Available in Pure Crystalline Powder & NanoActive® Water-Soluble Liquid Grades
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
- Trade Name: PuriActives® PALMITOYL METHOXYTRYPTAMINE (Pure Powder Grade) / NanoActive® PALMITOYL METHOXYTRYPTAMINE (Water-Soluble Liquid Grade)
- INCI Name (US/EU):
Pure Powder Grade: Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine
NanoActive® Grade: Water, Glycerin, Phospholipids, Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine, Caprylic/Capric Glyceride
- Chemical Name (Active): N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]hexadecanamide
- CAS Number (Active): 224422-91-3
- Molecular Formula (Active): C₂₇H₄₄N₂O₂
- Molecular Weight (Active): 428.66 g/mol
- Chemical Structure: CH₃-(CH₂)₁₄-CO-NH-CH₂-CH₂-C₈H₄(OCH₃)NH

2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
PuriActives® Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine is a high-purity, bio-mimetic lipid-alkaloid conjugate engineered to deliver profound neuro-cosmetic soothing and cellular anti-inflammatory benefits. By coupling the potent neuro-active molecule 5-methoxytryptamine (a direct analog and precursor of melatonin) with palmitic acid, this compound exhibits exceptional skin-penetration kinetics and lipid-membrane affinity.
To address the inherent solubility limitations of the pure lipophilic crystalline powder in water-based cosmetic architectures, PuriPharm offers NanoActive® Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine. Utilizing state-of-the-art advanced nano-delivery technology, this grade encapsulates the active within a biomimetic phospholipid bilayer membrane (average particle size < 100 nm). This advanced delivery system transforms a highly lipophilic compound into a thermodynamic-stable, optically transparent, and water-dispersible active, dramatically boosting skin bioavailability and offering effortless formulation flexibility.
3. CORE MECHANISMS OF ACTION
A. Neurogenic Soothing via TRP Channel Modulation
Sensitive skin is characterized by hyper-excited sensory nerve endings. Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine acts as a gentle, soothing modulator of neurogenic pathways. It targets transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, specifically mitigating the over-activation of TRPV1 (capsaicin receptor), which in turn suppresses sensations of burning, stinging, tightness, and itching.
B. Anti-Inflammaging & PPAR-α Activation
Similar to endogenous endocannabinoid-like molecules (such as Palmitoylethanolamide / PEA), Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine serves as an agonist for the nuclear receptor PPAR-α (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha). This activation triggers downstream anti-inflammatory cascades:
- Inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.
- Suppresses mast cell degranulation, mitigating sudden skin redness and histamine-induced itchiness.
C. Melatonin Receptor Agonism & Circadian Repair
Because 5-methoxytryptamine is a direct deacetylation analog of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), Palmitoyl Methoxytryptamine acts as a highly potent biomimetic agent for cutaneous melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2). This direct agonism:
- Resets and synchronizes the skin’s biological clock genes (such as CLOCK and PER1).
- Enhances the skin’s endogenous defense against oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and blue light.
- Accelerates nocturnal DNA repair and cell regeneration, restoring a radiant and rested complexion overnight.
D. Enhanced Bioavailability via Lipophilic Vectoring & Nano-Carrier Delivery
- Pure Powder: Conjugation with palmitic acid increases the partition coefficient (log P ≈ 7.15), allowing the active to integrate seamlessly into the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum.
- NanoActive® Liquid: The phospholipid membrane of the nano-carriers fuses directly with the lipid bilayers of the stratum corneum. This bypasses the rate-limiting barrier of intercellular lipid transport, creating a “depot effect” in the viable epidermis and accelerating cellular uptake of the active molecule.
4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
[Grade A] PuriActives® PALMITOYL METHOXYTRYPTAMINE (Pure Powder)

[Grade B] NanoActive® PALMITOYL METHOXYTRYPTAMINE (Water-Soluble Liquid)

Microbiological Specifications (Both Grades)
- Total Aerobic Plate Count: ≤ 100 CFU/g
- Yeasts and Molds: ≤ 10 CFU/g
- Pathogens (E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa): Negative/g
5. COSMETIC BENEFITS & CLINICAL CLAIMS
- Instant Neuro-Soothing: Rapidly reduces sensory discomfort, itching, and neuro-sensitivity.
- Anti-Redness & Erythema Control: Dampens micro-vascular reactivity and controls flushing in rosacea-prone skin.
- Skin Barrier Recovery: Accelerates epidermal barrier repair and decreases trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Intense Inflammaging Defense: Protects structural proteins (collagen and elastin) from enzymatic degradation caused by chronic low-grade inflammation.
- Chronobiological Renewal: Aids in resetting skin repair rhythms, restoring a radiant and rested complexion overnight.
6. FORMULATION & PROCESSING GUIDELINES (PURE POWDER)
A. Recommended Usage Levels
- Daily Soothing & Maintenance Creams: 0.05% – 0.2%
- Intensive SOS / Post-Procedure Care: 0.2% – 0.5%
B. Solubility & Incorporation
- Oil Phase: Soluble in hot cosmetic esters and lipids (e.g., Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate) at 75°C – 80°C.
- Water Phase: Insoluble in water.
C. Processing Temperature
● Stable at temperatures up to 85°C. It is recommended to dissolve the active in the oil phase before emulsification.

7. FORMULATION & PROCESSING GUIDELINES (NANOACTIVE® LIQUID)
A. Recommended Usage Levels
- Daily Soothing Serums & Toners: 1.0% – 4.0% (Equivalent to 0.05% – 0.2% pure active)
- High-Concentration Clinical Soothing Ampoules: 4.0% – 10.0% (Equivalent to 0.2% – 0.5% pure active)
B. Solubility & Incorporation
- Water Phase: 100% dispersible in water. It yields an elegant, optically transparent solution, ideal for clear gel, serum, toner, and essence formulations.
- Incorporation: Highly recommended to add to the water phase or post-emulsification phase during the cooling stage at temperatures below 40°C.
C. Processing Guidelines & Shear Sensitivity
● Avoid exposing NanoActive® grade to high-shear homogenization equipment (e.g., rotor-stator homogenizers) for prolonged periods, as extreme shear can disrupt the lipid vesicle bilayers. Use paddle stirring or gentle marine propellers to disperse.
D. pH Stability (NanoActive®)
● Optimum stability is observed within a pH range of 4.5 – 6.5.
8. STORAGE, SHELF LIFE & REGULATORY
● Storage Conditions: Store in the original, tightly sealed container.
- Pure Powder: Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, preferably refrigerated at 2°C – 8°C for long-term storage.
- NanoActive® Liquid: Do not freeze. Store at 4°C – 25°C, protected from direct sunlight and heat.
● Shelf Life: 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored under prescribed conditions.
● Regulatory Compliance: Approved for use in cosmetics worldwide (including EU, USA, and China IECIC listing). Vegan-compliant, cruelty-free, and non-GMO.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is provided in good faith and is based on our current technical knowledge. Formulation results may vary depending on other raw materials and processing equipment used. It is the formulator’s responsibility to conduct final product safety and efficacy tests.
