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Matrixyl

Also known as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Pal-KTTKS, Matrixyl 3000 (related).

Best known for One of the best-evidenced cosmetic peptides

Evidence★★★☆☆

Safety dataWell characterised

Route Topical

United StatesCosmetic ingredient: lawfully sold

AustraliaCosmetic ingredient: lawfully sold

as at 16 September 2026

What it is

Matrixyl is Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4: a five-amino-acid sequence attached to a fatty acid (palmitic acid) that helps it cross the skin barrier. It appears on ingredients lists under that INCI name, or as Pal-KTTKS. It is a lawful cosmetic ingredient with controlled human topical studies behind it.

What the full entry covers

The book carries the rest of this entry:

Where the research stands, with every claim cited
What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
Questions to discuss with your doctor
How it compares with Matrixyl 3000, GHK-Cu, Argireline, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Related entries

Matrixyl 3000The two-peptide upgrade found in most retail serums · Evidence ★★★☆☆
GHK-CuSkin renewal and collagen support · Evidence ★★☆☆☆
ArgirelineThe expression-line peptide often called "topical Botox" · Evidence ★★★☆☆
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1The collagen-signalling half of Matrixyl 3000 · Evidence ★★★☆☆

A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.

This page describes what is known and not known about Matrixyl. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.