Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 (Syn-Coll): TGF-Beta Mimetic for Collagen Stimulation
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 (INCI: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, CAS 623172-56-5) is a lipopeptide with a molecular weight of 538.72 g/mol. Its structure – Pal-Lys-Val-Lys – consists of a three-amino-acid chain conjugated to a palmitic acid moiety that enhances skin penetration through the stratum corneum. Known commercially as Syn-Coll, this peptide mimics the activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), one of the most potent endogenous regulators of collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
Mechanism of Action: TGF-Beta Pathway Activation
TGF-beta is a cytokine that exists in a latent form bound to its propeptide (LAP) in the extracellular matrix. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 activates latent TGF-beta by triggering the release of the mature cytokine from its LAP complex. Once active, TGF-beta binds its type II receptor on fibroblasts, initiating the Smad signaling cascade that upregulates collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin gene transcription. Simultaneously, the activated pathway suppresses matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression, the primary enzyme responsible for collagen degradation in photoaged skin. This dual action – increased collagen synthesis paired with decreased collagen breakdown – delivers measurable firming results at remarkably low concentrations.
Efficacy Data
In fibroblast culture assays, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 at just 3 ppm stimulated collagen type I synthesis by 119% compared to untreated controls. This concentration is notably lower than what Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) requires for comparable collagen stimulation, demonstrating superior potency per unit concentration. The peptide also showed MMP-1 inhibition with an IC50 of 0.3 ppm, meaning that half-maximal collagenase suppression occurs at sub-ppm levels. This combination of high collagen stimulation and efficient MMP-1 inhibition makes Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 one of the most concentration-efficient anti-aging peptides available for cosmetic formulation.
Formulation Guidelines
The palmitoyl chain confers oil solubility, distinguishing this peptide from water-soluble alternatives. Recommended use level ranges from 1 to 10 ppm in finished formulations. The peptide is stable across pH 5.0 to 7.0 and incorporates readily into the oil phase of emulsions. Add during the cool-down phase below 40 degrees Celsius, or dissolve in a compatible lipid carrier before blending into the formulation. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 works well in combination with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (collagen fragment signal peptide) and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 or Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 for comprehensive matrix renewal strategies.
Target Applications
- Anti-aging creams and serums focused on collagen stimulation and firming
- Professional-grade night treatments targeting dermal matrix remodeling
- Neck and decollete firming formulations requiring deep peptide penetration
- Multi-peptide anti-wrinkle regimens combining TGF-beta and signal peptide pathways
- Premium face oils with lipopeptide actives for enhanced bioavailability
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 |
| CAS Number | 623172-56-5 |
| Molecular Weight | 538.72 g/mol |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥99% |
| Solubility | Oil soluble (palmitoyl chain) |
| Recommended pH | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Use Level | 1 – 10 ppm |
| Storage | Below 40 C, protect from light |
Sourcing from TCS NEXUS S.L.
TCS NEXUS S.L. supplies Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 from our warehouse in Valencia, Spain. Each batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis including HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, amino acid analysis, and residual palmitoylation reagent testing. Evaluation orders start at 1 g for formulation development, with production quantities available from 100 g. EU delivery is completed within 5 to 7 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 compare to Matrixyl in collagen stimulation?
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 achieves 119% collagen I stimulation at 3 ppm, while Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) typically requires higher concentrations for comparable results. The TGF-beta activation mechanism of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is distinct from the matrikine signaling of Matrixyl, making them complementary rather than competitive. Combining both peptides targets collagen synthesis through two independent biological pathways.
Why is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 oil-soluble while most peptides are water-soluble?
The palmitoyl (C16 fatty acid) chain conjugated to the N-terminus shifts the peptide partition coefficient toward lipophilicity. This modification serves two purposes: it improves penetration through the lipid-rich stratum corneum, and it anchors the peptide in the oil phase of emulsions for sustained release. Formulators should incorporate it into the oil phase or use a lipid carrier rather than the aqueous phase.
What does an IC50 of 0.3 ppm for MMP-1 mean in practical terms?
MMP-1 (collagenase) is the primary enzyme that degrades collagen in photoaged skin. An IC50 of 0.3 ppm means that half-maximal inhibition of this enzyme occurs at less than one part per million of peptide. At the recommended use level of 1-10 ppm, formulators achieve substantial collagenase suppression alongside the 119% collagen synthesis boost, creating a net-positive collagen balance in treated skin.
Technical Fit and Sourcing Focus
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is one of the strongest collagen-support pages in the peptide set and suits buyers comparing firming and anti-wrinkle actives.
Best-Fit Applications
- Firming and collagen-support serum development
- Anti-wrinkle product concepts positioned around visible smoothing
- Projects building a broader matrix-support peptide portfolio
How This Page Fits the Core Peptide Cluster: This page is intentionally linked with adjacent anti-aging, brightening, repair, and matrix-support peptides so crawlers can follow a tighter topical path across the site.
Technical Support and Samples
Request COA documents, sample availability, or support for custom synthesis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 important within a core peptide cluster?
It covers a high-intent collagen-support use case, making it valuable for both buyers and crawlers evaluating the site around firming and anti-aging peptide topics.
Can Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 inquiries include adjacent matrix-support peptides?
Yes. The team can help compare adjacent firming and matrix-oriented peptides so customers can assess fit before committing to scale.
Do you provide COA documents for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 Supplier Europe?
Yes. Each lot can be supplied with a Certificate of Analysis, HPLC purity data, and relevant quality-control results for technical review.
Are samples available for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 Supplier Europe?
Yes. Sample availability can be confirmed for formulation screening and internal evaluation before a commercial order is placed.
What is the delivery lead time for Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 Supplier Europe?
For stocked material in Valencia, EU delivery is typically 5 to 7 business days. Final timing depends on destination and requested volume.
Do you also support custom synthesis and technical inquiries?
Yes. The team can help with custom synthesis, raw-material selection, technical documentation, and supply planning.