Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Cosmetic / Skin Barrier

Also known as: Pal-VGVAPG, Biopeptide EL

Cosmetic PeptidesResearch phase: Cosmetic ingredientRegulatory: Cosmetic ingredient. Not a drug. Not evaluated by FDA.

Mechanism

Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 is a cosmetic peptide designed to stimulate elastin production and improve skin barrier function.

Technical detail

Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 is a lipopeptide incorporating a Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly sequence derived from the elastin repeat region. It stimulates elastin gene expression in dermal fibroblasts and promotes skin barrier restoration. Used in anti-aging formulations targeting skin firmness and elasticity.

Evidence

  • Noninvasive Monitoring of Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 in Human Skin Layers: Mechanical Interaction with Skin Components and Its Potential Skincare Benefits.

    Ligorio C, Karaman-Jurukovska N, Ittycheri A, Kotowska AM, Khan MH, Scurr DJ, Gupta SA, Moogan LV, Emmetsberger J, Lu F, German GK, Mammone T, Mata A (2025) — ACS Applied Bio Materials — PMID: 39964201

    Using OrbiSIMS, stimulated Raman scattering, ex vivo full-thickness human skin, and complementary in vitro assays, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 was shown to penetrate the stratum corneum and epidermis, self-assemble with endogenous ions, and improve barrier repair and skin mechanical properties after delipidation. This supports plausible topical barrier and anti-aging utility while remaining mechanistic rather than patient-outcome evidence.

    emerging
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