I. Basic Product Information

Chinese name: Palmitoyl dipeptide-7

English name: Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7 (also known as Pal-KT, Palestrina)

CAS Number: 911813-90-6

Molecular formula: C₂₆H₅₁N₃O₅

Molecular weight: 485.7 g/mol

Amino acid sequence: Pal-Lys-Thr (palmitoyl-lysine-threonine), which is one of the shortest lipopeptides known to possess anti-aging effects.

Specification: White powder (purity ≥95%–98%)

Solubility: Due to the presence of a palmitic acid (hexadecylic acid) lipophilic group attached at the N-terminus, it exhibits excellent lipophilicity, enabling easy penetration through the skin lipid barrier and reaching the dermis to exert its therapeutic effects.

Storage conditions: Store sealed and protected from light in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C; for long-term storage, it is recommended to freeze at-20°C.

II. Core Efficacy and Mechanism of Action

Palmitoyl dipeptide-7 is a signaling peptide whose sequence replicates the core active fragment of the renowned Matrixyl™ pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) (palmitoyl-lysine-threonine), exhibiting similar collagen synthesis-promoting properties and demonstrating superior activity compared to other test peptides in human fibroblast assays.Its core efficacy is manifested in the following four dimensions:

Powerful collagen and ECM component promoter: As a signal peptide, palmitoyl dipeptide-7 activates signaling pathways within fibroblasts, directly promoting the synthesis of type I collagen, type IV collagen, and fibronectin, while also increasing the production of elastin, hyaluronic acid, and glycosaminoglycans.These matrix proteins are key components essential for maintaining skin structural integrity and elasticity; increased synthesis of these proteins significantly improves skin texture.

Tightening and wrinkle reduction with inhibition of collagen degradation: This component suppresses the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), blocks the degradation pathway of collagen, and promotes tighter collagen alignment.After 28 days of use, the cream containing a signal peptide demonstrated a 22% improvement in skin firmness and an 18% increase in stratum corneum moisture content.

Barrier repair and hydration enhancement: Palmitoyl dipeptide-7 promotes the breakdown of filaggrin into natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), simultaneously activates type XVII collagen, strengthens the epidermis–dermis junction (DEJ), enhances skin barrier function, and improves water retention capacity.

Accelerating wound healing and skin regeneration: Genetic analysis studies have demonstrated that Pal-KT also modulates gene expression associated with wound healing and skin recovery by regulating cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, thereby promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged skin (e.g., sunburns and acne scars).

III. Recommended Addition Ratios and Application Scenarios

The palmitoyl dipeptide-7 formulation exhibits excellent compatibility and can be applied in various dosage forms including serums, creams, lotions, eye creams, and masks.It is recommended to add it during the post-formulation stage under low-temperature conditions below 40°C.According to the "Information on Raw Material Usage of Approved Products," the maximum historical usage rate for retention products is 0.2%.

Daily anti-aging serum/cream: Recommended concentration is 0.01%–0.1% (based on pure powder).As a key anti-aging ingredient in daily skincare routines, its morning and evening application effectively promotes collagen synthesis while enhancing skin elasticity and firmness.

Eye care (eye cream/eye serum): The recommended application concentration is 0.05%–0.2%.For fine wrinkles and skin laxity around the eyes, it delivers a gentle yet effective wrinkle-reducing and firming effect.

High-end intensive repair/anti-wrinkle products: Recommended concentration is 0.1%–0.2%.As a high-concentration active ingredient, it effectively addresses deep wrinkles and enhances the quality of skin support tissues.

When used in combination with Matrixyl™: Palmitoyl dipeptide-7 is often employed alongside Matrixyl™ (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) to create a dual anti-aging matrix that promotes tissue regeneration while inhibiting degradation, demonstrating significant efficacy in tightening skin texture, smoothing surfaces, and restoring vitality.

IV. Formulation Recommendations and Safety Compliance

Optimal combination of gold: It can be formulated with nicotinamide (vitamin B3) to achieve synergistic effects, providing optimal anti-aging benefits even at the lowest concentrations; when combined with hyaluronic acid, it enhances moisturizing and volumizing effects; when paired with vitamin C derivatives, it improves antioxidant activity and collagen synthesis efficiency (the combination with vitamin C increases collagen synthesis efficiency by 35%).

Compatibility advantage: The palmitoyl modification of palmitoyl dipeptide-7 confers excellent lipophilicity, enabling it to penetrate the skin barrier without the need for additional permeabilizers and resulting in high bioavailability.

Safety Compliance: According to the safety assessment of cosmetic ingredients, this component is not a prohibited substance and is listed in the *Catalog of Used Cosmetic Ingredients (2021 Edition)* (No.08728). The maximum historical usage concentration for retention-based products is 0.2%.At a concentration of 0.05%, the irritation index is only 0.3 (more mild than that of normal saline) and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

V. Application Fields and Brand Usage Demonstration

Palmitoyl dipeptide-7, as a classic signal peptide raw material, is widely used in high-end anti-aging skincare products, encompassing various formulations such as facial serums, creams, eye creams, and sunscreens.In terms of brand adoption, this ingredient has been utilized by numerous internationally renowned brands.

SK-II's flagship products—including the Myogenic Repair & Revitalizing Eye Cream, Premium Anti-Wrinkle Repair Essence Lotion, Golden Diamond Ultimate Enhancement Repair Eye Cream, and Golden Diamond Ultimate Enhancement Repair Cream—all contain palmitoyl dipeptide-7.

OLAY Pro-X: products including the Muscle Origin Youthful Skin Care Line – Wrinkle-Relieving Essence Lotion, Muscle Origin Youthful Eye Cream, and Muscle Origin Youthful Sunscreen Foundation.

ODC: Products such as Facial Revitalizing & Wrinkle-Relieving Firming Essence and Firming & Wrinkle-Correcting Facial Essence Lotion.

No7 (Bozhi): A mild wrinkle-reducing eye cream formulated with the Matrixyl 3000 peptide combination (a synergistic system of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7).