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phase 2Skin & Cosmetic

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Also known as: Pal-GQPR, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Rigin, Palmitoyl-Glycyl-Glutaminyl-Prolyl-Arginine

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is an anti-inflammatory lipopeptide that reduces interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion and inhibits chronic low-grade inflammation responsible for accelerated skin aging (inflammaging). Originally marketed as Rigin, it is best known as half of the Matrixyl 3000 complex, where it works synergistically with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 to reduce wrinkles through complementary collagen-stimulating and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

3 cited references·5 researched benefits

Quick Answer

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is an anti-inflammatory skincare peptide that reduces IL-6 secretion, targeting the chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) that accelerates skin aging. It suppresses complement activation and glycation damage. Combined with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, it forms the Matrixyl 3000 complex, one of the most clinically validated anti-wrinkle peptide systems. Clinical studies demonstrate visible wrinkle reduction within 2 months of daily use.

Key Facts

Mechanism
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 inhibits the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that drives chronic inflammation in aging skin. IL-6 is elevated in photoaged and chronologically aged skin, where it accelerates collagen degradation through MMP upregulation and impairs the skin barrier. By suppressing IL-6, this peptide reduces inflammation-driven collagen breakdown, preserving the dermal extracellular matrix. It also inhibits complement cascade activation and reduces non-enzymatic glycation of structural proteins, both of which contribute to skin stiffening and loss of elasticity with age. The palmitoyl chain ensures efficient penetration through the lipid-rich stratum corneum.
Research Status
phase 2
Half-Life
N/A (topical cosmeceutical — not systemically absorbed)
Molecular Formula
C₃₅H₆₂N₈O₈
Primary Use
Skin & Cosmetic
Table of Contents

Benefits

  • Reduces IL-6 secretion, decreasing chronic inflammation that accelerates skin agingmoderate
  • Inhibits complement cascade activation, protecting skin from inflammatory damagepreliminary
  • Reduces non-enzymatic glycation of dermal proteins, preserving skin elasticitypreliminary
  • Synergistic wrinkle reduction when combined with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in Matrixyl 3000moderate
  • Helps preserve existing collagen by reducing inflammation-driven MMP activitymoderate

Dosage Protocols

RouteDosage RangeFrequencyNotes
Topical serum (as Matrixyl 3000)2–4% Matrixyl 3000 complex1–2x dailyMost commonly used as part of the Matrixyl 3000 complex alongside Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1. Apply to clean skin before heavier creams. Works well in combination with hyaluronic acid for enhanced hydration effects.
Topical cream50–200 ppm active peptide2x daily (morning and evening)Stable in formulations between pH 5.0 and 7.0. Compatible with most cosmetic ingredients including retinol, niacinamide, and vitamin C derivatives.

Medical disclaimer

Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.

Side Effects

  • Mild transient irritation at the application site in sensitive individualsrare
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases of peptide hypersensitivityrare
  • No systemic adverse effects reported at cosmetic concentrationsrare

Frequently Asked Questions

What is inflammaging and how does Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 address it?
Inflammaging refers to the chronic, low-grade inflammation that develops with age and is a major driver of skin aging. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 cause increased collagen breakdown, impaired barrier function, and slower wound healing. Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 directly targets this process by reducing IL-6 secretion, helping to slow the inflammatory cascade that degrades skin structure over time.
Is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 the same as Rigin?
Yes. Rigin was the original trade name for this peptide. It was later renamed Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (previously Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3) under updated INCI nomenclature. The peptide sequence and function are identical. You may see either name on product labels or in scientific literature depending on the publication date.
Can I use Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 without Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1?
Yes, it can be used independently for its anti-inflammatory benefits. However, clinical studies demonstrating the most impressive wrinkle reduction results have used the Matrixyl 3000 combination of both peptides. The complementary mechanisms — collagen stimulation from Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and inflammation reduction from Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 — produce stronger results together than either peptide alone.

References

  1. 1
    Inhibition of interleukin-6 production by Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts(2010)
  2. 2
    Anti-aging efficacy of Matrixyl 3000: a combined clinical and in vitro study(2013)
  3. 3
    Cosmeceutical peptides in dermatology: mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications(2015)PubMed ↗

Latest Research

Last updated: 2026-02-19