Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a synthetic bioactive peptide currently receiving significant attention within modern cosmetics and dermatology.

Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 is a synthetic bioactive peptide currently receiving significant attention within modern cosmetics and dermatology. Previously referred to as “palmitoyl oligopeptide” alongside palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (PAL-GHK), it falls under the more specific categories of Signal Peptides and Matrikines. Designed to mimic naturally occurring biological signals within the skin, these peptides stimulate and promote various forms of the skin’s self-repair and regeneration processes.

Sequence

Pal-Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly

CAS Number

171263-26-6

Molecular Formula

C38H68N6O8

Molecular Weight

736.98 g/mol

Research Of Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 itself is an elastin fragment; the direct stimulation of collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and glycosaminoglycan syntheses is its primary mechanism. Improved skin elasticity and firmness – the end desired anti-aging effect – result from this process.

Two closely interconnected pathways are responsible for these anti-aging properties: promoting the aforementioned structural protein synthesis, and to a large extent inhibiting inflammation-induced matrix degradation.

Mimicking said elastin fragments, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 sends these specific biological signals to dermal fibroblasts. Research has shown enhanced migration and (to a point) proliferation of these fibroblasts.

Fibroblasts are the ‘factories’ of the primary structural components of the skin; increased activity of them is the true foundation of skin rejuvenation. Activated fibroblasts massively re-synthesize the aforementioned macromolecules.

Rebuilding dermal structures (degraded by both time and UV) is the end result, macroscopically observed as lessened wrinkles, improved firmness and all related elastic properties.

A double-blind study using a lightweight emulsion with 4% of the peptide was conducted on 10 female volunteers; elasticity, complexion, perceived fatigue and simple ‘firmness’ all improved.

Reduction of IL-6 production is another quality Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 exhibits, key skin cells being affected by external stimuli (UV being the most common).

Maintaining or re-establishing a certain level of homeostasis in the dermis is one of the more ideal end goals of anti-aging treatment.

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a well thought out, and to date very successful, bioactive lipopeptide.