Skin & aging Signal / anti-inflammatory peptide
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
Regulatory status
Status at a glance
503A compounding status
Not nominated
We found no pending nomination for the 503A bulks list. Unless the substance has another legal pathway (for example, a USP monograph or use in an FDA-approved drug), 503A pharmacies generally may not compound with it.
- Also known as
- Rigin
- FDA approval
- Not FDA-approved for any use
- 503B outsourcing
- Not determined
- Anti-doping (WADA)
- Not on the WADA Prohibited List
- DEA schedule
- Not a controlled substance
About peptide status
Most peptides discussed here are not FDA-approved for any use, and products labeled “research use only” are not for human use. Removal from Category 2 does not authorize compounding. PCAC votes are non-binding recommendations; FDA and HHS make the final decisions.
This is not medical or legal advice, and we do not publish dosing, sourcing or reconstitution information. Talk with a licensed clinician before using any peptide.
If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
Key takeaway
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is a fat-attached "signal" peptide, sold as Rigin and used as the second half of the Matrixyl 3000 blend. Laboratory work suggests it calms inflammatory signals in skin, with the idea that less low-grade inflammation means less breakdown of collagen over time, which is the basis for its use in soothing "anti-aging" products. As of 2026, the support is mainly laboratory and manufacturer data, with no independent human trial of the ingredient on its own.
At a glance
- What it is
- Cosmetic ingredient, a signal peptide (sold as Rigin, part of Matrixyl 3000)
- FDA status
- Does not require FDA approval, as a cosmetic ingredient rather than a drug
- Research
- Activity rests on laboratory and manufacturer data; independent single-ingredient human evidence is lacking
- Used in
- Soothing and "anti-aging" products for the look of calm, firm skin
- Evidence strength
- Low research
Summary
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (Rigin) is a skincare signal peptide. Learn how it works on inflammatory signals, what evidence exists, and its cosmetic status.
What is palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7?
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide of four amino acids (glycine, glutamine, proline, and arginine) joined to palmitic acid to help it penetrate the skin. Its peptide sequence derives from a fragment of immunoglobulin, an immune protein, which is why it is grouped with signal peptides that influence the skin's response rather than ones that directly build collagen. It is made by Sederma under the name Rigin and is the companion peptide to palmitoyl tripeptide-1 in Matrixyl 3000. It is a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug.
How does it work?
Laboratory studies describe palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 as a signal that reduces inflammatory activity in skin. In cell models it is reported to lower interleukin-6, a messenger involved in inflammation. The rationale is that chronic low-grade inflammation, sometimes called "inflammaging," drives the enzymes that break down collagen, so calming that signaling may help skin keep the appearance of firmness.
These are laboratory and manufacturer findings about the peptide's behavior, not a proven clinical outcome. In finished cosmetics the benefit is framed in appearance terms, such as a calmer, firmer, smoother look.
Is it FDA-approved?
Safety note
Status: Does not require FDA approval, as a cosmetic ingredient rather than a drug
Category: Cosmetic and topical · Primary body area: Skin & aging
No, and it does not need to be. The FDA does not pre-approve cosmetic ingredients. A cosmetic may describe how it affects the look and feel of skin, while a claim to treat inflammation or change the body's structure would make a product a drug. Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is used as a cosmetic ingredient, for the appearance of the skin.
What is it used for?
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is used in soothing and "anti-aging" serums and creams, typically paired with palmitoyl tripeptide-1 as Matrixyl 3000. The appearance goals are the look of calmer, less red skin and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, and it is often chosen for sensitive-skin formulas.
What does the research show?
Editor’s note
Evidence strength: Low research
Its mechanism is supported by laboratory data and its efficacy by manufacturer panels and a confounded combination study, with no sound independent human trial of the ingredient alone.
The direct human evidence is limited, for several reasons:
- According to PubMed, the peptide appears in a human study of a multi-peptide serum, but its effect cannot be separated from the other active ingredients.
- The specific efficacy data come largely from manufacturer in-use panels.
- An independent review notes that peptides of this type penetrate skin poorly, a practical limit on real-world performance.
- No independent single-ingredient human trial was found.
What are the side effects?
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential, and its soothing framing makes it common in gentle formulas. A patch test remains reasonable for sensitive skin, since individual reactions vary.
Sources: a clinical study of a multi-peptide serum (Li et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023, DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15849); and a review of peptide skin permeability (Mortazavi and Moghimi, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2022, DOI: 10.1111/ics.12770), both indexed on PubMed. This document is educational and does not constitute medical advice.
Registered human trials
0 registered human trials on ClinicalTrials.gov that we reviewed
Sources
- [1]
- [2]
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