Matrixyl
Also known as: Matrixyl, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3
Matrixyl is a palmitoylated pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) used topically to stimulate collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis. It is a widely studied cosmetic anti-wrinkle peptide.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
Matrixyl couples the matrikine pentapeptide KTTKS, a fragment of type I collagen, to a palmitic acid chain that improves skin penetration. The KTTKS sequence acts as a feedback signal that stimulates dermal fibroblasts to upregulate synthesis of collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, and glycosaminoglycans, mimicking the matrix-remodeling signals seen during wound repair. By promoting extracellular matrix renewal it improves dermal density and reduces fine-line appearance.
- Half-life
- Not systemically relevant; acts locally in skin with topical persistence over hours
- Administration Routes
- topical
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Stimulates fibroblast collagen and fibronectin production
- Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin firmness and density
- Supports extracellular matrix renewal
- Well tolerated as a topical cosmetic ingredient
Potential Side Effects
- Mild transient redness or irritation in sensitive skin
- Rare contact sensitivity to formulation excipients
- Limited effect when used at sub-therapeutic concentrations
Common Dosing
For research use only, not medical advice. Cosmetic formulations typically reference 3-8 percent Matrixyl solution applied topically once or twice daily; this is not a personal-use recommendation.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to the peptide or palmitoyl carrier
- Application to broken or actively infected skin
GHK (Basic) (Tripeptide-1)
GHK is a naturally occurring human tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) studied for skin remodeling, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. The copper-free 'basic' form is the parent peptide that readily binds copper in tissue.
SNAP-8
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a topical cosmetic peptide marketed as a needle-free alternative for softening expression lines by reducing muscle contraction at the surface. It is an elongated analog of the Argireline hexapeptide.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Argireline is a topical cosmetic peptide marketed as a needle-free alternative to neuromodulators, used to soften the appearance of expression lines.
Syn-Coll (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5)
Syn-Coll is a topical lipidated tripeptide designed to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve skin firmness and wrinkle appearance.
- View
A pentapeptide from type I procollagen promotes extracellular matrix production
1993
- View
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
2005
- View
Double-blind, Randomized Trial on the Effectiveness of Acetylhexapeptide-3 Cream and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Cream for Crow's Feet
2023
- View
Dermal Stability and In Vitro Skin Permeation of Collagen Pentapeptides (KTTKS and palmitoyl-KTTKS)
2014