What it is
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 is a tripeptide attached to palmitic acid, best known under the trade name Matrixyl Synthe'6. It is used in leave-on skincare as a signal-type conditioning peptide and is typically included at very low concentrations as part of a broader active blend. The fatty palmitoyl portion improves the peptide's affinity for skin lipids.
Safety & warnings
Palmitoyl peptides of this kind are generally well tolerated in leave-on products at the trace levels used, with low irritation and sensitization potential for most users.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; manufactured by peptide synthesis and conjugated to palmitic acid.
Questions everyone asks
Is palmitoyl tripeptide-38 the same as Matrixyl Synthe'6?
Matrixyl Synthe'6 is the common trade name for a cosmetic ingredient based on palmitoyl tripeptide-38.
How much is used in a product?
It is typically used at very low concentrations, often a small fraction of a percent, as part of an active blend.