Matrixyl

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

Mechanism of Action#

Matrixyl (Palmitoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser) is a matrikine peptide derived from the type I collagen alpha-1 chain propeptide. When collagen degrades (with UV, aging, mechanical stress), it releases fragments that signal fibroblasts to produce new matrix. Matrixyl mimics these fragments. It binds specific receptors on dermal fibroblasts, activating TGF-β signaling and stimulating expression of collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, and glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronic acid precursors). The palmitoyl chain enables penetration through the lipid-rich stratum corneum.

Dosing Protocols#

Side Effects#

• Exceptional safety profile
• Non-irritating, suitable for sensitive skin
• No known adverse effects at cosmetic concentrations

Contraindications#

External use only. Not for injection. No known contraindications for topical cosmetic use. Consult dermatologist if combining with prescription-strength actives.

Storage#

Active ingredient: 2–8°C. Finished formulations: cool, dark place per label. Stable 24 months. Avoid high temperatures which may degrade palmitoyl chain.

Featured In Stacks#

1. 1.
   Synergistic Effects of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Bioactive Peptides on Dermal Fibroblast Viability and Extracellular Matrix Gene Expression: An In Vitro Study

   Paccola AGL, Santos TMCD, Minelo MC, Garbieri TF, Sanches MLR, Dionísio TJ et al. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025PubMed Verified

2. 2.
   Self-Assembly and Wound Healing Activity of Biomimetic Cycloalkane-Based Lipopeptides

   Adak A, Castelletto V, Hamley IW, Seitsonen J, Jana A, Ghosh S et al. · ACS applied materials & interfaces · 2024PubMed Verified

3. 3.
   Boosting Cosmeceutical Peptides: Coupling Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids to Pentapeptide-4 Originates New Leads with Antimicrobial and Collagenesis-Inducing Activities

   Gomes A, Bessa LJ, Fernandes I, Aguiar L, Ferraz R, Monteiro C et al. · Microbiology spectrum · 2022PubMed Verified

4. 4.
   Matrixyl Patch vs Matrixyl Cream: A Comparative In Vivo Investigation of Matrixyl (MTI) Effect on Wound Healing

   Kachooeian M, Mousivand Z, Sharifikolouei E, Shirangi M, Firoozpour L, Raoufi M et al. · ACS omega · 2022PubMed Verified

5. 5.
   The Effects of a Novel Series of KTTKS Analogues on Cytotoxicity and Proteolytic Activity

   Tałałaj U, Uścinowicz P, Bruzgo I, Surażyński A, Zaręba I, Markowska A · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2019PubMed Verified

6. 6.
   N-Terminal Acetylation and C-Terminal Amidation of Spirulina platensis-Derived Hexapeptide: Anti-Photoaging Activity and Proteomic Analysis

   Zeng Q, Jiang J, Wang J, Zhou Q, Zhang X · Marine drugs · 2019PubMed Verified

7. 7.
   Turning a Collagenesis-Inducing Peptide Into a Potent Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Agent Against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria

   Gomes A, Bessa LJ, Fernandes I, Ferraz R, Mateus N, Gameiro P et al. · Frontiers in microbiology · 2019PubMed Verified

8. 8.
   Self-Assembly, Tunable Hydrogel Properties, and Selective Anti-Cancer Activity of a Carnosine-Derived Lipidated Peptide

   Castelletto V, Edwards-Gayle CJC, Greco F, Hamley IW, Seitsonen J, Ruokolainen J · ACS applied materials & interfaces · 2019PubMed Verified

9. 9.
   The Reparative Effect of Dendrobium officinale Protocorms against Photodamage Caused by UV-Irradiation in Hairless Mice

   Mai Y, Niu Z, He W, Lai X, Huang S, Zheng X · Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin · 2019PubMed Verified

10. 10.
    Collagen stimulating effect of peptide amphiphile C16-KTTKS on human fibroblasts

    Jones RR, Castelletto V, Connon CJ, Hamley IW · Molecular pharmaceutics · 2013PubMed Verified

11. 11.
    Thêta-Cream versus Bepanthol lotion in breast cancer patients under radiotherapy. A new prophylactic agent in skin care?

    Röper B, Kaisig D, Auer F, Mergen E, Molls M · Strahlentherapie und Onkologie : Organ der Deutschen Rontgengesellschaft ... [et al] · 2004RCTPubMed Verified