PuriActives®PMT-100

PuriActives® PMT-100 | Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine

INCI: PALMITOYL METHOXYTRYPTAMINE

A lipophilic active for skin conditioning and anti-aging formulations

5-Methoxyindole · Ethylamide linker · C16 palmitoyl chain

Molecular structure, human studies reported in patents, and formulation applications

Product value and scientific evidence

PMT-100: Evidence for topical use and formulation applications

Human and skin studies

A cream containing 1.5% PMT was studied in humans for four weeks. A separate experiment tracked the distribution of radiolabeled analogues in skin.

Proposed mechanisms

Patents link PMT to skin surface conditioning and the biology of free 5-MT. The original cell study figures shown below concern free 5-MT.

Formulation development

The powder has an HPLC assay of ≥98.0% and is suitable for oil-phase formulation development. Historical patents provide examples across several product formats.

Greff D. WO1998006695A1, Examples 1 and 3. Janjetovic Z et al. J Pineal Res. 2014. DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12146. PuriPharm technical documentation.

Product profile and molecular structure

The C16 acyl chain distinguishes PMT structurally

Item

Product information

INCI

PALMITOYL METHOXYTRYPTAMINE

Chemical name

N-Hexadecanoyl-5-methoxytryptamine

Molecular formula / molar mass

C₂₇H₄₄N₂O₂ / 428.65 g/mol

CAS / UNII

151922-15-5 / 2298R31N7A

Physical form / assay

Powder / ≥98.0% (HPLC)

5-Methoxyindole + ethylamide linker + palmitoyl chain

Free 5-MT: no acyl group; melatonin: C2 acetyl group; PMT: C16 palmitoyl group.

PuriPharm technical documentation; NCATS: 2298R31N7A; Villano R, Di Marzo V. Front Chem. 2024. DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1436008, Scheme 5.

Evidence for topical use | Human study

Four-week human study of a 1.5% PMT cream

WO1998006695A1, Example 3

25 Female participants · 32–59 Age (years) · 4 weeks Study duration

Split-face comparison within each participant

A 1.5% N-palmitoyl-5-MT cream was applied to one side of the face and a placebo cream to the other. Participants were blinded to assignment.

Outcomes: sebum measurements, stratum corneum hydration, firmness/tension, clinical assessments, and self-assessments.

Greff D. WO1998006695A1, Example 3, pp. 4–5 of the description.

Evidence for topical use | Human study results

The patent reports increases in skin hydration and firmness

1.5% N-palmitoyl-5-MT cream; 25 women; 4 weeks.

Outcome

Active cream side

Placebo side

Sebum reading

−27%

Stable

Skin hydration

+35%

Numerical change not reported

Firmness / tension

+31%

−2%

Adapted from Example 3. Values show changes from baseline. The source does not report variability measures or P values.

Greff D. WO1998006695A1, Example 3, pp. 4–5 of the description.

Evidence for topical use | Skin distribution

An ex vivo study tracked tracer distribution across skin layers

Example 1 compared radiolabeled 2-iodo derivatives in a Franz-type diffusion model.

30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h

Superficial tape strips ↓Epidermis ↓Dermis ↓Receptor fluid

Radioactivity in the different layers was measured by sequential tape stripping, tissue separation, and scintillation counting.

Test materials: ¹²⁵I-labeled 2-iodomelatonin and 2-iodo-N-palmitoyl-5-methoxytryptamine.

Greff D. WO1998006695A1, Example 1, pp. 3–4 of the description.

Evidence for topical use | Skin distribution

The patent reports epidermal retention of the palmitoylated tracer

155-foldEpidermal radioactivity of the palmitoylated tracerCompared with the melatonin tracer in the patent experiment

Skin layer

Reported observation

Epidermis / deeper tape strips

Palmitoylated tracer concentrated here

Dermis / receptor fluid

Very low radioactivity

Superficial tape strips

Most of the melatonin tracer remained here

The measurement time and variability for this ratio were not specified. The results describe tracer distribution in skin.

Greff D. WO1998006695A1, Example 1, pp. 3–4 of the description.

