Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Also known as Pal-GHK, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
INCI name · Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A lipidated signal peptide that layers beautifully under moisturizer — for skin that looks firm, supported, and well-rested. For external cosmetic use only.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is one half of the famous Matrixyl 3000 duo, offered here on its own for people who like to build a routine peptide by peptide. Its name tells the whole structure: a tripeptide (three amino acids) wearing a palmitoyl lipid tail.
As a single active it's a foundation piece — quiet, versatile, easy to layer. This page describes what it is and the appearance it supports, in cosmetic terms only.
What the name is telling you
Break the INCI name into parts and it reads plainly: palmitoyl is the fatty tail, tripeptide is the three-amino-acid core, and the -1 marks this specific sequence. That palmitoyl tail is the formulator's trick for helping a water-loving peptide feel at home in a serum.
It is often listed alongside Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7; together those two are what a bottle labeled Matrixyl 3000 contains.
The case for using it solo
Running a peptide on its own gives you control. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a lightweight, agreeable base layer that supports the look of firm, supported, smooth-looking skin, and it leaves room to add a second peptide — say, the soothing-feel tetrapeptide — only if and when you want it.
It is a natural companion to copper peptides, which stay in their own step, and to the brightening serums used at a different time of day.
How to use it
External use only. Apply a few drops to clean skin morning and evening before moisturizer. It layers cleanly with the other firming peptides. Patch-test on the inner arm before first use and discontinue if irritation occurs. Store cool and out of direct sun.
Common questions
It's one of the two peptides in Matrixyl 3000 (the other is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7). On its own it's the single-peptide version.
Palmitoyl is a lipid (fatty) tail attached to the peptide. It's a common formulating choice that helps a peptide sit comfortably in a serum base.
This is a cosmetic ingredient profile. It describes the active and the appearance of skin — the look and feel — not a treatment, a claim of any effect, or a recommendation for a medical use. These products are cosmetics and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For external cosmetic use only.