Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a cosmetic matrikine. The peptide portion corresponds to a repeating motif of elastin, and fragments of this kind act as matrikines signalling matrix turnover to dermal fibroblasts. The palmitoyl chain increases lipophilicity to aid passage through the stratum corneum.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- 171263-26-6
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- 737 g/mol
- Half-life
- —
- FDA status
- Not Approved
- Administration Route
- topical
- Frequency
- —
- Last updated
- Aug 30, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
Research summary
Palmitoylated hexapeptide used in topical anti-ageing formulations, frequently combined with other matrikines. Regulated as a cosmetic ingredient; not FDA-approved as a drug.
Peptide Library's Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 profile summarises 5 cited studies listed in the Science section, the compound's regulatory status, and research-protocol parameters reported for it. It is a research reference, not medical advice.
Protocol
- Dosage Range
- —
- Frequency
- —
- Cycle
- —
- Administration Route
- topical
- Reconstitution Guide
- —
Sequence & molecular data
| Molecular formula | C38H68N6O8 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 737 g/mol |
| CAS number | 171263-26-6 |
| PubChem CID | 10212452 |
| FDA UNII | HO4ZT5S86C |
Identifiers link to the public PubChem, FDA Substance Registration (UNII), ChEMBL and DrugBank records for the same entity.
Science
Mechanism of Action
The peptide portion corresponds to a repeating motif of elastin, and fragments of this kind act as matrikines signalling matrix turnover to dermal fibroblasts. The palmitoyl chain increases lipophilicity to aid passage through the stratum corneum. Supplier data describes stimulation of extracellular matrix protein synthesis; independent controlled studies of the isolated ingredient are scarce.
Studies
- Noninvasive Monitoring of Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 in Human Skin Layers: Mechanical Interaction with Skin Components and Its Potential Skincare Benefits
- A framework for the safety evaluation of peptides in cosmetics
- Skin tissue repair: Matrix microenvironmental influences (class-level evidence)
- Prediction, screening and characterization of novel bioactive tetrapeptide matrikines for skin rejuvenation (class-level evidence)
- Matrikines and matricryptins: Implications for cutaneous cancers and skin repair (class-level evidence)
Regulatory & research status
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is not an FDA-approved product. It is sold for laboratory research and has no approved medical use.
| FDA status | Not Approved |
|---|---|
| Research status | Research-only compound; no approval pathway listed |
| Availability | OTC / Supplement |
| WADA (sport) | Unknown / Not Listed |
| Library classification | Research-Only |
Benefits
—
Potential Side Effects
No side effects listed yet for this entry.
Storage & stability
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder is far more stable than the reconstituted solution. Keep sealed vials cold, dry and away from light; long-term storage is typically frozen, with short-term refrigeration for vials in use.
Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and agitation, and label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration. Discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particulates.
Degradation rates differ by sequence: peptides containing methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine are more prone to oxidation and deamidation, so shelf life after reconstitution is compound-specific rather than universal.
Cosmetic peptides in this library are formulated into topical products; follow the product label rather than the reconstitution guidance above.
Read the full guide: how to store peptides before and after reconstitution →
Source: Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, Payne RW, Katayama DS. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544–575. (PMID 20143256). General guidance for research handling; not product-specific instructions.
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12: frequently asked questions
What is Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12?
Palmitoylated hexapeptide used in topical anti-ageing formulations, frequently combined with other matrikines. Regulated as a cosmetic ingredient; not FDA-approved as a drug.
How does Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 work?
The peptide portion corresponds to a repeating motif of elastin, and fragments of this kind act as matrikines signalling matrix turnover to dermal fibroblasts. The palmitoyl chain increases lipophilicity to aid passage through the stratum corneum.
Is Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 FDA approved?
No. Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is not approved by the FDA for any indication and is categorised as otc / supplement. It has not been reviewed for safety or efficacy as a medicine, and published research should be read as investigation rather than established use.
What peptides are similar to Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12?
Compounds most often compared with Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 include Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Decapeptide-12 and Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17. They are grouped by shared mechanism or research area rather than by equivalence, and their regulatory status and evidence base differ.
References
- Noninvasive Monitoring of Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 in Human Skin Layers: Mechanical Interaction with Skin Components and Its Potential Skincare Benefits — ACS Appl Bio Mater, 2025External reference
- A framework for the safety evaluation of peptides in cosmetics — Curr Res Toxicol, 2026External reference
- Class-level evidence — Skin tissue repair: Matrix microenvironmental influences — Matrix Biol, 2016External reference
- Class-level evidence — Prediction, screening and characterization of novel bioactive tetrapeptide matrikines for skin rejuvenation — Br J Dermatol, 2024External reference
- Class-level evidence — Matrikines and matricryptins: Implications for cutaneous cancers and skin repair — J Dermatol Sci, 2005External reference
Related research, comparisons & guides
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Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial · Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 · Updated Aug 30, 2026 · Version 1
This Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 profile is compiled from published literature (5 cited studies linked above), public regulatory records and chemical registries. It describes what research reports; it is not medical advice, and nothing here is a dosing recommendation for humans. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled · Report an error
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