Skin & cosmetic
A lash-and-brow peptide that encourages hair follicles to grow longer, fuller eyelashes and eyebrows.
Start here
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is a cosmetic peptide applied topically to encourage eyelash and eyebrow growth. It is a short chain of five amino acids attached to a fatty acid (myristic acid) that helps it reach the hair follicle, where it stimulates production of keratin — the protein lashes and brows are made of. Human evidence is limited, though lash lengthening of up to 25% has been observed in 14 days. It is a cosmetic ingredient, not an approved drug.
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is a short peptide joined to myristic acid, a fatty acid that helps it slip through the skin's outer barrier. Once inside, it acts as a messenger that switches on the skin's repair machinery, prompting cells to make more of the structural proteins — such as collagen — that keep skin firm and resilient.
Myristoyl-pentapeptide-17 is a five-amino-acid signal peptide joined to myristic acid (a 14-carbon fatty acid) that helps it get through the skin barrier and wake up fibroblasts (skin cells that make collagen). The myristoyl fat part helps it settle into the stratum corneum (the skin's outer layer) and the fatty membranes of the deeper skin, so it is delivered better than the parent water-loving (hydrophilic) peptide. The five-amino-acid sequence activates fibroblast receptors and growth-factor-like signaling, increasing production of type I and III collagen, elastin (the stretchy protein in skin), and remodeling of the dermal ECM (extracellular matrix, the scaffold between skin cells). Myristoyl-pentapeptide-17 supports wound healing and tissue repair by boosting fibroblast growth and collagen deposition, which makes it useful in both anti-aging and skin recovery products.
Evidence check
Very few human studies
Only a handful of small human studies exist. Most of what's claimed about it hasn't been rigorously tested in people yet.
Every numbered marker on this page links to one of the 6 sources at the bottom.
Eyelash Growth
Clinical observations show 25% lash length increase in 14 days and up to 72% by 6 weeks through targeted keratin gene stimulation in follicular cells.
Hair Strengthening
Enhanced keratin synthesis increases hair shaft structural integrity, reducing lash breakage and improving overall resilience.
Safety Profile
Exceptional safety record with no iris pigmentation changes, periorbital fat loss, or serious adverse effects — unlike prostaglandin-based alternatives.
The most-asked question
The research-reported range is 0.001–0.1 %, once daily.
Eyelash/eyebrow growth
0.001-0.1% in the finished serum (supplied as a 0.1% / 1000 ppm (parts per million) active solution)
Cosmetic lash/brow active applied to the lash line; typical eye-area use concentrations and the 1000 ppm supplier solution define the formulation dose 6. Topical only; not dosed systemically (affecting the whole body).
The ceiling: 0.15% (as determined by your healthcare provider based on individual response and tolerance)
Reconstitution, in plain words
Peptides usually arrive as a freeze-dried powder in a small vial. “Reconstitution” just means adding sterile water back in so you can measure a dose. Here's how it works for Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17:
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 comes in pre-measured doses or forms. Follow the exact dosing instructions on your prescription label. No reconstitution or mixing is typically required for this formulation.
Use Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 exactly as prescribed. Each unit contains the labeled amount. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and response.
Three quick questions — your vial, your water, your dose — and it tells you the exact syringe mark. “Find dose amount” is preloaded with Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17's recorded schedule.
Timing
Apply Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 to clean, dry skin. For best results, use consistently at the same time(s) each day. Evening application is often preferred to allow overnight absorption, unless otherwise directed.
As a topical product, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is not affected by food intake. Apply to clean skin and allow adequate absorption time before covering the area.
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
The honest list
These show up most often. They usually fade as your body adjusts.
Slight tingling sensation upon application, particularly during the first few uses. Generally benign and transient.
What to do Normal response. Allow product to dry before touching eyes. Reduce application amount if sensation persists.
Mild dryness of the eyelid skin may occur during the initial week of treatment.
What to do Apply a gentle eye cream or moisturizer after the peptide serum has been absorbed. Use sparingly at the lash line.
Some users notice minor flaking or residue at the lash base if product is over-applied.
What to do Use minimal amount — a thin line along the upper lash line is sufficient. Clean lash line gently before reapplication.
Temporary shedding of telogen-phase lashes may occur as the growth cycle resets — similar to the shedding phase seen with other growth treatments.
What to do Normal part of the growth cycle reset. Continue application. New stronger lashes will replace those shed within 2-4 weeks.
Worth knowing about, but most people never see these.
Rare irritation or mild swelling of the eyelid in highly sensitive individuals or with excessive application.
What to do Reduce frequency to every other day. Ensure product is applied only to the lash line, not the entire eyelid. Discontinue if swelling persists.
Rare, but if any of these happen, stop and contact a medical professional.
Extremely rare allergic reaction. No serious ocular adverse events have been documented in published studies.
What to do Discontinue immediately. Rinse eye area with cool water. Consult ophthalmologist if ocular symptoms develop.
The unsaturated portions of the myristic acid moiety could theoretically undergo lipid peroxidation if formulation lacks adequate antioxidant protection, generating reactive oxygen species that damage skin lipids and proteins.
