Oligopeptides with Preclinically and/or Clinically Proven Efficacies
Pal-KTTKS
Pentapeptide-4 (Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser, KTTKS), a fragment derived from the carboxyl-terminus of type I procollagen (Katayama 1993). It has minimum sequence necessary for potent stimulation of ECM collagen biosynthesis. It had been shown to significantly augment the ECM through increased synthesis of collagen types I and III and fibronectin. When conjugated the pentapeptide to the 16-carbon fatty acid, palmitate, palmitoyl pentapeptide (pal-KTTKS) has been proven to be more effectively absorbed by the skin. When conjugated with ascorbic acid, pal-KTTKS exhibits synergistic increase in collagen biosynthesis relative to either compound alone (Choi 2009).
GEKG
Anti-ageing bioactive tetrapeptide Gly-Glu-Lys-Gly (GEKG) induces collagen production in vitro and in vivo at the transcriptional and translational levels. The topical application of GEKG increases skin elasticity and reduces wrinkle number and depth (Farwick 2011).
Hexapeptide-6
Hexapeptide Phe-Val-Ala-Pro-Phe-Pro, also known as peptamide-6, increases collagen synthesis. The mechanism involves upregulation of growth factors, matrix and heat shock proteins for an overall firming effect (Gorouhi 2009).
GHK
Tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK), a fragment of the alpha chain of collagen, possesses a high affinity for copper ions and forms the complex GHK-Cu. GHK-Cu induces collagen production, wound healing, and modulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in the dermis, leading to increased collagen remodeling (Simeon 2000).
GHK-Cu inhibits the activity of acute inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha. It can suppress scar-forming proteins like transforming growth factor-b1 from keloid-producing human fibroblasts via induction of vascular endothelial growth factor and FGF, thereby stimulates formation of new blood vessels and reestablishes blood flow to damaged tissues (Maquart 1988; Leyden 2002).
VGVAPG Hexapeptide Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly (VGVAPG) is a fragment of tropoelastin (Kanoun 1995). VGVAPG stimulates growth of various human skin fibroblast strains (Wachi 1995).
Disclaimer
Information on this website is summarized from published literatures for education purpose only. All molecular structures listed are for example purposes but not meant to be used as ingredients in cosmetic products.
For regulatory policy of each molecule and its use for cosmetic product, please refer to the released information of FDA or your local government. All information is provided for informational and marketing purposes only.