Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (formerly called palmitoyl pentapeptide-3) was the fi rst big successful breakthrough peptide ingredient and probably the most commonly used peptide for aging skin. Also known as Matrixyl, palmitoyl pentatpeptide-4 has been demonstrated to signifi cantly increase collagen synthesis, improving the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of the aging skin. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is basically a sequential piece of a collagen molecule. It is theorized to work by “tricking” the skin into “believing” that too much collagen has been broken down, thereby curbing the production of collagenase, the enzyme that destroys collagen, and stimulating fi broblasts, the cells that produce collagen. The results of using palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 are remarkable, and the performance ingredient does not cause the irritation that can be caused by other antiaging ingredients such as retinol.
palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is a skin conditioner. Clinical studies by manufacturers credit it with an ability to promote collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. This would result in an ability to restore skin thickness, which diminishes with age, and to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is a synthetic peptide with serine, threonine, and hexadecanoyl derivatives.