Syn-Coll (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5) 200mg (Topical)

Syn-Coll (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5) 200mg

Syn-Coll is a synthetic peptide that increases collagen type I production. Syn-Coll has been shown in animal models to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help to firm and moisturize the skin. It is thought to work through stimulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) [1].

Research Application

Syn-Coll is currently under investigation for its ability to boost the synthesis of type I and type III collagen. Type I collagen is found in skin, bone, and muscle. Type III collagen is found in is found in the skin, lungs, and vascular system. Animal studies suggest that Syn-Coll may able to boost skin strength, promote wound healing, increase vascular supply to skin, and improve skin hydration by increasing the production of collagen.

What Is Syn-Coll

Syn-Coll (Palmitoyl-Lys-Val-Lys), also called tripeptide-5 or palmitoyl tripeptide-5, is a synthetic peptide that mimics a sequence of the protein thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1). Animal studies indicate that Syn-Coll can aid in the prevention of collagen degradation by activating TGF-ẞ through TSP-1 [2].

What Does Syn-Coll Do?

Syn-Coll mimics the effects of TSP-1, a naturally occurring molecule that increase TGF-β activity. TGF-ẞ, in turn, causes a persistent increase in the amounts of type I and type III collagen that dermal (skin) fibroblasts produce. In animal studies, Syn-Coll increases collagen production by 2-3 fold over baseline levels. The effects appear to last for about 72 hours before starting to diminish [3].

TSP-1 is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, so it is found next to collagen and elastin in the skin. Specific parts of TSP-1 (the parts harvested for use in Syn-Coll) activate latent TGF-β. In animal models and laboratory experiments using human dermal fibroblasts grown in tissue culture, TSP-1 acts locally to improve wound healing. It is also thought to be active in the post-natal development of skin structures [4].

Syn-Coll is also thought to deactivate matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 3 (MMP1 and MMP3), enzymes that are prominent in the destruction of collagen. These enzymes play a role in the natural recycling of collagen as it ages, but can be dramatically upregulated in inflammatory states. This can lead to premature skin damage and the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and more.

Syn-Coll Research on Reducing the Appearance of Wrinkles

The holy grail of cosmeceutical science that focuses on skin is to boost collage health. This can be done by increasing collagen production or reducing collagen breakdown. Very few things can increase collagen synthesis, but animal studies indicate that Syn-Coll may increase collagen synthesis by as much as 119%. In vitro studies further indicate that Syn-Coll can prevent collagen breakdown by interfering with MMP1 and MMP3 collagen degradation. Syn-Coll thus packs a one-two punch that not only boosts collagen synthesis, but decreases collage breakdown. The net result is that Syn-Coll is roughly 3.5 times more effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles than placebo [5]. It is thought to be 60% more effective than palmitoyl pentapeptide [6].