Palmitoyl Pentapeptide, a peptide with significant biological activity, has attracted attention for its anti-aging effect on the skin. This peptide not only promotes the synthesis of collagen and extracellular matrix, but also shows good results in wound healing and skin care applications. This article will discuss in detail the structure, biological activity and application of palmitoyl pentapeptide in cosmetics.
Structure of palmitoyl pentapeptide
Palmitoyl pentapeptides are commonly known as palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, (known as "palmitoyl pentapeptide-3" until 2006) consisting of a specific sequence of five amino acids: lysine (K), threonine (T), threonine (T), lysine (K), and serine (S), or KTTKS. Its structure is crucial to its biological function, in which the introduction of palmitoyl lipophilic groups enhances the permeability of the peptide, thereby improving its skin care effect.
Fig.1 Structural formula for palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.
Benefits of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 has strong lipid solubility due to the presence of palmitoyl group. It penetrates deep into the skin to reach fibroblasts and promotes the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, thereby improving the skin matrix. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is not only effective in preventing and fading wrinkles, but also shows stronger results than traditional vitamins A and C in anti-aging skincare without any side effects. As a result, it is widely used in face and body care, eye repair, and neck and hand care.
Biological activity of palmitoyl pentapeptide
Palmitoyl pentapeptide is a small molecule peptide with high specificity, which exerts biological activity mainly by promoting the synthesis of a variety of important proteins in the skin. Its mechanism of action includes stimulating the production of elastin, fibronectin, glucose, and collagen, especially collagen types I, III, and IV. These proteins play a key role in the replenishment and repair of the extracellular matrix, helping to maintain the structural stability and function of the skin.
Experimental studies have shown that palmitoyl pentapeptide can significantly promote the production of type I and type III collagen, which is essential for improving skin elasticity and firmness. Type I collagen is the main component of the skin and is responsible for maintaining the firmness and strength of the skin. Type III collagen plays an important role in the initial repair and remodeling of the skin. Palmitoyl pentapeptide helps restore the skin's elasticity and firmness by boosting the synthesis of these collagens. In addition, it stimulates the production of fibronectin, a key extracellular matrix protein that is essential for the structural support of the skin and wound healing.
In addition to promoting the synthesis of skin structural proteins, palmitoyl pentapeptide also has a significant anti-wrinkle effect. It improves the overall appearance of the skin by increasing the levels of collagen and other skin structural proteins, making the skin firmer and smoother. Palmitoyl pentapeptide provides an effective anti-aging skincare solution by reducing the formation of wrinkles and improving the texture of the skin.
In summary, palmitoyl pentapeptide has significant biological activity in promoting skin protein synthesis and improving skin quality, and its anti-aging and skin-repairing effects have been supported by extensive scientific research.
Application of palmitoyl pentapeptide in cosmetics
Palmitoyl pentapeptide is widely used in the cosmetics industry and has remarkable effects, mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Anti-wrinkle effect: Palmitoyl pentapeptide is particularly outstanding in anti-wrinkle performance. It significantly reduces the formation of wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. One study showed that participants who applied a cream containing 0.005% palmitoyl pentapeptide twice daily experienced an 18% reduction in wrinkle depth, a 37% reduction in wrinkle thickness, and a 21% improvement in skin roughness after 28 days of use. These data suggest that palmitoyl pentapeptide is effective in smoothing the skin, reducing wrinkles, and making the skin look firmer and smoother.
Anti-Aging Properties: In addition to its anti-wrinkle effects, palmitoyl pentapeptide also has significant anti-aging properties. It effectively repairs damaged skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles by promoting the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and other extracellular matrix components in the skin. Clinical trials have shown significant improvements in skin roughness, wrinkle volume and depth in the experimental group using palmitoyl pentapeptide. The results of these trials further confirm the powerful efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide in slowing down skin aging and improving skin texture.
Table 1 Anti-aging palmitoyl peptides at Creative Peptides.
Repair eye skin: Palmitoyl pentapeptide is also widely used in eye care products. Due to the fragility of the eye area and its tendency to fine lines and wrinkles, palmitoyl pentapeptide plays an important role in eye skincare. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, leaving the skin looking smoother and firmer. By adding palmitoyl pentapeptide to eye care products, it can effectively improve the overall appearance of the eye skin and reduce the signs of aging in the eye area.
Market for palmitoyl pentapeptide
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 is a synthetic short peptide developed by the France company Sederma Cosmetics. It combines a fragment of type I collagen with palmitic acid, and through this innovative combination, it exhibits superior affinity and water-locking properties in skincare products. This unique formula effectively boosts the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which significantly improves skin moisture levels, increases skin thickness, and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Since its launch in 2000, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 has quickly gained widespread acceptance and adoption as a pioneer in peptide-based skincare. Its innovative formulations and remarkable results have made it an enduring and important role in the skincare industry.
In 2015, palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 won the 25-year Most Influential Innovation Award in the cosmetic ingredient industry from IFSCC (International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists) for its outstanding contribution to the cosmetic ingredient industry. This honor recognizes the tremendous impact of palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 on the cosmetics industry over the past 15 years and its contribution to the advancement of skincare technology.
Summary
Palmitoyl pentapeptide is a highly effective anti-aging ingredient, and its multiple benefits make it a popular choice in skincare products. By boosting the synthesis of key proteins in the skin, it effectively reduces wrinkles, improves skin elasticity, and promotes overall skin health. With the deepening of scientific research and the increase of market demand, palmitoyl pentapeptide has broad application prospects and will continue to play an important role in the field of anti-aging skin care.
Reference
- Robinson, L. R., et al., Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin 1. International journal of cosmetic science 27.3 (2005): 155-160.
