Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) (CAS 147732-56-7) is supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for European cosmetic formulators, brand R&D teams and B2B buyers reviewing cosmetic peptide raw material applications. With limited direct water solubility, it requires propylene glycol or ethanol pre-dispersion before aqueous dilution, at pH 4.5–7.0, with incorporation below 40°C in standard emulsion manufacturing protocols.
> Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 147732-56-7 |
| Alias / Common Name | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1; Palmitoyl Oligopeptide; Pal-GHK; Palmitoyl-Gly-His-Lys |
| Molecular Formula | C30H54N6O5 |
| Molecular Weight | 578.8 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 |
| Peptide Sequence | Palmitoyl-Gly-His-Lys — lipidated GHK tripeptide, fibronectin-receptor / TGF-β1 matrix signalling |
| Functional Class | Synthetic lipopeptide; TGF-β1 activator; matrix-synthesis signal active |
| Purity / Assay | ≥98% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility / Handling | Limited direct water solubility; pre-disperse in propylene glycol or low-concentration ethanol (10–30%) before aqueous dilution; confirm clarity in the target emulsion or serum base |
| pH Stability | Optimal stability at pH 4.5–7.0; confirm in target emulsion base after all actives incorporated |
| Storage | Store sealed in cool, dry conditions protected from direct light and moisture; follow batch COA and SDS |
> Mechanism & Positioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (CAS 147732-56-7) is the palmitoyl-lipidated form of the Gly-His-Lys (GHK) tripeptide, designed to enhance dermal penetration through the lipid bilayer via the palmitoyl fatty acid chain while retaining the fibronectin-receptor signalling activity of the GHK sequence. Published Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 literature discusses that the GHK sequence interacts with fibronectin-receptor complexes on dermal fibroblasts, activating TGF-β1-mediated downstream signalling cascades associated with collagen type I and type III synthesis upregulation. Cell-based dermal fibroblast studies document increased pro-collagen I and pro-collagen III production, alongside lysyl oxidase (LOX) pathway support — LOX is the copper-dependent enzyme responsible for crosslinking newly synthesised collagen and elastin fibres into the extracellular matrix scaffold. Fibroblast ECM model data also notes modulation of MMP-1 (collagenase) activity in the presence of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 at concentrations used in formulation evaluation protocols.
Based on available in vitro data, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is positioned for regenerative serum, advanced age-care and matrix-remodelling emulsion concepts where TGF-β1-mediated collagen synthesis and LOX pathway support are the primary mechanistic directions. The lipopeptide format differentiates it from water-soluble copper-delivery actives such as GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HCl) (direct copper delivery to LOX enzyme) and from fibronectin-receptor signal peptides such as Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3) (complementary TGF-β agonism via different GHK-GQPR sequence pairing), enabling multi-active matrix-care positioning across independent but convergent matrix synthesis pathways.
> Application Concepts
Matrix-Care Serum and Anti-Age Emulsion Architecture
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 has limited direct water solubility due to the palmitoyl fatty acid chain — pre-disperse in propylene glycol (5–15% w/w) or low-concentration ethanol (10–20%) before incorporating into the aqueous or emulsion phase. At evaluation concentrations of 10–1000 ppm (0.001–0.1% w/w), the lipopeptide integrates into standard o/w emulsions, gel-creams and serum-emulsion hybrids without auxiliary emulsifiers specifically for the peptide. Introduce during the aqueous warm phase (below 40°C) or cool-down phase after PG pre-dispersion; confirm clarity and stable emulsion integrity throughout the manufacturing process. For multi-pathway matrix-care positioning, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (TGF-β1 / fibronectin receptor) may be combined with GHK-Cu (LOX enzyme copper supply) in a single concentrated emulsion phase. Confirm stability and assay retention via accelerated testing at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
Matrixyl 3000-Type Multi-Active Matrix Systems
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is one of the two active peptide components in the Matrixyl 3000 complex (Pal-GHK + Pal-GQPR), frequently evaluated alongside Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Rigin, Pal-GQPR) for complementary matrix-care and soothing positioning. Pal-GHK targets fibronectin-receptor TGF-β1 signalling for collagen I/III synthesis; Pal-GQPR (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) modulates IL-6 and TNF-α inflammatory signalling via NF-κB pathway — the two mechanisms address matrix renewal and inflammatory ECM degradation simultaneously. For broader matrix-care architecture, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 may also be combined with Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3) for complementary fibronectin-receptor sequence coverage. Confirm PG or ethanol carrier compatibility across all lipopeptide actives; evaluate combined emulsion stability before scale-up.
Regenerative Serum and Premium Age-Care Formats
At 10–1000 ppm in standard o/w emulsions and gel-cream bases, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 delivers lipopeptide-mediated TGF-β1 matrix signalling for premium regenerative serum, advanced age-care concentrate and multi-active facial treatment formulations. The palmitoyl chain enhances affinity for the lipid bilayer, potentially supporting dermal penetration relative to un-lipidated tripeptide forms. Evaluate propylene glycol premix compatibility with other lipophilic actives (lipopeptides, ceramides, phospholipids) in the formulation; confirm PG does not introduce stability or sensory issues in the target base. For combined matrix-care and antioxidant positioning, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 may be evaluated alongside Ergothioneine or L-Carnosine; confirm pH alignment across all actives at 4.5–7.0 and assay retention in the finished emulsion before committing to production scale.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 has limited direct water solubility due to the C16 palmitoyl fatty acid chain — pre-disperse in propylene glycol (5–15% w/w) or low-concentration ethanol (10–20% w/w) at ambient temperature before diluting into the aqueous or emulsion phase. Incorporate the PG or ethanol premix during the warm aqueous phase (below 40°C) or the cool-down phase; avoid temperatures above 45°C. Maintain formulation pH within 4.5–7.0; confirm pH after all actives and buffering agents are incorporated.
