Palmitoyl pentapeptide is a skin rejuvenation compound. It was originally named palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 and later renamed to palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 to reflect a correction in the data on its molecular structure.

The proponents claim that palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is at least as effective against wrinkles as retinol but does not cause skin irritation, which is a common side-effect of retinoids.

Main Function:

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser = Pal-KTTKS) contains 5 amino acids linked to a 16-carbon aliphatic chain for improving the penetration of the molecule through the lipid structures of the skin.

It is a matricide.Matrikines are messenger peptides capable of regulating cell activities by interacting with their specific receptors.

They activate certain genes involved in the process of extracellular matrix renewal and cell proliferation.By activating the neosynthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 provides an anti-wrinkle effect.