{"title":"Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Dermaxyl™ Anti Aging Peptide","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 in Skincare?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePalmitoyl hexapeptide-12 is a six amino acid sequence (valine, glycine, valine, alanine, proline, glycine) attached to palmitic acid, a fatty acid that makes it more compatible with skin's oily outer layer. The amino acid sequence, VGVAPG, repeats naturally in elastin, the protein that gives skin its bounce. In skincare it is used in very small amounts for the look of firmer, smoother, more elastic skin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou will most often see it as part of Dermaxyl, a complex from Sederma (part of Croda) that pairs the peptide with a ceramide in an oil base. It was once listed as \"palmitoyl oligopeptide\" and is the same peptide sold in Sederma's Biopeptide EL.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Quick Facts\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProperty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eINCI name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (formerly Palmitoyl Oligopeptide)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDermaxyl complex INCI\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (and) Tribehenin (and) Ceramide NG (and) PEG-10 Phytosterol (and) Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon and trade names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePal-VGVAPG, Dermaxyl, Biopeptide EL, elastin matrikine\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSource\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMade in a lab by linking amino acids, then attaching palmitic acid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMolecular weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 737 daltons (C38H68N6O8, supplier data)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePure peptide is a powder; Dermaxyl is supplied as a liquid complex\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolubility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDermaxyl goes in the oil phase; the pure palmitoylated peptide is oil-loving\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTypical usage rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDermaxyl at 2% in Sederma's published cream formula (supplier data). The peptide itself is present at parts per million; the Cosmetic Ingredient Review lists typical use of this peptide group under 10 ppm.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFollow your supplier's data sheet; most peptide creams sit near skin pH (about 5 to 6)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSkin types\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNormal, dry, mature, and combination skin; sensitive skin with a patch test\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Works on the Skin\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAn elastin messenger\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePalmitoyl hexapeptide-12 belongs to a group called matrikines: short pieces of skin's own support proteins that act as signals. The idea comes from a 1984 laboratory study by Senior and colleagues, who found that the VGVAPG sequence from elastin attracted fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen and elastin) in a dish, with the best response at very low concentrations. That was a cell study, not a test on people, but it is the reason this sequence was chosen for cosmetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat studies on skin have measured\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHuman data on this exact peptide is limited, so it is worth being clear about what exists. A 2017 review by Schagen describes a one-month, double-blind supplier study on Biopeptide EL: 10 women aged 32 to 56 applied a light emulsion with 4% of the peptide solution or a placebo twice a day, and the supplier reported better elasticity, tone, and firmness. That is supplier data from a small group, not an independent clinical trial.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA 2025 laboratory study by Ligorio and colleagues, published in ACS Applied Bio Materials, tracked the peptide in full-thickness human skin samples. In that study, the peptide moved into the stratum corneum and epidermis, formed a soft gel with ions already in the skin, and changed the mechanical behavior of skin samples whose lipids had been stripped away. This was done on donated skin in the lab, not on volunteers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy the palmitic acid matters\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBare peptides are water-loving and have a hard time moving through skin's oily outer layer. Adding palmitic acid makes the molecule more lipid-friendly, which is the same approach used in Matrixyl 3000 (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 in Formulas\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKnow which material you have.\u003c\/strong\u003e Dermaxyl is a complex where the peptide is a tiny fraction of the total. A rate written for Dermaxyl does not apply to pure peptide powder, and the reverse.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhase:\u003c\/strong\u003e In Sederma's own cream formula (Youth Freshness Cream, SED1205013D), Dermaxyl is weighed into the oil phase with squalane and esters, heated to 85°C, then emulsified into the water phase. Follow your supplier's data sheet for heat limits on your specific lot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e That formula uses Dermaxyl at 2%. Sederma's full recommended range is not published publicly, so use the range on the technical data sheet that comes with your material and do not go above it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood partners:\u003c\/strong\u003e The same Sederma formula pairs it with Matrixyl 3000 at 3%. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane also fit well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the raw material cool, dark, and tightly closed. Finished products belong in airless or opaque packaging with a broad-spectrum preservative.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Suits\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is a fit for anyone who wants the look of firmer, more elastic skin, especially dry and mature skin where the bounce of the cheeks and jawline is the main concern. It is gentle, fragrance-free as a raw material, and does not cause the peeling linked to stronger actives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensitive skin:\u003c\/strong\u003e patch test any new formula on the inner arm for 24 hours, and start at the lowest rate in the supplier's range before working up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat does palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 do for skin?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePalmitoyl hexapeptide-12 is used for the look of firmer, more elastic, smoother skin. Its amino acid sequence copies a repeating piece of elastin that acted as a signal to skin cells in lab studies. Human data is limited to a small supplier study.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 the same as palmitoyl oligopeptide?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Palmitoyl oligopeptide was the older ingredient name for this peptide, and many labels and websites still use it. Some sources mix it up with palmitoyl tripeptide-1, which is a different peptide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 the same as Matrixyl 3000?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Matrixyl 3000 is palmitoyl tripeptide-1 plus palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, collagen-related signals. Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 is an elastin-related signal, and Sederma pairs the two in the same formulas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 safe?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded in 2018 that it is safe in cosmetics at the concentrations currently used. Typical use of this peptide group is under 10 parts per million. As with any new product, patch test first.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I use palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 with retinol or vitamin C?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, it can be layered with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and other peptides. Apply water-based serums first and oil-based peptide creams after. If a strong exfoliating acid is part of your routine, use it at a different time of day.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow much Dermaxyl should I use in a DIY formula?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSederma's published cream formula uses Dermaxyl at 2% in the oil phase. Use the range on the technical data sheet that comes with your material, because the full supplier range is not publicly listed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow long does palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 take to show results?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe supplier study described in a 2017 review ran for one month of twice-daily use. Plan on at least four to eight weeks of consistent use before judging any peptide product.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eShop Related Peptides\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSkin Perfection does not currently sell Dermaxyl. For a related matrikine peptide, see the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/matrixyl-3000\"\u003eMatrixyl 3000 Serum Booster\u003c\/a\u003e or the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/matrixyl-synthe-6-wrinkle-firming-filler\"\u003eMatrixyl Synthe-6 Serum Booster\u003c\/a\u003e, browse all \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/anti-aging-peptides\"\u003eanti-aging peptides\u003c\/a\u003e, read the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/matrixyl\"\u003eMatrixyl 3000 glossary entry\u003c\/a\u003e, or compare the options in our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/category\/compare-palmitoyl-tripeptides-to-matrixyl\"\u003epalmitoyl tripeptides vs Matrixyl\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSenior RM, Griffin GL, Mecham RP, Wrenn DS, Prasad KU, Urry DW. Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly, a repeating peptide in elastin, is chemotactic for fibroblasts and monocytes. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Cell Biology\u003c\/em\u003e. 1984;99(3):870-874. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1083\/jcb.99.3.870\"\u003edoi:10.1083\/jcb.99.3.870\u003c\/a\u003e (laboratory cell study)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLigorio C, Tavasoli E, Karaman-Jurukovska N, et al. Noninvasive Monitoring of Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 in Human Skin Layers: Mechanical Interaction with Skin Components and Its Potential Skincare Benefits. \u003cem\u003eACS Applied Bio Materials\u003c\/em\u003e. 2025. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acsabm.4c01816\"\u003edoi:10.1021\/acsabm.4c01816\u003c\/a\u003e (laboratory study on human skin samples)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSchagen SK. Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results. \u003cem\u003eCosmetics\u003c\/em\u003e. 2017;4(2):16. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/cosmetics4020016\"\u003edoi:10.3390\/cosmetics4020016\u003c\/a\u003e (review; reports a 10-person supplier study)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJohnson W, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Safety Assessment of Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-12, Their Metal Salts and Fatty Acyl Derivatives, and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 as Used in Cosmetics. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Toxicology\u003c\/em\u003e. 2018;37(3 suppl):90S-102S. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1091581818807863\"\u003edoi:10.1177\/1091581818807863\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCroda \/ Sederma, Matrixyl 3000 technical document: Youth Freshness Cream formula SED1205013D with Dermaxyl 2% (supplier data)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eMedChemExpress, Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 data sheet: sequence Pal-VGVAPG, molecular weight 736.98 (supplier data)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWritten by \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/about\"\u003eKari Thomas\u003c\/a\u003e, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What does palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 do for skin?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 is used for the look of firmer, more elastic, smoother skin. Its amino acid sequence copies a repeating piece of elastin that acted as a signal to skin cells in lab studies. Human data is limited to a small supplier study.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 the same as palmitoyl oligopeptide?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. Palmitoyl oligopeptide was the older ingredient name for this peptide, and many labels and websites still use it. Some sources mix it up with palmitoyl tripeptide-1, which is a different peptide.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 the same as Matrixyl 3000?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. Matrixyl 3000 is palmitoyl tripeptide-1 plus palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, collagen-related signals. Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 is an elastin-related signal, and Sederma pairs the two in the same formulas.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 safe?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded in 2018 that it is safe in cosmetics at the concentrations currently used. Typical use of this peptide group is under 10 parts per million. As with any new product, patch test first.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I use palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 with retinol or vitamin C?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, it can be layered with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and other peptides. Apply water-based serums first and oil-based peptide creams after. If a strong exfoliating acid is part of your routine, use it at a different time of day.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How much Dermaxyl should I use in a DIY formula?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Sederma's published cream formula uses Dermaxyl at 2% in the oil phase. Use the range on the technical data sheet that comes with your material, because the full supplier range is not publicly listed.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long does palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 take to show results?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The supplier study described in a 2017 review ran for one month of twice-daily use. Plan on at least four to eight weeks of consistent use before judging any peptide product.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0069\/7719\/1993\/collections\/225-7990936.jpg?v=1762819252","url":"https:\/\/www.naturalorganicskincare.com\/collections\/palmitoyl-hexapeptide-12-dermaxyl-anti-aging-peptide.oembed","provider":"Skin Perfection Natural and Organic Skin Care","version":"1.0","type":"link"}