Palmitoyl tripeptide-38
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 is a cosmetic lipopeptide included in multi-ingredient anti-aging serums. It is distinct from palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.
At a glance
- Regulatory status
- Cosmetic ingredient; cosmetic marketing or an ingredient listing is not FDA drug approval. Claims and intended use determine regulatory treatment.
- Research context
- Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 is a cosmetic lipopeptide included in multi-ingredient anti-aging serums. It is distinct from palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.
What this is
- Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 is a cosmetic lipopeptide included in multi-ingredient anti-aging serums. It is distinct from palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.
What this isn't
- A recommendation to use, prepare, combine, or administer a product
- Evidence that a related molecule or a differently formulated product has the same effects
Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 is a cosmetic lipopeptide included in multi-ingredient anti-aging serums. It is distinct from palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.
The ingredient is marketed around support for dermal matrix proteins. The reviewed study tested a complete serum containing this peptide, apple-derived extract, creatine and urea. Its cellular metabolism findings concern the formula, so they cannot identify the peptide as the cause. Primary report.
Evidence limits
How to read the evidence
Before-and-after improvement can reflect moisturization, other ingredients, measurement variability and expectation as well as the proposed peptide effect. The appropriate next evidentiary step is a controlled comparison that isolates the ingredient. The available paper does not establish broad tissue regeneration, durable reversal of skin aging or superiority to established skincare treatments.
Sources appraised 2026-10-28. Educational information; not medical advice. Study findings apply to the populations, preparations and outcomes described.
External sources and citations
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