aging drug. Cosmetic marketing and ingredient safety reviews do not establish injectable safety or therapeutic approval.
Industry-funded moisturizer studies cannot establish systemic rejuvenation or independent effects in every formulation.
Why It's Being Studied
- Skin matrix signalling
- Wrinkle appearance
Mechanism of Action
Its KTTKS sequence is used to study signals associated with extracellular-matrix production; palmitoylation changes formulation properties.
Its KTTKS sequence is used to study signals associated with extracellular-matrix production; palmitoylation changes formulation properties. Industry-funded moisturizer studies cannot establish systemic rejuvenation or independent effects in every formulation.
Skin remodelling and the hair cycle
Tap each stage to see what happens.
Background: Skin & Hair Research
Skin and hair research looks at collagen synthesis, wound closure, pigmentation and the hair-follicle cycle.
Topical cosmetic research is often industry-funded and small. Injected use of cosmetic peptides has little human data.
Research Areas & Routes Studied
- Skin matrix signalling
- Wrinkle appearance
- Topical cosmetic formulations
Evidence Summary
A 12-week controlled split-face study reported cosmetic changes with a peptide-containing moisturizer; this is limited product-specific human evidence.
Higher tiers carry more weight. Filled tiers have evidence for Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4; tap to read it.
- A 12-week controlled split-face study reported cosmetic changes with a peptide-containing moisturizer; this is limited product-specific human evidence.
3 cited sources.
- Clinical trial1
- Narrative review1
- Regulatory document1
Human clinical evidence
- A 12-week controlled split-face study reported cosmetic changes with a peptide-containing moisturizer; this is limited product-specific human evidence.
Reported Adverse Events in Research
- Irritation or sensitization may occur with a formulated product; injection is not supported by cosmetic data.
Limitations of Current Evidence
- Industry-funded moisturizer studies cannot establish systemic rejuvenation or independent effects in every formulation.
- Findings apply to the product, route and population studied; they do not establish benefits or safety for unrelated wellness uses or research-vial products.
How to Read This Research
- Was the product topical or injected?
- Were results measured by instruments or by photos and self-assessment?
- Who funded the study?
- Cosmetic claims face a lower evidence bar than medical claims.
- Pigmentation-affecting compounds carry documented risks, including changes in moles.
- Anagen
- The active growth phase of a hair follicle.
- Dermis
- The skin layer beneath the surface that holds collagen.
- Melanocortin
- A hormone family that affects pigmentation and appetite.
Compare With Other Compounds
| Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 | GHK-Cu | |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence grade | C — Early Human Research | C — Early Human Research |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA Approved | Not FDA Approved |
| Human data | Limited | Limited |
| Clinical trials | None identified | None identified |
| Research routes | Topical cosmetic formulations | Topical, Intradermal (cosmetic research) |
| Cited sources | 3 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
- Clinical trial
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 — published research
- Narrative review
Cosmetic peptide research and delivery limitations
- Regulatory document
FDA: cosmetics are not preapproved medicines