Biological rationale | Mechanism proposed in the patent

Regulation of keratinization as a proposed mechanism for skin surface care

The patent links lipophilic methoxytryptamine derivatives to the conditioning of keratinized surfaces.

Topical contactThe dissolved or dispersed active contacts the skin surface.↓Keratin propertiesThe patent proposes an effect on keratin content or rigidity.↓Skin appearance and feelThe intended effects are a smoother feel and improved surface appearance.

This mechanism was proposed in the patent. The source did not quantify keratin biomarkers or verify receptor activation.

Poret JL. US20040022822A1, paragraphs 0021–0037 and Examples 1–4 and 7.

Biological rationale | Hypothetical conversion pathway

The patent proposes that PMT may be converted to free 5-MT

The proposed pathway involves enzymatic deacylation in the skin.

PMT · Palmitoylated molecule↓ Hypothetical amide bond hydrolysis5-MT · Free amine

Free 5-MT provides biological context

Subsequent experiments tested free 5-MT in human keratinocytes. The cited patent did not quantify the extent of PMT conversion to 5-MT in skin.

Greff D. WO1998006695A1, pp. 1–2 of the description: proposed enzymatic release of 5-methoxytryptamine.

Free 5-MT | Human keratinocyte model

5-MT reduced nitrite at a UVB dose of 25 mJ/cm²

​

Original Figure 3. HaCaT cells; 50 µM; 24 h pretreatment; measured 30 min after UVB exposure. Original groups, error bars, and statistical symbols are retained.

Janjetovic Z et al. J Pineal Res. 2014;57:90–102. DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12146.

Free 5-MT | Human keratinocyte model

5-MT reduced H₂O₂ at UVB doses of 25 and 50 mJ/cm²

​

Original Figure 4. HaCaT cells; 50 µM; 24 h pretreatment; measured 30 min after UVB exposure. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, *** P < 0.001, **** P < 0.0001.

Janjetovic Z et al. J Pineal Res. 2014;57:90–102. DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12146.

Free 5-MT | Human keratinocyte model

5-MT increased reduced glutathione after UVB exposure

Original Figure 5. HaCaT cells; 50 µM; 24 h pretreatment; measured 1 h after UVB exposure. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, *** P < 0.001.

Janjetovic Z et al. J Pineal Res. 2014;57:90–102. DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12146.

Free 5-MT | Human keratinocyte model

5-MT reduced CPD staining at 25 mJ/cm²

​

Original Figure 7

Primary keratinocytes (HEKn); 50 µM; 24 h pretreatment; measured 3 h after UVB exposure.

B: 25 mJ/cm², 5-MT P < 0.05; C: 50 mJ/cm², no significant difference for 5-MT.

CPD: cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer.

Janjetovic Z et al. J Pineal Res. 2014;57:90–102. DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12146.

Free 5-MT | Human keratinocyte model

The comet assay showed less DNA damage with 5-MT

​

Original Figure 8

HEKn cells; 50 µM; 24 h pretreatment; 200 mJ/cm² UVB; 3 h treatment after UVB exposure.

5-MT reduced the mean tail moment versus the UVB control (P < 0.05).

Janjetovic Z et al. J Pineal Res. 2014;57:90–102. DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12146.

Formulation development | Product concepts

Topical studies inform three skin care concepts

Moisturizing lotion

For skin that feels dry. Combine PMT with humectants and emollients, then assess hydration and skin feel.

Firming cream

For a firmer appearance. Use the patent study’s firmness measures to guide finished-product testing.

Balancing facial lotion

For skin that feels oily. At the target use level, assess sebum, shine, and sensory comfort.

Greff D. WO1998006695A1, Examples 1 and 3, pp. 3–5 of the description. PuriPharm Co. Ltd.: Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine powder technical documentation.

Formulation development | Use levels

Supplier use levels for initial formulation development

Context

Use level / concentration

Development purpose

Supplier: standard face cream

0.05–0.20%

Initial formulation development

Supplier: intensive face cream

0.20–0.50%

Evaluate in the intended finished-product base

Human patent study: Example 3

1.50% PMT

Concentration used in the historical study

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PMT-100 is a product code. Calculate active content on the assay basis stated in the batch certificate of analysis (COA).

