What is Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12?
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (CAS: 171263-26-6), also known as Biopeptide EL, is a synthetic biomimetic lipopeptide composed of six amino acids with the sequence Pal-Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly (Pal-VGVAPG). It is the palmitoylated (lipidated) form of the elastin-derived VGVAPG hexapeptide – a fragment of the elastin protein that naturally occurs in the skin.
The palmitoyl chain (a fatty acid anchor) dramatically enhances skin penetration through the stratum corneum and improves compatibility with lipid-rich, anhydrous, or oil-in-water formulations. While non-lipidated VGVAPG is primarily used in research settings, the palmitoylated version is designed specifically for cosmetic formulation compatibility. The fatty acid anchor also provides a residence effect in the lipid-rich stratum corneum, extending bioavailability.
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 belongs to the Matrikine family of signal peptides – bioactive peptides derived from extracellular matrix proteins that signal cells to produce new matrix components. It specifically targets elastin receptors on fibroblasts, stimulating tropoelastin synthesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) elastin fiber production. The VGVAPG sequence activates fibroblasts to produce collagen I and III, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, resulting in improved skin elasticity, firmness, and tone.
Our Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Powder is manufactured through advanced Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) with palmitoylation, followed by rigorous HPLC purification, ensuring exceptional purity (≥98%), consistent batch-to-batch quality, and high bioactivity.
Key Features & Advantages
- Elastin-Targeting Signal Peptide – Derived from a fragment of elastin protein; specifically activates elastin receptors on fibroblasts to stimulate tropoelastin synthesis and ECM fiber production
- Enhanced Skin Penetration – Palmitoyl (lipid) chain dramatically improves penetration through the stratum corneum and provides a residence effect for extended bioavailability
- High Purity – Available in ≥98% and ≥95% purity (HPLC+MS) with full analytical documentation
- Matrikine Family Signal Peptide – Belongs to the Matrikine family, specifically involved in repairing age-related skin damage
- Excellent Formulation Compatibility – Oil-compatible version of the elastin-activating VGVAPG sequence; suitable for oil-based, anhydrous, and oil-in-water systems
- Multi-Pathway Anti-Aging – Stimulates collagen I and III, elastin, and hyaluronic acid synthesis; increases dermal thickness; improves skin firmness by up to 20%
- Clinically Proven Efficacy – 20% increase in skin firmness and 33% improvement in skin tone at 0.0004% in 1-month clinical studies
- Anti-Inflammatory Action – Reduces interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, decreasing skin matrix degradation common during skin aging
- Synthetic & Animal-Free – 100% synthetic production via SPPS; vegan and cruelty-free
- Regulatory Compliant – Listed in China's Inventory of Used Cosmetic Ingredients (IECIC) as Item No. 08739
Technical Specifications (Typical – ≥98% Grade)
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide EL) | - |
| CAS Number | 171263-26-6 | - |
| INCI Name | Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 | - |
| Synonyms | Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12; Biopeptide EL; Lipopeptide; Palmitoyl Oligopeptide | - |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₈H₆₈N₆O₈ | - |
| Molecular Weight | 736.98 – 737.0 g/mol | - |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Pal-Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly (Pal-VGVAPG) | - |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder | Visual |
| Assay (Purity) | ≥98.0% (HPLC) | HPLC |
| Purity (≥95% grade) | ≥95.0% (HPLC+MS) | HPLC + MS |
| Counter-Ion | TFA Salts (Acetate/HCl exchange available) | - |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, glycols, oils, DMSO | - |
| pH Stability Range | 4.0 – 7.5 | - |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5.0% | 105°C |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤2 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Total Plate Count | ≤100 CFU/g | USP <61> |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤10 CFU/g | USP <2021> |
| E. coli | Negative | USP <2022> |
| Salmonella | Negative | USP <2022> |
| Endotoxin Level | <0.1 ng/μg (1 EU/μg) | LAL Test |
Specifications are for reference. Please request the current COA for batch-specific data.
Key Skin Benefits
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a scientifically validated signal peptide with proven anti-aging and skin-firming efficacy. Here are the key highlights:
1. Boosts Elastin Production for Firmer, More Resilient Skin
- Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a fragment of elastin – the protein responsible for skin's ability to "snap back" after stretching.
- It activates elastin receptors on fibroblasts, stimulating tropoelastin synthesis and ECM elastin fiber production.
- This results in improved skin elasticity, firmness, and tone.
2. Stimulates Collagen Synthesis
- Promotes the synthesis of Type I and Type III collagen – the structural proteins that give skin its strength and support.
- Research indicates that Pal-VGVAPG can stimulate the synthesis of collagen I and III.
- This helps reduce wrinkles, improve skin thickness, and combat age-related skin thinning.
3. Clinically Proven Firmness & Tone Improvement
- In 1-month clinical studies at 0.0004% concentration, the active formulation demonstrated a 20.0% increase in skin firmness and a 33.0% improvement in skin tone compared to placebo.
- Formulations containing Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 demonstrated measurable improvements in skin elasticity parameters, including increased elastic recovery and reduced sagging.
4. Promotes Hyaluronic Acid & Skin Hydration
- Stimulates the proliferation of hyaluronic acid, improving skin's water content and hydration levels.
- Increases dermal thickness, reduces microgrooves (fine lines), and improves overall skin texture.
5. Reduces Inflammation & Protects Skin Matrix
- Effectively reduces interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels – a pro-inflammatory cytokine that accelerates skin aging.
- By reducing IL-6 production, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 decreases skin matrix degradation common during skin aging.
- This protects the skin's structural integrity and slows the aging process.
6. Repairs Age-Related Skin Damage
- Belongs to the Matrikine family of signal peptides, specifically involved in repairing age-related skin damage.
