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Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

What Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is & what it does

A signal peptide that helps calm the look of stressed skin and support firmness, often combined with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Matrixyl 3000). It smooths the look of lines.

What is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and what does it do in sunscreen?

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a signal peptide, a short chain of amino acids attached to a fatty (palmitoyl) group so it absorbs better into the skin's surface layers. In skincare it is used to help calm the look of stressed skin and support the appearance of firmness. It is often paired with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in the blend known as Matrixyl 3000, and in a sunscreen it is a supporting anti-ageing-feel ingredient rather than a UV filter.

Is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 safe?

Yes. Peptides like Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 are used at very low levels and are generally well tolerated, with a low risk of irritation. It is not flagged as a common allergen, and it works on the surface and upper layers of the skin rather than systemically. In a well-formulated product it is considered a gentle, low-risk ingredient.

Does Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 clog pores?

Generally no. It is used in tiny amounts and is not one of the classic pore-clogging ingredients. It has a fatty palmitoyl portion to aid absorption, but at the low levels used it is an unlikely cause of breakouts. The overall richness of a formula matters far more than this single peptide.

What does Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 do for skin?

It is a signal peptide marketed to help smooth the look of fine lines and support the appearance of firmer, calmer skin. It is most familiar from Matrixyl 3000, where it is combined with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1. These are cosmetic, appearance-focused benefits; the peptide conditions and supports the look of the skin rather than treating any condition.

Is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 vegan?

It is typically synthetic and made by joining amino acids to a palmitic-acid (fatty) group in the lab, so the peptide itself is not animal-derived. Whether a finished product is fully vegan depends on the other ingredients and the brand's sourcing, so check the label or the brand's claims if that matters to you.

Sunscreens with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

We rate 134 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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