Also known as: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Pal-KTTKS, Matrixyl Original
Half-life: Topical (residence time in stratum corneum)
Last reviewed: · Published:
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, also written Pal-KTTKS) is a synthetic peptide composed of the pentapeptide sequence Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser (KTTKS) — a fragment of type I procollagen — coupled to a palmitic acid chain to make the molecule lipophilic enough to penetrate the stratum corneum. Once in the skin, the peptide signals fibroblasts to upregulate synthesis of collagen types I, III, and IV as well as fibronectin and hyaluronic acid, mimicking the natural wound-healing response without requiring actual injury. The result is a thickening of the dermis and improvement in fine-line appearance over weeks to months of consistent topical application.
Matrixyl was developed by Sederma (a French cosmetic ingredients company, part of Croda International) and launched in the late 1990s. It has been the subject of more cosmetic-industry clinical literature than almost any other peptide cosmetic ingredient. Multiple controlled studies have shown measurable improvements in skin roughness, wrinkle depth, and dermal thickness with sustained topical use at 3-5% concentrations.
Matrixyl is a topical cosmetic ingredient, not an injectable peptide. While research-chemical vendors do sometimes sell pure Matrixyl powder for formulators making custom topicals, it is not intended for subcutaneous injection and the safety of injecting it has not been characterized. Newer Matrixyl variants (Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl Synthe'6) combine different peptide fragments with similar mechanisms.
Matrixyl was developed by Sederma (a Croda International subsidiary) in the late 1990s, building on academic work in the 1980s and early 1990s that had identified KTTKS as a bioactive fragment of human procollagen with fibroblast-stimulating activity. The original publication establishing KTTKS's collagen-stimulating activity came from Karl Kadler and colleagues. Matrixyl was one of the first peptide-active cosmetic ingredients to find broad commercial adoption, paving the way for the proliferation of "peptide skincare" through the 2000s and 2010s.
Topical Matrixyl has an excellent safety profile across decades of cosmetic use, with very low rates of irritation, sensitization, or contact dermatitis. It is suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin. Because it works through fibroblast signaling rather than chemical exfoliation, it does not produce the irritation associated with retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids. The peptide is not intended for injection and the safety of injectable use is not established.
Dose Range
3-5% w/w in topical formulation
Frequency
Once or twice daily
Duration
8-12 weeks minimum for visible results
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Typical Vial Size
10 mg
Water Type
Not applicable — topical cosmetic ingredient
Mixing Volume
N/A mL
Half-Life
Topical (residence time in stratum corneum)
Molecular Weight
802.0 Da
Matrixyl is incorporated into cosmetic formulations (serums, creams) at typically 3-5% concentration. It is stable in standard cosmetic vehicles and tolerates a wide pH range (5-7). Not intended for injection.
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FDA Status
Cosmetic ingredient (not regulated as a drug).
Legal Status
Legal as cosmetic ingredient worldwide.
USA
Cosmetic ingredientPermitted in topical cosmetic products
EU
Cosmetic ingredientListed in EU Cosing database
UK
Cosmetic ingredientPermitted in cosmetic products
Australia
Cosmetic ingredientPermitted in topical formulations
Canada
Cosmetic ingredientListed in Canadian Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist as permitted
Katayama K, Armendariz-Borunda J, Raghow R, Kang AH, Seyer JM
Journal of Biological Chemistry (1993)
Foundational study identifying the KTTKS pentapeptide as a bioactive fragment of procollagen with the ability to stimulate further collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts — the discovery that led to Matrixyl.
View Study →Robinson LR, Fitzgerald NC, Doughty DG, Dawes NC, Berge CA, Bissett DL
International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2005)
Controlled clinical study demonstrating that 12 weeks of topical Pal-KTTKS reduced wrinkle depth and improved skin texture in photoaged skin compared to vehicle control.
View Study →Lupo MP, Cole AL
Dermatologic Therapy (2007)
Independent clinical review of Matrixyl efficacy across multiple cosmetic trials, supporting its place as a well-characterized anti-aging peptide ingredient with measurable effects.
View Study →Copper-binding tripeptide with potent wound-healing, skin-remodeling, and gene-regulatory properties.
Eight-amino-acid SNARE-blocking peptide — topical "botox-alternative" for expression lines.
Lipophilic GHK derivative — collagen-stimulating tripeptide for topical anti-aging.
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