Matrixyl

Last Updated: July 2026

Matrixyl is the trade name for palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (INCI; called palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 before 2006), a topical cosmetic peptide launched by Sederma in 2000. Its sequence is Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser (Pal-KTTKS) — a five-amino-acid subfragment of collagen I attached to a 16-carbon palmitoyl chain that helps it penetrate the skin's lipid barrier. It is a matrikine: a matrix-derived peptide that signals skin cells to rebuild. It is a cosmetic ingredient, not an approved drug.

What is Matrixyl and how does it work?

Pal-KTTKS is a fragment of type I collagen; when fibroblasts encounter it, they respond as if collagen has broken down and increase production of collagen (types I and III), fibronectin, and other matrix components — signaling repair rather than forcing it, which is why the effect is gentle and gradual. The palmitoyl chain is essential: without it the peptide can't cross the stratum corneum effectively.

What does the evidence show — and why is Matrixyl notable?

Matrixyl is the best-studied cosmetic peptide and, unlike many, has independent clinical support: a 12-week double-blind, split-face randomized trial (Robinson et al., 2005) of ~93 women found that Pal-KTTKS at just a few parts per million significantly reduced wrinkles and fine lines versus vehicle, and a separate double-blind trial comparing it against acetyl hexapeptide-3 for crow's feet found the palmitoyl pentapeptide edged out the hexapeptide. It's a credible supporting active — gentle and gradual, not retinoid-strength. Evidence level: Independent double-blind RCTs (best-in-class for cosmetic peptides); effect modest.

Is Matrixyl safe, and how does it pair with other actives?

Matrixyl is very well tolerated — non-irritating, it doesn't increase sun sensitivity, and it has no retinoid-style adjustment period — making it one of the easier anti-aging actives for reactive skin, and it layers comfortably with retinol and most other ingredients. As with all topical peptides, keep expectations realistic about the size of the effect.

Why does raw-material verification matter, and how does Peptigrity verify?

Matrixyl is sold as a raw peptide and in countless finished products, and identity/purity of the raw material vary — HPLC purity and mass-spec identity (expected MW ~802 Da) confirm the correct Pal-KTTKS at the labeled amount. Peptigrity buys the raw peptide anonymously, tests it at independent ISO-accredited labs, and publishes the unedited COA; the trust score weights lab purity and reviews equally (50/50). See how to read lab results.

Educational information only; not medical or skincare advice. Matrixyl is a cosmetic ingredient, not an approved drug — patch-test before use. Peptigrity does not sell, endorse, or recommend products or vendors.