PuriPharm Co. Ltd.: Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine powder technical documentation. Greff D. WO1998006695A1, Examples 1 and 3, pp. 3–5 of the description.

Formulation development | Incorporation and compatibility

Formulation integration and nanoencapsulated product support

Choose a suitable oil phase

The supplier lists heated cosmetic esters and lipids, including caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane, and C12-15 alkyl benzoate.

Dissolve fully before emulsification

The technical documentation specifies 75–80 °C for dissolution. Fully dissolve the powder before combining the phases.

Check the formula after cooling

Check for recrystallization, cloudiness, and texture changes in the complete formula and final packaging.

Support for formulation challenges

PuriPharm offers NanoActive PMT, a nanoliposomal palmitoyl methoxytryptamine product, to help address formulation challenges.

PuriPharm Co. Ltd.: PMT-100 technical documentation and NanoActive PMT supply information.

Formulation examples | Published patent

Published PMT examples cover five cosmetic product formats

Example

Product format

PMT, % w/w

1

Skin care cream

2.00

2

Skin serum

3.00

3

Toner

0.50

4

Cleanser

1.00

7

Hair conditioner

1.00

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These historical formulas use concentrations reported separately from supplier use levels and the human study concentration.

Poret JL. US20040022822A1, Examples 1–4 and 7. PMT concentration: % w/w.

Patent Example 1 | Original formula table (part 1)

The cream example includes aqueous and lipid phases

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Editable transcription

Ingredient (original wording)

w/w %

Water

53.47

Allantoin

0.20

Glycerin

3.00

Methyl paraben

0.25

Palmitoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein

1.00

Triethanolamine

0.15

Glycerin/water/PEG-8/caprylyl glycol/sodium polyacrylate

5.00

Petrolatum

2.00

Editable transcription

Ingredient (original wording)

w/w %

Squalane

4.00

Butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethane

0.25

Butylated hydroxy toluene

0.02

Propyl paraben

0.05

Octyl methoxycinnamate

0.75

Diazolidinyl urea

0.15

Sodium hyaluronate

0.01

Tocopheryl acetate

0.30

Sodium PCA

1.00

Fragrance

0.30

Cyclomethicone and dimethiconol

2.50

前插行后插行

The two portions of the original formula table are stacked in their original reading order. Original ingredient names and units are retained.

Poret JL. US20040022822A1, Example 1, first and middle portions of the original table.

Patent Example 1 | Original formula table (part 2)

The original cream formula contains 2.00% PMT

​

Editable transcription

Ingredient (original wording)

w/w %

Behenyl alcohol/arachidyl alcohol/stearyl alcohol

3.00

Coco-caprylate/caprate

2.00

Shorea stenoptera butter

5.00

Isononyl isononanoate

5.00

Pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate

2.50

Glyceryl behenate

2.00

Polyacrylamide/water/C13-14 isoparaffin/laureth-7

2.00

Biosaccharide gum-1/phenoxyethanol/parabens

1.00

Palmitoyl-methoxytryptamine

2.00

Water/propylene glycol/hydrolyzed soy protein/phenoxyethanol/aloe barbadensis extract/parabens

1.00

Phenoxyethanol/methyldibromo glutaronitrile

0.10

前插行后插行

A documented emulsion system

The continuation includes PMT, emollients, structuring ingredients, and preservatives.

All original rows are retained, and the w/w header is repeated for readability.

Poret JL. US20040022822A1, Example 1, final portion of the original table.

Patent Example 3 | Original formula table

The toner example contains 0.50% PMT

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Editable transcription

Ingredient (original wording)

w/w %

PPG-2 – Ceteareth-5

3.00

Trideceth-9, PEG-5 Octanoate

2.00

Menthol

0.01

Fragrance

0.20

Water

QS

Sericin

0.05

Hydrolyzed sweet almont protein

0.05

Propylene glycol

4.00

Preservatives

0.30

Tetrasodium EDTA

0.09

Benzophenone 4

0.05

Diazolidinyl urea

0.25

Colorants

0.01

Palmitoyl methoxytryptamine

0.50

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QS = quantity sufficient.

