THE 30-SECOND OVERVIEW
At a glance
PAL-GHK (Palmitoyl-Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine) is a GHK (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) peptide, combined with palmitic acid, to help make the compound more lipid soluble so that it penetrates the skin barrier more effectively when used in topical skin formulations.
Why Combine PAL and GHK?
Skin Penetration
Palmitoylation (combining palmitic acid with the peptide) is meant to increase the stability of GHK while also supporting its penetration through the skin barrier, helping the peptide get where it needs to go.
Skin-Supporting
GHK is a tripeptide that has been studied for its benefits in supporting the natural skin renewal process, resulting in a more refreshed appearance and an even complexion with a healthy skin barrier function.
Gentle for Daily Use
Most people, even with sensitive skin, can tolerate PAL-GHK well when applied to the skin in appropriate concentrations, making it a great addition to a skincare routine focused on skin firming.
More About PAL-GHK
- Formal Name: N-(1-oxohexadecyl)glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine
- Synonyms: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, C16-GHK, C16-GK-3
- Chemical Formula: C₃₀H₅₄N₆O₅
- CAS Number: 147732-56-7
- Molecular Weight: 578.8 g/mol
Research on PAL-GHK
PAL-GHK is a peptide that's been chemically altered to help with skin permeability. Scientists have studied it to determine how it can help the skin appear smoother, firmer, and overall healthier.
Here are some of the highlights of the research so far:
GHK Has Skin-Regenerative Properties
PAL-GHK is a lipid-modified version of the GHK peptide, originally isolated from human plasma and known to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis to support fine lines, wrinkles, and wound healing [1].
PAL-GHK Has Improved Skin Absorption
Combining GHK with PAL (fatty acid) helps improve its penetration through the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin), allowing the compound to better absorb into the skin and exert its effects [2].
Dual-Action Skin Support
PAL-GHK supports extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and tissue turnover like GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide). Still, PAL-GHK has also been found to support the degradation of damaged matrix protein, which is important for anti-aging [2].
Shown Improvements in Photoaged Skin
Sun damage wreaks havoc on the skin, leading to premature signs of aging, such as spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Topical GHK-Cu and its derivatives, such as PAL-GHK, have shown improvements in skin sagging, wrinkle reduction, and increased skin thickness in cosmetic studies in humans [3].
What to Know About PAL-GHK For Sale
You can buy PAL-GHK online in either a pure powder or solution format, but it's usually indicated as "for research purposes only" because these aren't finished products. This is a common practice among peptide suppliers that don't produce under cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions.
It's not an easy product to purchase because the compound isn't stable in this pure form, meaning it needs to be kept in stable conditions, which isn't very practical for personal use. For instance, PAL-GHK requires cold storage (-15 to -20°C), and avoiding exposure to light, moisture, and oxygen can cause it to degrade quickly.
Can You Buy PAL-GHK-Cu?
You typically can't buy PAL-GHK-Cu (the copper-bound version of Palmitoyl-GHK) as a standalone ingredient, at least not for cosmetic or consumer use. This is because of stability issues. The copper component can be reactive and degrade quickly if not properly stabilized.
Most skincare products that claim to offer copper peptide benefits use GHK-Cu or PAL-GHK, relying on the body to bind copper naturally after application.
Look For Professionally Formulated Skin Care with PAL-GHK
Buying raw PAL-GHK to mix into your cream isn't recommended unless you have lab-grade equipment and can handle pH control, solubilization, and proper sterile techniques.
Because PAL-GHK requires such careful handling, formulation is crucial to maximizing the benefits of this ingredient.
In skincare products, PAL-GHK is typically stabilized with antioxidants like vitamin E or ferulic acids or lipid carriers like liposomes to improve the integrity and shelf-life of the compound.
Mixing PAL-GHK with Other Active Ingredients
You can use PAL-GHK with other active ingredients. Retinol and vitamin C are common anti-aging compounds, but it's good to know how to combine these actives safely.
PAL-GHK and retinol work well together. Retinol can cause dry or sensitive skin, and PAL-GHK may help calm and repair the skin. You can use them simultaneously (PAL-GHK goes on after retinol), or apply them on different nights if your skin is sensitive.
Vitamin C and PAL-GHK can also work together, but it depends on the type of vitamin C.
Some forms are strong and can irritate your skin if mixed. The easiest way is to use vitamin C in the morning and PAL-GHK at night — just be gentle and see what works best for your skin.
Resources
- Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J. M., & Margolina, A. (2015). GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. BioMed Research International, 2015(1), 648108.
- Chou, T. H., Lin, C. H., & Chang, J. Y. (2024). The impact of palmitoyl glycyl-histidyl-lysine on phospholipid model membranes. Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 160, 105289.
- Mortazavi, S. M., Vadoud, S. A. M., & Moghimi, H. R. (2024). Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective. BioImpacts: BI, 15, 30071.
