Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
INCI · Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
How it works
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, CAS 221227-05-0, is a synthetic signal peptide: a short chain of amino acids bonded to a palmitic acid group that improves its ability to penetrate skin. It is best known as one half of Matrixyl 3000, the trademarked combination sold by ingredient supplier Sederma, where it is paired with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1. The two peptides are intended to work along different lines. Tripeptide-1 mimics a fragment of the pro-collagen I signal sequence, in theory prompting fibroblasts to build extracellular matrix as if responding to wound-repair signalling. Tetrapeptide-7 is designed instead to inhibit interleukin-6, an inflammatory cytokine implicated in inflammaging and in the degradation of collagen.
The evidence
This is the part worth reading carefully. Much of the foundational mechanistic and efficacy data for the combination comes from Sederma's own in vitro and small clinical studies rather than large, independent, multi-centre randomised trials. Supplier-sponsored testing reports reduced wrinkle depth and improved skin density over roughly two months, and some independent formulation-comparison work has found favourable results for Matrixyl-containing serums against vehicle. Still, the independently replicated peer-reviewed base specific to these two exact peptides is moderate rather than extensive, and supplier clinical claims should not be read as equivalent in rigour to independent PubMed-indexed trials.
Suitability
Marketed broadly for firming and anti-ageing concerns across skin types, with no specific contraindicated population identified.
Concentration
Commercial formulations typically use the Matrixyl 3000 complex at 2%–8% of the total formula as supplied, which means the actual peptide content is a small fraction of that figure.
Conflicts & combinations
Generally compatible with most actives. Peptides are pH-sensitive and can be denatured by very low-pH acids or by direct contact with certain metal ions, so formulators sometimes avoid putting high-percentage AHA or BHA in the same product — a formulation-stability consideration rather than a conflict you need to manage between separate products.
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What is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 supposed to do?
It is designed to inhibit interleukin-6, an inflammatory cytokine implicated in inflammaging and collagen degradation.
Is it the same as Matrixyl 3000?
It is one half of it. Matrixyl 3000 is the trademarked combination of Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1.
How strong is the evidence?
Moderate. Most foundational data comes from the ingredient supplier's own in vitro and small clinical studies rather than large independent randomised trials.
What percentage is used in products?
The Matrixyl 3000 complex is typically used at 2%–8% of the formula as supplied, so actual peptide content is a small fraction of that.
Can I layer peptides with acids?
Formulators often avoid combining high-percentage AHA or BHA with peptides in one product for stability reasons; using them at separate steps or times avoids the issue.