Palmitoyl tripeptide-38

This ingredient links a three-amino-acid peptide to palmitic acid to aid skin delivery. Sederma developed the matrikine-style sequence to mimic skin-support-protein signals. Matrixyl synthe’6 is its own active ingredient, distinct from the Matrixyl 3000 pairing, and is a cosmetic rather than a medicine.

Manufacturer/laboratory studies propose stimulation of six matrix components: collagen I, III and IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and laminin. These support skin structure and cushioning, with a smoother/firmer-looking surface as the cosmetic goal. The synthe’6 name reflects the maker’s own six-component work, not an independently proven tissue-rebuilding treatment.

FDA does not preapprove most cosmetic ingredients. Claims about the look of wrinkles or skin texture are cosmetic claims; claims to rebuild bodily tissues can make the product a drug. Cosmetic use therefore should not be described as FDA approval of a medical repair effect.

Serums and creams target the appearance of forehead lines, crow’s-feet and overall wrinkles or a smoother/firmer appearance. One open-label human study used a serum containing the peptide with vitamins C and E and reported less roughness and better tone over about two months. Because vitamin C was present at a high concentration and there was no control group, the peptide’s individual contribution cannot be isolated. Remaining efficacy findings are manufacturer studies; no independent controlled single-ingredient trial was identified.

Supporting references: study.

The combination-serum study reported no notable adverse reactions, and the ingredient is generally described as well tolerated. That result belongs to the tested formulation. Sensitive or reactive skin can still benefit from patch testing before regular use.