Ingredient Receipt · Peptides

Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4)

INCI: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (formerly Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3)

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, sold as Matrixyl, has a 12-week placebo-controlled trial behind it. What it does, how much evidence there is, and how to use it.

A strand of fine natural fibres with tiny clear droplets resting along it — Illustrative image

Lines & firmness

01 · In plain English

Matrixyl is a signal peptide built from a fragment of collagen, designed to prompt skin to make more.

02 · What it does

It copies a matrikine, a collagen fragment that appears to tell fibroblasts to build new matrix. The palmitoyl group helps it pass the skin's outer layer.

A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face study of 93 women found significant improvement in fine lines with a moisturizer containing 3 ppm palmitoyl pentapeptide-4. The study was run by the company behind the formula.

03 · Who it’s for

Anyone wanting a gentle anti-aging step, including sensitive skin.

04 · What the evidence says

Fine lines over about 12 weeks.limited evidence

05 · Insufficient evidence

Results comparable to retinoids.
"Matrixyl 10" concentrations meaning more peptide; the percentage usually refers to an ingredient solution.

06 · How to use it

Once or twice daily in a serum or moisturizer.

07 · Pairs well / go carefully

Pairs well with

Argireline, retinoids, niacinamide, sunscreen.

Go carefully with

Very low-pH acids in the same step.

The Receipt

01The best-studied signal peptide, with one solid trial.
02Gentle and modest.

Education, not a diagnosis. If something changes quickly, hurts, bleeds, or worries you, see a dermatologist.

Sources (3)