What to do Formulate with potent antioxidants (Vitamin E, C, resveratrol); use airless packaging to prevent oxidation; store in cool, dark conditions; check formulation stability regularly; discontinue if product develops rancid odor.
Week by week
Is it right for you?
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
May be used together under medical guidance.
May be used together under medical guidance.
May be used together under medical guidance.
Generally safe to take alongside Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking longer, fuller eyelashes without prostaglandin-based prescriptions. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows wanting natural enhancement. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people recovering from lash or brow loss due to extensions, aging, or over-plucking. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on users wanting a gentle peptide-based alternative to bimatoprost (latisse). Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 has excellent cosmetic safety, with GRAS/safe-for-use status (generally recognized as safe) in skin products up to 3% concentration. No serious adverse events in 10+ years of use in the cosmetics industry; mild skin irritation is rare (<1%) at recommended concentrations. It penetrates only the epidermis (the skin's outer layer); no whole-body absorption in lab tests (in vitro (in lab dishes, not living bodies)). Well tolerated with other anti-aging ingredients; stable enough in light for cosmetic formulas.
Clinical cosmetic efficacy studies using non-invasive skin measurements (ultrasound elasticity and mechanical testing) document skin firmness improvements of 20-25% over 12 weeks. Collagen synthesis (making new collagen, the protein in skin and joints) measured with procollagen type I peptide assays (lab tests for a collagen-building marker) shows 2-3 fold increases. Dermatological safety testing per ISO 10993 confirms it does not irritate skin; no sensitization in repeated insult patch testing (RIPT per OECD 406, a standard allergy patch test).
Keeping it good
Store Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C) in its original packaging. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Check the expiration date before use. Some formulations may be stored at room temperature for limited periods—check your specific product labeling.
Once reconstituted, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 should be kept refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C) and used within the timeframe specified on your product labeling (typically 14-28 days). Label the vial with the reconstitution date. Do not use if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
Not our opinion — the published record
2024
A 12-week clinical trial of an eyelash growth enhancer showed dramatic improvements: lash length increased 8.3%, number increased 5%, width increased 10.1%, volume surged 14.1%. Patient satisfaction reached 84.33%.
Fernandez-Gonzalez P, et al.
2024
AP collagen peptides helped hair grow in mice. They switched on the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway (a chain of signals inside cells that drives hair growth), which made hair follicles longer and started new hair shafts growing. Hair thickness and amino acid content (amino acids are the building blocks of protein) improved significantly.
Lee JO, et al.
2024
Small collagen peptides (low molecular weight) switched on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (a chain of signals inside cells that drives growth), which woke up dermal papilla cells (cells at the base of each hair that control its growth). Mice that ate them showed significantly more hair growth and higher activity in hair-growth genes.
Kim Y, et al.
2017
Keratin extract (keratin is the protein hair is made of) applied to the skin promoted hair growth in mice whose hair was in the resting (telogen) phase, by pushing follicles into the growth (anagen) phase and increasing follicle number. More than 90% of cells stayed alive, showing it is compatible with living tissue.
Akanda MR, et al.
2013
A placebo-controlled trial of a peptide plus plant extract increased anagen hair (hair in its growth phase) by 13%, decreased telogen hair (hair in its resting phase) by 29%, and raised the anagen/telogen ratio by 46% after 4 months. Results were very different from placebo.
Loing E, Lachance R, Ollier V, et al.
2024
A lash-boosting lipo-oligopeptide (a small peptide joined to a fatty acid) supplied as a 1000 ppm (parts per million, which equals 0.1%) solution that the skin can absorb; used in eye-area lash and brow serums at low final concentrations.
Cosmetic Ingredients Guide
If this isn't the right fit
Your questions
Latisse is a prostaglandin analog (a modified version of a natural molecule) that stimulates lash growth but can cause iris color darkening, periorbital fat loss, and eyelid hyperpigmentation. Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 works through keratin gene stimulation and does not carry these risks. While Latisse may produce more dramatic results, the peptide offers a safer over-the-counter alternative.
Yes. Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 stimulates keratin production in hair follicles regardless of location. Apply a small amount along the brow line or to sparse areas nightly. Results for eyebrows typically follow a similar timeline to lash growth.
Results are maintained with continued use. Upon discontinuation, lashes gradually return to their natural baseline state over 4-6 weeks as the enhanced growth cycle normalization subsides. There is no rebound lash loss beyond natural baseline.
Yes. Allow the peptide serum to dry completely (2-3 minutes) before applying mascara. It is compatible with lash lifts and tints. For lash extensions, apply only to the base of natural lashes, avoiding adhesive areas.
Yes. Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 has been dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested. It is non-irritating to eyes and suitable for the sensitive periorbital area. Apply carefully along the lash line, similar to liquid eyeliner application.
6 sources
Every numbered marker on this page points to one of these. Same sources, same numbering as the Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 research profile on Peptide Initiative.
Want the deep science?
Every claim on this page traces back to the research database behind Peptide Initiative — studies, citations, clinical trial data, and the technical detail we deliberately left out here.
Open the research profileThis guide is education, not medical advice. Talk to a clinician before taking anything.
PeptideGeek