Matrixyl vs PE-22-28
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Matrixyl is the most widely used collagen-stimulating cosmetic peptide. As a matrikine — a fragment of type I procollagen — it signals skin cells to synthesize new collagen, elastin, and fibronectin, reducing wrinkle depth and improving skin firmness and elasticity.
- PE-22-28 is a synthetic analog of spadin derived from sortilin, designed to block TREK-1 potassium channels with rapid-onset antidepressant and neurogenic effects. It shows fast-acting depression relief (within 24 hours) and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis.
- Half-Life
- N/A — topical; sustained signaling effects on fibroblasts persist beyond single application
- Relatively short; CNS effects may persist due to neurogenic mechanisms
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 3–8% concentration
- 200–400 mcg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates collagen I, III, and IV synthesis
- Increases fibronectin and glycosaminoglycan production
- Reduces wrinkle depth and length by 27–68% (studies)
- Improves skin firmness and elasticity
- Reduces dark circles and undereye bags
- Synergistic with retinol, vitamin C, and growth factors
- Suitable for all skin types including sensitive
- Well-studied with published clinical data
- Rapid-onset antidepressant effects (within 24 hours)
- Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis
- Improves cognitive performance and memory
- Reduces anxiety and depressive behavior
- Novel mechanism — does not act on serotonin/dopamine/GABA receptors directly
- May help treatment-resistant depression
- Neuroprotective effects
- Side Effects
- Exceptional safety profile
- Non-irritating, suitable for sensitive skin
- No known adverse effects at cosmetic concentrations
- Generally well tolerated in animal models
- Limited human data available
- Possible mild headache or transient mood changes at initiation
- Injection site reactions (SC)
- Stacks With
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