What is Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7?
Matrixyl 3000 is a blend of two fatty-acid-tailed peptides: palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (Pal-GQPR).
Pal-GHK is the GHK peptide with a fatty tail. Copper tripeptide-1 uses the same GHK sequence, bound to copper instead.
How it is thought to work
Product descriptions say the peptides promote extracellular matrix remodelling, which means rebuilding the collagen framework around skin cells. The 2026 study did not test that claim.
The study used mass spectrometry to see where the peptides sat after a serum was applied. Both were found through every layer of the outer skin, mostly on the outside of cells rather than inside them, and their levels fell with depth.
What the studies show
Every record below was checked against the paper. Where a result is from cells, animals or a combination product, the entry says so.
Trzaska AH, et al. Int J Pharm. 2026;705:127447. (opens in a new tab)
Industry-authored
Design. In vivo study of three healthy women applying Matrixyl 3000 serum for 0.5, 2 or 5 hours, with mass spectrometry of tape-stripped skin.
Finding. Both peptides were detected through the outer skin layer, mostly on the surfaces of cells. The study measured penetration, not wrinkles.
How it is used
Sold in anti-ageing serums and creams, often labelled Matrixyl 3000. Look for both peptide names on the ingredient list.
Amounts are rarely disclosed. Compare products on the full list and the cost per use, not on the peptide name alone.
Safety
The 2026 study used the serum on healthy adults under test conditions. Its abstract does not report irritation or other safety outcomes.
Stop using a product and speak to a dermatologist if redness, stinging or swelling continues.
Talk to a doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist before starting a new active, especially if you are pregnant, have a skin condition, or use prescription treatments.
Questions
Does Matrixyl 3000 get into the skin?
A 2026 study found both peptides in the outer layer of skin in three volunteers, mostly on the outside of cells. It did not measure any change in wrinkles.
Is it better than palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)?
They are different molecules. The records checked for this page do not compare them head to head, and neither has a controlled wrinkle trial in those records.