Evaluate compatibility with EDTA-containing preservative systems and strongly acidic actives at pH below 4.0. Confirm appearance, clarity, assay retention and emulsion stability via accelerated stability testing at 40°C/75% RH across the intended shelf-life period before scale-up. Where PG is restricted by formulation brief, evaluate alternative carrier strategies such as short-chain alcohol pre-dispersion or lipid microemulsion phase integration.
> Supply & Documentation
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) (CAS 147732-56-7) is available from TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic raw material projects. Standard documentation: COA, TDS, SDS. Sample and bulk quantities are discussed on a per-project basis; contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a sourcing review.
TCS NEXUS S.L. supports procurement and formulation teams in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Sweden and Portugal, as well as international buyers in the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
> Packaging & Storage
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is supplied in sealed aluminium foil bags or bulk containers. Minimum quantities and packaging configurations are confirmed per order. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry location, away from moisture and direct light. Follow batch COA and SDS for specific storage and handling conditions.
> FAQ
What is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK)?
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) (CAS 147732-56-7) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. In cosmetic literature, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is positioned as a collagen-stimulating lipopeptide evaluated for anti-ageing and skin-density applications, principally in the Matrixyl Synthe’6 combination. TCS NEXUS S.L. supplies Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 as a B2B active for integration into anti-ageing serums, emulsions and targeted treatment formulations.
What is the CAS number for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK)?
The CAS number for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is 147732-56-7. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1; confirm CAS 147732-56-7 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does Pal-GHK signal matrix synthesis — what is the TGF-β1 / fibronectin mechanism?
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is the lipidated form of the Gly-His-Lys (GHK) tripeptide. As a matrikine it signals through the fibronectin receptor and activates TGF-β1, prompting dermal fibroblasts to upregulate collagen, fibronectin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis for extracellular-matrix renewal. The palmitoyl (C16) chain adds lipophilicity so the GHK signal can cross the stratum corneum.
What use level of Pal-GHK is typical, and does the pure vs trade-solution basis matter?
There is no one-size-fits-all dose: establish the use level conservatively for your specific base and claim rather than copying a fixed number. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is often supplied as a diluted trade solution, whereas we provide the pure peptide with COA for precise pure-peptide dosing; contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation with your basis.
Which actives pair with Pal-GHK, and how does it sit within Matrixyl 3000?
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is one of the two matrikines in Matrixyl 3000, combined there with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Pal-GQPR) to broaden matrix-signalling coverage. Beyond that pairing it layers with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl, Pal-KTTKS) and with niacinamide for tone and barrier support. Because it is lipidated, pre-disperse it before combining and confirm clarity and pH in the finished base.
How does Pal-GHK differ from GHK-Cu and from Matrixyl (Pal-KTTKS)?
All three are GHK- or procollagen-related actives but they are not interchangeable. Pal-GHK is the palmitoylated GHK tripeptide that carries a matrikine signal via TGF-β1/fibronectin and penetrates thanks to its lipid chain; GHK-Cu is the copper complex of GHK that instead delivers bioavailable Cu²⁺ for lysyl oxidase; and Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Pal-KTTKS) is a different lipidated sequence derived from procollagen. Confirm the INCI and CAS for the exact material you need.
How should the lipidated Pal-GHK be pre-dispersed and added?
Because the palmitoyl chain limits direct water solubility, pre-disperse Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in propylene glycol or low-concentration ethanol (about 10–30%) before diluting into the aqueous or emulsion phase. Add during the cool-down phase below 45°C and confirm solution clarity and finished pH; standard emulsion cool-down protocols are compatible.
What pH range keeps Pal-GHK stable in an emulsion?
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is most stable at pH 4.5–7.0, matching typical serum and emulsion targets. Confirm the finished-product pH after all actives and buffering agents are incorporated, and evaluate combined stability when formulating alongside low-pH actives such as ascorbic acid.
What age-care claim direction is Pal-GHK positioned for?
Its matrix-synthesis signalling positions Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 for firmness, density and fine-line-appearance claim directions in premium age-care serums and emulsions, often as part of a multi-matrikine system. Keep claims within EU cosmetic boundaries and support them with your own formulation and stability data.
Is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is not listed as a restricted, prohibited or regulated substance under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annexes II–VI. The finished product manufacturer is responsible for the CPSR and CPNP notification. Use CAS 147732-56-7 and INCI name Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) be stored?
Store Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) sealed below 25°C in a cool, dry location protected from direct light and moisture. Once opened, reseal the container immediately. Follow specific storage and handling conditions stated in the SDS and batch COA. Confirm shelf life for the specific batch before incorporating into production formulations.
What documentation does TCS NEXUS S.L. provide for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK)?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 147732-56-7 and HPLC purity ≥98% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK). Additional documentation such as specification sheets and INCI confirmation letters is available on a per-project basis. Contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a documentation and sourcing discussion.
What MOQ and sample options are available for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK)?
Sample and bulk quantities for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) are confirmed on a per-project basis through TCS NEXUS S.L. Minimum order quantities depend on current stock, packaging configuration and project scope. R&D teams are encouraged to request samples for stability and concentration-range evaluation before bulk planning. Contact info@tcspeptides.com with project specification to begin a sourcing review.
> Technical Support and Samples
Request COA documents, sample availability, or support for custom synthesis.