Matrixyl
Also known as: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Pal-KTTKS
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, a signal peptide that stimulates collagen and fibronectin production. One of the most well-studied cosmetic peptides for anti-aging skincare. Acts as a fragment of collagen I that signals fibroblasts to increase extracellular matrix synthesis.
Beginner Basics
Plain-English guide to Matrixyl
What it does
Matrixyl tells your skin cells to make more collagen and similar support structures, which helps skin look firmer and reduces wrinkles. Researchers use it in anti-aging skincare because it's one of the most studied peptides for this purpose.
Typical dose
Use a product containing 2-5% Matrixyl, applied once or twice daily by rubbing it directly onto clean skin as part of your normal skincare routine.
When to inject
Apply in the morning and/or evening as part of your regular skincare-there's no special timing needed, just use it when you'd normally use a serum or moisturizer.
Storage
Store the dry powder in a cool, dark, dry place away from light. Once mixed into a serum or cream, keep it in a cool place and use within the timeframe listed on the product.
First-timer tip
Start using it once daily for the first week or two to make sure your skin tolerates it well, then increase to twice daily if there are no irritation issues-results take 4-8 weeks of consistent use to show up.
On This Page
Research Status
Moderate Clinical Data
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
May occur in sensitive individuals during the first few days of use. Typically resolves with continued use as skin acclimates. If irritation persists, reduce frequency to 1x daily or discontinue use.
Some users report mild tingling upon application, particularly if applied to freshly cleansed skin. This is generally self-resolving and does not indicate harm.
Rare but possible in individuals with known peptide or cosmetic ingredient sensitivities. Perform a patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours before full-face application. Discontinue if rash, swelling, or severe itching develops.
May occur in very dry skin types. Ensure adequate moisturizer is applied after Matrixyl. Consider reducing application frequency if dryness persists.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 2-5 % |
Frequency, timing and route - members only | |
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline, use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2-8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 755.9 g/mol (palmitoyl pentapeptide) |
| Sequence | Members only |
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) mimics a fragment of collagen I and acts as a signaling molecule to dermal fibroblasts. When applied topically, it binds to cell surface receptors and triggers intracellular pathways that upregulate collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin production. This increases dermal matrix density and improves skin firmness and elasticity.
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Recent Research
A framework for the safety evaluation of peptides in cosmetics.
Synergistic Effects of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Bioactive Peptides on Dermal Fibroblast Viability and Extracellular Matrix Gene Expression: An In Vitro Study.
Bioactive Glycyrrhizic Acid Ionic Liquid Self-Assembled Nanomicelles for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Anti-Photoaging Signal Peptides.
Source: PubMed / NCBI. Updated daily. Articles are listed for research reference only.
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View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Matrixyl is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.