Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
/ Synthetic palmitoylated tripeptide; INCI 'Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5'; TGF-β mimetic cosmetic peptideALIAS · Syn-Coll (trade) · Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 (INCI) · Pal-KVK
Terms in this page you can click for a plain-English popup: , , , , , , , .
Tier 4. DSM/Pentapharm's Syn-Coll (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5) is marketed as a TGF-β-mimetic cosmetic peptide intended to drive collagen synthesis through TGF-β-receptor pathway engagement. Supplier-authored ingredient dossiers describe in-vitro collagen-induction data; peer-reviewed independent literature on the specific INCI is limited.
The supplier-described mechanism is mimicry of thrombospondin-1's TGF-β-activating motif: the KVK tripeptide is presented as a bioactive fragment that promotes activation of latent TGF-β at the dermal level, with downstream collagen-synthesis effects in fibroblasts. Palmitoylation increases lipophilicity for topical delivery. Independent peer-reviewed mechanism characterisation in the cosmetic context is limited.
Tier 4. Cell-culture collagen-induction data and finished-product cosmetic trials are predominantly supplier-authored. PubMed-indexed independent primary literature on Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 in vivo on human skin is sparse.
No published independent safety database. Cosmetic INCI status implies regulatory acceptance for topical use. Theoretical concern about TGF-β-pathway agonism (TGF-β biology connects to fibrosis and tumour-microenvironment remodelling) is generally considered low at topical cosmetic concentrations but has not been formally characterised.
Regulatory status
- FDA status:
- Not FDA-approved
The thrombospondin-derived TGF-β-activation rationale is biologically interesting but the published evidence that topical Pal-KVK measurably activates TGF-β in human skin in vivo is industry-authored. Independent replication is limited.