Tripeptide-1 is a type of synthetic peptide. In simple terms, peptides are fragments of proteins. They are formed when amino acids bond together. For example, when two amino acids are joined together by a single bond it is called a dipeptide. Three linked amino acids are a tripeptide, followed by tetrapeptides, etc. As the name indicates, tripeptide-1 is a three amino acid peptide with the amino sequence of glycine-histidine-lysine, or GHK.

Tripeptide-1 is categorized as a messenger peptide because it works by sending messages or signals to cells. Cells have the ability to communicate with each other to coordinate certain actions, which is known as cell-signaling. For instance, when collagen is degraded it produces peptides that signal skin cells to generate more collagen. Synthetic peptides like tripeptide-1 can mimic these naturally occurring peptides, thus causing your skin to “think” collagen is deteriorating. This results in new collagen production. Over time, increased collagen levels promotes firmer skin with less fine lines and wrinkles. For this reason, tripeptide-1 is primarily used in anti-aging skin care products.