Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is a lipopeptide that stimulates collagen production. It's one of two peptides in the Matrixyl 3000 complex, working synergistically with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.
Full details →SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31, also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia, is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide. It has been studied extensively for mitochondrial diseases, heart failure, and age-related decline in mitochondrial function.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 500 mcg–2 mg | 20 mg–40 mg |
| Frequency | 2x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–12 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Route | topical | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Mimics the skin's own mechanism for producing collagen by acting as a messenger peptide that signals fibroblasts to produce more collagen and other extracellular matrix components. | Concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it binds to cardiolipin, stabilizing electron transport chain function, reducing reactive oxygen species, and improving ATP production efficiency. |
| Typical Dosage | Topical: Typically 2-4% in serums, often combined with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 as Matrixyl 3000. | Clinical trials have used IV infusions of 0.25mg/kg for acute conditions. Subcutaneous dosing protocols for research use typically range from 1-5mg daily. |
| Administration | Topical application 1-2 times daily. The palmitoyl group enhances skin penetration compared to non-lipidated versions. | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. |
| Side Effects | Very well-tolerated. Suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin. | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, SS-31 (Elamipretide) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1:
Unique to SS-31 (Elamipretide):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Anti-Aging & Longevity: SS-31 (Elamipretide) has stronger research support.
| Goal | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Aging & Longevity | medium | high |
Key Studies
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
- Elamipretide: First Approval.
Drugs, 2026
- Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction With Elamipretide (SS-31) Improves Skeletal Muscle Performance in a HFpEF Rat Model.
Circulation. Heart failure, 2026
- Elamipretide (SS-31) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Combination Therapy Targets TREM2 to Mitigate Post-ischemic Brain Injury in Mice.
Neurochemical research, 2026
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