An aqueous system with solubilizers

The example combines water and propylene glycol with solubilizing ingredients.

This is a historical formula. The patent does not report toner stability or efficacy in humans.

Poret JL. US20040022822A1, Example 3, original formula table.

Patent Example 4 | Original formula table

The cleanser example contains 1.00% PMT

​

Editable transcription

Ingredient (original wording)

w/w %

Water

QS

Preservatives

0.30

Decyl glucoside

2.40

Disodium lauroamphodiacetate/sodium trideceth sulfate/hexylene glycol/isopropanol

12.00

Fragrance

0.40

Polyquaternium-10

0.06

Polyquaternium-7

3.00

Diazolidinyl urea

0.20

Propylene glycol, primula veris

0.10

Palmitoyl methoxytryptamine

1.00

前插行后插行

QS = quantity sufficient.

A surfactant-based formula

The original formula combines cleansing ingredients with conditioning polymers.

It provides an example for rinse-off formulation development.

Poret JL. US20040022822A1, Example 4, original formula table.

Product quality | Powder ingredient

Quality specifications for the powder

Item

Stated specification

Method

Appearance

Off-white to pale yellow powder

Visual inspection

Odor

Characteristic, mild

Sensory inspection

Assay

≥98.0%

HPLC

Loss on drying

≤1.0%

105 °C, 2 h

Heavy metals (as Pb)

≤10 ppm

Colorimetry

Acid value

≤2.0 mg KOH/g

Titration

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PuriPharm Co. Ltd.: Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine powder technical documentation.

Product quality | Storage and microbiology

Storage conditions and microbial limits

Microbiological parameter

Stated limit

Total colony count

≤1000 CFU/g

Yeasts and molds

≤100 CFU/g

Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Not detected per gram

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24 months

Stated shelf life under specified storage conditions

Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place. Long-term storage temperature: 2–8 °C.

PuriPharm Co. Ltd.: Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine powder technical documentation.

Formulation development | Testing

Choose measures that match the product concept

Development focus

Suggested assessment

Incorporation and stability

Assay, microscopy, precipitation, and physical stability

Moisturizing performance

Instrumental hydration testing against a matched vehicle

Firm appearance and feel

Defined instrumental measures and blinded ratings

Oily skin feel

Sebum measurements, shine, and sensory assessment

Finished-product tolerability

Tolerability and user experience under intended conditions of use

前插行后插行

Use the same base formula, conditions of use, and assessment schedule for the active and vehicle control groups.

Development recommendations draw on Greff D. WO1998006695A1, Example 3, and PuriPharm formulation documentation.

PuriPharm Co. Ltd.

Developing PMT-100 skin care products together

Defined molecular structure; relevant topical research; powder format suited to formulation development.

Technical inquiries

service@puripharm.com+86-572-2745768www.puriactives.com

Contact PuriPharm for formulation support and to evaluate NanoActive PMT nanoliposomal palmitoyl methoxytryptamine. Inquiries about samples, specifications, and formulation testing are welcome.

PuriPharm technical and supply documentation; Greff D. WO1998006695A1, Examples 1 and 3.

Appendix | Animal study of homologues

Animal research provides context for the series of homologues

Experimental model

Mice received intraperitoneal injections of melatonin homologues followed 30 minutes later by 950 cGy photon irradiation.

Published results

The abstract reported protective effects across the series, with the C6 and C8 amides showing the best survival outcomes.

Scope of evidence

The indexed abstract provides no separate survival values for PMT and no topical skin outcomes. The study provides background for the N-acyl-5-MT series.

Blickenstaff RT et al. J Pharm Sci. 1994;83:216–218. DOI: 10.1002/jps.2600830220. Villano R, Di Marzo V. Front Chem. 2024;12:1436008. DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1436008.

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