What Is Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-4 Amide?
Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-4 Amide is a lab-made peptide that combines a short chain of three amino acids with palmitic acid, a fatty acid found in plants and animals. Tying the peptide to palmitic acid helps it blend well with the skin’s natural oils, making it easier to deliver its benefits. The amide ending on the molecule stabilizes the peptide so it stays active longer in a formula.
Peptides first gained popularity in skin care during the early 2000s when researchers discovered that certain chains of amino acids could signal the skin to look firmer and smoother. Chemists soon began adding a fatty acid “tail,” like palmitic acid, to boost penetration. Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-4 Amide is one of the latest results of that research, offering a stable, skin-friendly option for modern formulations.
The ingredient is produced through a two-step process. First, the tripeptide is built in a controlled lab setting using solid-phase peptide synthesis. Second, palmitic acid is attached to the N-terminus and the C-terminus is converted to an amide, creating a lipophilic peptide that is both stable and easy for skin to accept.
You will typically find Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-4 Amide in anti-aging serums, eye creams, sheet masks, daily moisturizers and after-sun treatments, where its soothing and conditioning properties can shine.
Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-4 Amide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This peptide brings more than one perk to a skin care formula.
- Skin conditioning: Helps skin feel softer and look smoother by supporting the surface layer and improving moisture retention
- Skin protecting: Forms a light shield that reduces everyday stress from the environment, helping guard against dryness and minor irritation
Who Can Use Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-4 Amide
This peptide is generally friendly to all skin types. Dry and mature skin benefit from its conditioning nature while normal and combination skin appreciate the lightweight feel. Even most sensitive or redness-prone complexions tolerate it well because it has a low irritation profile and lacks common triggers such as fragrance and alcohol. Extremely oily skin can also use it since the ingredient itself is non-greasy, though the overall richness of a finished formula may vary by brand.
Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-4 Amide is produced entirely in the lab using plant-derived palmitic acid and synthesized amino acids, so it is typically considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always, check the rest of the product’s ingredient list to confirm no animal-derived additives are present.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and the peptide is not known to penetrate deeply enough to cause systemic effects. That said, this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full product label to a healthcare professional before adding it to a routine.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it will not increase the risk of sunburn. Standard daily sunscreen use is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-4 Amide vary from person to person. The points below outline possible reactions, but most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or warmth at the application site
- Temporary itching or tingling as the product absorbs
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to peptides or fatty acids
- Breakouts in acne-prone skin if the finished product also contains heavy oils or occlusives
If any uncomfortable reaction develops, stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-4 Amide itself is a very small part of a formula and is used in low concentrations, usually below 2 percent. The palmitic acid tail does have some oil-like character, yet the whole molecule is still lightweight and easily absorbed. Most of the comedogenic risk in a finished product comes from richer carrier oils or heavy butters, not from this peptide. For that reason it earns a rating of 1, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores for the majority of users.
Acne-prone or breakout-prone skin can generally use products containing this peptide without extra worry. If bumps do appear, they are more likely linked to other ingredients in the formula.
Because the peptide is almost always paired with other actives, those with very reactive skin should look at the complete ingredient list to spot potential pore-clogging culprits such as coconut oil or high levels of silicones.
Summary
Palmitoyl Sh-Tripeptide-4 Amide is mainly valued for two jobs: conditioning the skin so it feels soft and smooth and forming a light protective film that helps fend off everyday stress. It pulls off these benefits by combining a signal-sending tripeptide with a palmitic acid tail that lets the molecule mingle with the skin’s natural lipids, improving delivery and staying power.
While not yet a household name, this peptide is gaining steady popularity in modern serums and eye creams thanks to its stability and gentle profile. Formulators like it because it plays well with other actives and does not require special handling.
Current research and real-world use show it to be low risk with only mild, short-lived side effects reported in rare cases. As with any new skin care product, it is wise to do a quick patch test first to be sure your skin is happy with the full formula.