What Is Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-1 Amide?
Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-1 Amide is a lab-crafted ingredient that joins a short chain of three amino acids with palmitic acid, a fatty acid found in palm oil and many plant and animal fats. Chemists attach the palmitic acid to the peptide and cap the end of the chain with an amide group to make the molecule more stable and easier for skin to take in. The result is a small, skin-friendly compound that combines the water-loving nature of a peptide with the oil-loving nature of a fatty acid, helping it move through the outer layer of skin.
Peptide technology began making waves in skincare in the early 2000s when researchers saw that tiny protein fragments could signal skin to look and act younger. Adding a lipid tail, such as palmitic acid, was an early tweak that boosted absorption. Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-1 Amide soon found a home in premium anti-aging and hydration formulas because it could do the work of a humectant while also lending conditioning benefits.
Production starts with solid-phase peptide synthesis, a step-by-step method of building the tripeptide. After the peptide chain is complete, scientists react it with palmitic acid under controlled conditions then convert the C-terminal end into an amide. Purification and quality testing follow before the ingredient is shipped as a white to off-white powder ready to be blended into cosmetic bases.
You will most often spot Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-1 Amide in lightweight serums, eye creams, firming moisturizers, sheet masks, overnight treatments and high-performance anti-aging products that aim to smooth, plump and hydrate skin.
Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-1 Amide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking peptide supports both immediate hydration and long-term skin feel in a formula.
- Humectant: draws water from the environment and from deeper skin layers to the surface, giving skin a quick surge of moisture and a fresher look
- Skin Conditioning: helps soften and smooth skin over time, improving texture and making the surface feel supple
Who Can Use Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-1 Amide
This peptide is broadly compatible with dry, normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skin because it is gentle and water binding without a strong tendency to clog pores. Extremely acne prone users who react to fatty acids might want to check the overall formulation but the ingredient itself is considered low risk.
Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-1 Amide can be suitable for vegans and vegetarians when the palmitic acid comes from plant oils and the peptide is made through synthetic or fermentation methods. Because raw material sources vary it is best to confirm a brand’s supply chain if animal origin is a concern.
No specific restrictions exist for topical use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding and the molecule is unlikely to penetrate deeply enough to enter the bloodstream in meaningful amounts. This is not medical advice so anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run new skincare products past a health professional just to be safe.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity and can be used morning or night. It layers well with common actives such as vitamin C retinol niacinamide and exfoliating acids without known conflicts.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-1 Amide differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur even though most users experience none when the product is properly formulated.
- Mild irritation: slight stinging or warmth on first applications that usually subsides quickly
- Redness or flushing: temporary color change in the area of use
- Allergic contact dermatitis: itching rash or swelling in individuals sensitive to peptides or fatty acids
- Breakouts: uncommon clogging or pimples in those highly prone to acne if the finished product is very rich
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5. Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-1 Amide carries a single palmitic acid tail, yet it is used at very low percentages and is water soluble enough that it does not sit heavily on skin. In practice it has little tendency to block pores unless blended into an overly rich base. Most people prone to acne or breakouts can use it without problems. If breakouts do appear they are more likely caused by other emollients or occlusive agents in the finished formula rather than this peptide itself.
Summary
Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-1 Amide acts mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. The tripeptide portion attracts water for a quick boost in surface hydration while the attached palmitic acid helps the molecule slip through the outer skin barrier, letting it condition and smooth over time. It is not as widely known as superstar peptides like Matrixyl but it appears with modest frequency in mid to high-end serums, eye treatments and hydrating creams that want a light peptide boost without heavy oils.
Current safety data show the ingredient to be well tolerated with only rare irritation or pore clogging. As with any new skincare item it is smart to patch test first to ensure personal compatibility.