Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7

Pal-GQPR, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3 (former INCI name), Rigin (trade name of the single peptide), one half of the "Matrixyl 3000" blend

Skin & cosmetic

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Summary

Class: Synthetic lipopeptide: the tetrapeptide Gly-Gln-Pro-Arg, a fragment of the constant region of human immunoglobulin G, with a palmitic-acid tail
Mechanism: Reported to dampen production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory messenger that rises with age and UV exposure and drives collagen breakdown
Routes studied: Topical only
Dose range reported: As part of the Matrixyl 3000 blend at 3–8% of formula (roughly 0.003–0.01% active peptide); as Rigin, the ingredient manufacturer's single-peptide dossier used a similar range †
Half-life: Not applicable; no systemic data
Storage: Finished products: room temperature, protect from heat and light. Raw material: refrigerate
Regulatory status: Permitted cosmetic ingredient worldwide; no medicinal approval

Doses are as reported in studies or by the community — never recommendations.

1What it is

Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is a four-amino-acid sequence (GQPR) taken from immunoglobulin G — the most common antibody in human blood — and attached to a palmitic-acid tail for skin penetration. The sequence was chosen because fragments of this part of IgG had been reported to influence immune-cell signalling. On its own it was marketed as "Rigin" with claims around skin firmness and, oddly, around mimicking the effects of DHEA on skin. It is far better known as the anti-inflammatory half of the Matrixyl 3000 blend with palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (#181).

It is a synthetic cosmetic molecule; the parent sequence exists in the body but the lipopeptide does not.

2How it's thought to work

Lowering IL-6. In cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts stressed with UVB, pal-GQPR reduced IL-6 release in the manufacturer's experiments. IL-6 is one of the signals of "inflammageing" — the low-grade inflammation that increases matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and collagen loss.

Reducing glycation and matrix damage indirectly. By lowering inflammatory signalling, the peptide is claimed to slow the cycle of damage that pal-GHK is then meant to repair.

Penetration. As with #181, the palmitoyl tail is the delivery strategy, and the actual dermal concentration achieved is unknown.

A lipopeptide directed at the inflammatory side of ageing skin rather than at collagen directly; usually sold paired with palmitoyl tripeptide-1.Schematic — not to scale

3What the research shows

IL-6 reduction in cell culture

The ingredient manufacturer reports a reduction of UV-induced IL-6 release in keratinocytes and fibroblasts by pal-GQPR, cited widely in reviews (Lintner 2002; summarised in Schagen 2017 and Gorouhi & Maibach 2009). Not independently replicated in the peer-reviewed literature. [2][3]

Wrinkle and roughness reduction (blend)

The same two-month, placebo-controlled manufacturer study of the Matrixyl 3000 blend described under #181 applies; roughly two dozen volunteers, profilometry endpoints, 15–25% improvements claimed †. The two peptides were not tested separately in that study, so no effect can be attributed to pal-GQPR alone.

Graded B/—

Firmness and "DHEA-like" effects (Rigin alone)

The single-peptide dossier claimed improvements in skin firmness and elasticity in a small volunteer study; details have not appeared in the peer-reviewed literature. Treat as unverified manufacturer data.

Multi-peptide commercial products

Small open-label and split-face studies of finished products containing pal-GQPR among several actives report improved texture and reduced line counts over 8–12 weeks; none isolates the peptide.

4Reported side effects and interactions

Literature-reported

No sensitisation or irritation signal at cosmetic use levels in manufacturer safety testing and CIR-type assessments †.

Community-reported

essentially none attributable to the peptide; occasional stinging attributed to the formula.

Theoretical. an IgG-derived fragment that modulates cytokines raises the question of immune effects, but at trace topical concentrations with uncertain penetration there is no evidence of systemic immune activity.

Interactions. none established. Formulation incompatibility with very low pH and oxidising agents is the practical concern.

Markers researchers commonly monitor

No blood markers apply. As for #181:

Marker	Why it's watched
Standardised photographs every 2–4 weeks
Skin elasticity (cutometer) and profilometry where a clinic offers it	these were the trial endpoints.
Redness scoring or erythema index	relevant because the claimed mechanism is anti-inflammatory; a consistent photo under the same light is the practical version.
Forearm patch test before first use

Free for everyone. Safety information is never behind a paywall.

5Formulation and handling

Supplied to formulators as a solution of the two-peptide blend in a glycerin/water/carrier base, or occasionally as the single peptide. Used at 3–8% of finished formula per manufacturer guidance. Water-soluble; stable at pH ~5–7; added to the cool-down phase of emulsions because heat degrades it. End users do not it. No calculator applies.

6Commonly studied alongside

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (#181), palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl), acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), niacinamide (another IL-6/inflammation-modulating cosmetic active), GHK-Cu (#5).

Informational cross-links. Not stack recommendations.

7Regulatory status by region

Region	Status (checked —)
United States	Cosmetic ingredient; cosmetic claims only
European Union	CosIng-listed skin-conditioning agent; no restriction
United Kingdom	Same as EU
Australia	Permitted cosmetic ingredient
South Africa	Permitted in cosmetics
Sport (WADA)	Not listed

8Open questions

Has the IL-6 effect ever been shown in human skin (biopsy or suction-blister fluid)? Not published.
What does the peptide contribute beyond pal-GHK in the blend? Unknown — the two have never been compared head-to-head in a published trial.
Independent replication of any clinical claim.

9References

1Lintner K, Peschard O (2000). Biologically active peptides: from a laboratory bench curiosity to a functional skin care product. Int J Cosmet Sci. PubMed · DOI
2Gorouhi F, Maibach HI (2009). Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. PubMed · DOI
3Schagen SK (2017). Topical peptide treatments with effective anti-aging results. Cosmetics. DOI
4Lupo MP, Cole AL (2007). Cosmeceutical peptides. Dermatol Ther. PubMed · DOI
5Errante F et al. (2020). Cosmeceutical peptides in the framework of sustainable wellness economy. Front Chem. PubMed · DOI

† Being confirmed by our reviewers against current sources.

10Community

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Self-reported side effects Phase 2

Not enough data yet. 0 of the 50 members needed have logged this compound for 4+ weeks. We don't show anything below 50, so no one can be identified.

11Page history

31 Oct 2026Profile published — awaiting medical review

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