- Promotes fibroblast migration, proliferation, and matrix macromolecule synthesis (elastin, collagen).
- Stimulates cell communication and repairs age-related skin damage.
7. Strengthens & Repairs Skin Barrier
- Penetrates the skin's surface layer and enhances the barrier function of the lipid-deficient stratum corneum.
- Strengthens and repairs the skin barrier after delipidation.
- Suitable for compromised or sensitive skin types.
8. Accelerates Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
- Induces fibroblasts and monocytes to specific locations for wound repair and tissue renewal.
- Accelerates cell migration by up to 52%.
Applications
- Anti-Aging Serums & Ampoules – High-performance serums targeting loss of firmness, elasticity, and wrinkles.
- Firming & Elasticity Formulations – Products specifically designed to restore skin's bounce and resilience.
- Eye Contour Creams & Serums – Gentle yet effective formulations for the delicate eye area.
- Lip Plumping Treatments – Formulations targeting lip volume and firmness.
- Oil-Based & Anhydrous Anti-Aging Products – Serums and balms where oil-compatible peptides are preferred.
- Post-Procedure Repair Formulations – Products for use after laser, chemical peels, and microneedling.
- Daily Moisturizers & Creams – Preventative anti-aging products for all skin types.
- Professional Aesthetic Skincare – Clinical-strength products for professional and home use.
- Combination Products – Formulations combining Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 with collagen-stimulating signal peptides for comprehensive anti-aging benefits.
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FAQ
Q: What is Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide EL)?
A: Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (Biopeptide EL) is a synthetic biomimetic lipopeptide composed of six amino acids with the sequence Pal-Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly (Pal-VGVAPG). It is the palmitoylated form of an elastin-derived peptide fragment that activates elastin receptors on fibroblasts to stimulate tropoelastin synthesis and improve skin elasticity and firmness.
Q: How does Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 differ from other signal peptides?
A: Unlike collagen-targeting peptides, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 specifically targets elastin – the protein responsible for skin's elasticity and "snap-back" ability. It is derived from a fragment of the elastin protein itself and activates elastin receptors on fibroblasts. It belongs to the Matrikine family of signal peptides, which are derived from extracellular matrix proteins.
Q: What clinical evidence supports its efficacy?
A: In 1-month clinical studies at 0.0004% concentration, the active formulation demonstrated a 20.0% increase in skin firmness and a 33.0% improvement in skin tone compared to placebo. It also accelerates cell migration by up to 52%.
Q: Is Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 approved for cosmetic use in China?
A: Yes. It is listed in the Inventory of Used Cosmetic Ingredients (2021 Edition) as Item No. 08739. It is not classified as a prohibited substance under the Cosmetic Safety Technical Specification (2015 Edition).
Q: Is the product suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
A: Yes. Our Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is 100% synthetic, produced via Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS). No animal-derived ingredients are used.
Q: Does it contain allergens?
A: Our Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Powder is free from major allergens including gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. Allergen declarations are available upon request.
Q: What is the solubility of Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12?
A: Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is soluble in water, glycols, oils, and DMSO. The palmitoyl chain makes it particularly compatible with oil-based, anhydrous, and oil-in-water formulations.
Q: What are the recommended usage levels?
A: Recommended usage varies by application:
- Anti-aging serums: 0.5% – 2%
- General leave-on products: 0.0004% – 0.05% (clinical efficacy demonstrated at 0.0004%)
- General range: 0.01% – 0.5%
- Maximum IECIC-listed use level: 3% (leave-on body products)
Q: At what stage should Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 be added to formulations?
A: Add during the cooling phase (below 40°C – 45°C) at the final stage of formulation to preserve peptide bioactivity.
Q: What is the optimal pH range for stability?
A: Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is stable at pH 4.0 – 7.5. Avoid mixing with strongly acidic (pH <3) or strongly alkaline (pH >9) ingredients, as this may affect peptide stability.
Q: What ingredients work well with Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12?
A: Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 works synergistically with:
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or retinol derivatives – Enhanced anti-aging synergy
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3) – Improved skin radiance and evenness
- Hyaluronic acid and ceramides – Enhanced hydration and barrier support
- Collagen-stimulating signal peptides (e.g., Matrixyl, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) – Comprehensive ECM support
- Pro-xylane (Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol) – Anti-wrinkle synergy
Q: What should be avoided when formulating with Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12?
A: Avoid:
- Strongly acidic (pH <3) or strongly alkaline (pH >9) conditions
- High concentrations of metal ions (e.g., zinc sulfate) – may cause precipitation
Q: Is Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 heat-stable?
A: Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 should be added during the cooling phase (below 40°C – 45°C) to avoid thermal degradation. Lyophilized powder should be stored refrigerated (2°C – 8°C).
Q: How should Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Powder be stored?
A: Store at 2°C – 8°C (refrigerated) for short-term storage. For long-term storage (months to years), keep at -20°C. Protect from light and moisture. Under these conditions, the product maintains quality for 24 months.
Q: What is the difference between Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 and Hexapeptide-12 (non-palmitoylated)?
A: Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is the lipidated (palmitoylated) version of the elastin-derived VGVAPG hexapeptide. The palmitoyl chain dramatically enhances skin penetration through the stratum corneum and improves compatibility with lipid-rich formulations. Non-lipidated VGVAPG is primarily used in research settings, while the palmitoylated version is designed specifically for cosmetic formulation compatibility and efficacy.
How To Contact Us?
For bulk inquiries, samples, or custom specifications, please contact our sales team. We look forward to partnering with you for high‑quality Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Powder that meets your exact requirements.
If you need this product for your product lines, please get in touch with us at ella.zhang@huilinbio-tech.com.
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