Pentapeptide-1 (sequence: KTTKS) is the parent peptide behind some of the most successful cosmetic actives ever developed. If that sequence looks familiar, it should: it is the same five amino acids used in Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4), minus the palmitoyl chain. The unmodified version is water-soluble, less expensive, and still shows meaningful collagen-stimulating activity in fibroblast assays.
Mechanism and Data
KTTKS is a fragment of type I procollagen (the C-terminal propeptide). When fibroblasts detect this fragment, they interpret it as a signal that the extracellular matrix needs replenishment and upregulate collagen synthesis. At 100 ppm, Pentapeptide-1 increased procollagen I production by 31% versus untreated controls in a 72-hour fibroblast culture. At 200 ppm, the increase reached 47%. The response is dose-dependent up to approximately 500 ppm, after which it plateaus.
The main advantage over palmitoylated versions: water solubility. This makes Pentapeptide-1 straightforward to incorporate into aqueous serums, toners, and gel-based formulations without needing lipophilic carriers or emulsification tricks.
Formulation Guide
- Use level: 50-500 ppm in final product.
- Addition: Cool-down phase below 45C. Water-soluble, dissolve directly in aqueous phase.
- pH: Stable 5.0-7.0.
- Compatibility: Works with most cosmetic ingredients. Can be combined with palmitoylated peptides for layered collagen stimulation.
- Storage: 2-8C, protect from moisture.
FAQ
How does Pentapeptide-1 compare to Matrixyl?
Same KTTKS sequence, but without the palmitoyl chain. Matrixyl penetrates skin better due to its lipophilic modification, but Pentapeptide-1 is easier to formulate in water-based systems and costs less. For aqueous serums, Pentapeptide-1 is often the more practical choice.
MOQ and samples?
Evaluation samples from 1g. Production MOQ 100g. TCS NEXUS S.L., Valencia Spain. EU delivery 5-7 working days.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| INCI | Pentapeptide-1 |
| CAS | 69558-55-0 |
| Sequence | KTTKS |
| MW | 563.64 g/mol |
| Purity | Over 98% HPLC |
Technical Support and Samples
Request COA documents, sample availability, or support for custom synthesis.