Palmitoyl tripeptide-38Cosmetic ingredient
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38, associated with the Matrixyl synthe’6 name, is marketed for the appearance of wrinkles. Its proposed effects involve several components of the skin’s supporting matrix.
What is Palmitoyl tripeptide-38?
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 is a cosmetic ingredient associated with the Matrixyl synthe'6 name. It is marketed for the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
How it works
Supplier descriptions propose activity involving several components of the skin matrix. The number of laboratory targets does not quantify a visible benefit in people.
Effects studied
Wrinkle appearance with a combined serum
The retained study concerns an open-label serum containing other active ingredients, including antioxidant vitamins. Any improvement applies first to the whole formula; the design does not isolate the peptide or fully control expectations and change over time. 1
Evidence: Open-label combined-formula clinical lead.
What does the evidence show?
The archived clinical lead concerns a combined serum. Its results cannot establish the isolated effect of palmitoyl tripeptide-38.
The scientific idea
Skin structure depends on more than a single protein. Supplier explanations for this peptide describe effects on several matrix-related components in experimental systems. That is a rationale for investigating it, but a list of affected molecules cannot tell a person how much a wrinkle will change.
The formula in the study matters
The retained paper concerns a serum containing other active ingredients, including antioxidant vitamins. Any improvement therefore applies first to the complete formula. Attributing it entirely to the peptide would require a comparison that separates the ingredients’ contributions. 1
Why an open-label result needs context
When participants and researchers know which product is being used, expectations and ordinary changes over time can influence assessments. Photographs and instrument measurements can help, but they do not automatically substitute for a suitable controlled comparison. Duration and follow-up also matter to claims about lasting effects.
Keeping the promise proportionate
This cosmetic peptide is used to target the appearance of lines. A stronger claim, such as rebuilding skin, requires stronger and more specific evidence. Comfort, hydration and irritation depend on the complete serum and cannot be confidently predicted from the peptide’s trade name.
Safety & status
Hydration, comfort and irritation depend on the finished serum. A trade name does not establish either individual benefit or tolerability.
Country and product status
This page describes a cosmetic ingredient and its research context. Permitted claims and product availability in Germany and Switzerland need a local check. An ingredient listing does not establish approval to treat a medical condition.
Frequently asked questions
Is Matrixyl synthe'6 the same as Matrixyl 3000?
No. The names refer to different ingredients or blends, so their evidence should not be merged.
Does acting on several matrix components mean it works better?
Not by itself. A meaningful comparison needs measured clinical outcomes for the products being compared.
Further reading
Sources
This entry was rewritten from our research archive. References below are reading leads unless a completed check is explicitly noted; a full independent evidence and regulatory review is still pending.
- Palmitoyl tripeptide-38: paper 10.1111/jocd.13770 Research reference · Retained archive reference; not independently checked for this draft.
Research provenance
This name was discovered in the Superpower peptide index, archived 26 October 2026. Its ratings and reviewer attribution have not been adopted as our own. The archive informed this original editorial draft; independent source review is still pending.