Matrixyl vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & Cosmetic
MatrixylAnti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- 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.
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. It is one of the most promising mitochondrial longevity compounds, studied in clinical trials for heart failure, renal disease, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Half-Life
- N/A — topical; sustained signaling effects on fibroblasts persist beyond single application
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 3–8% concentration
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Daily to several times per week
- 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
- Restores mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Protects inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
- Cardioprotective — studied in heart failure trials
- Renoprotective — reduces ischemic kidney injury
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
- Potential in neurodegenerative disease prevention
- Side Effects
- Exceptional safety profile
- Non-irritating, suitable for sensitive skin
- No known adverse effects at cosmetic concentrations
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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