Matrixyl
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Pal-KTTKS)
A signal peptide derived from a fragment of type I collagen, linked to palmitic acid. It is a widely used anti-ageing ingredient in creams and serums, and it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug.
Structure
A collagen-derived pentapeptide with a 16-carbon palmitic acid attached to the N-terminus to help it enter the skin. Select any residue to see what it is.
Evidence at a glance
Where the published research on Matrixyl comes from, by type of study.
Cell studies
Fibroblast cultures: collagen I, collagen III and fibronectin production.
Animal studies
Limited animal work; most evidence is in vitro or in people.
Human studies
Small trials of topical creams on wrinkle depth and skin texture, often sponsored by manufacturers.
Research areas
What laboratories have studied Matrixyl for, and in which models. These are research questions, not proven uses.
Extracellular matrix signalling
Dermal fibroblast culture- Stimulated collagen and fibronectin synthesis in vitro.
- Acts as a matrikine, a matrix fragment that signals cells.
Topical delivery
Skin penetration models- Palmitoylation improves penetration into the outer skin layers.
- Studied in combination with other cosmetic peptides.
Legal status
Matrixyl is a cosmetic ingredient in topical products. It is not an approved drug anywhere we cover.
United States Cosmetic
Allowed as a cosmetic ingredient in topical products, as long as the product makes no drug claims. Not approved as a drug.
United Kingdom Cosmetic
Permitted in cosmetics under the UK Cosmetics Regulation when used topically without medicinal claims.
European Union Cosmetic
Permitted in cosmetics under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 when used topically without medicinal claims.
Sport Not listed
Not on the WADA Prohibited List as a topical cosmetic ingredient.
Lab handling
General good practice for research materials. Follow the supplier's datasheet where it differs.
Storage
Keep the sealed material at −20 °C, dry and away from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to stop condensation.
Solubility
Supplied pre-dissolved in cosmetic bases; poorly soluble in plain water. Add solvent down the vial wall and swirl gently rather than shaking.
Aliquots
Split solutions into single-use aliquots, label with lot number and date, and freeze. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Work out your stock solution
Stock concentration, molarity and dilutions for Matrixyl, using MW 802.05 g/mol.
Before you buy for formulation work
Tick each check as you confirm it with the supplier. Do not order until all six are done.
Questions researchers ask
What is Matrixyl?
A signal peptide derived from a fragment of type I collagen, linked to palmitic acid. It is a widely used anti-ageing ingredient in creams and serums, and it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug.
What is the molecular weight of Matrixyl?
About 802.05 g/mol for the free peptide. Salt forms such as acetate weigh more, so use the figure on your batch certificate of analysis.
Is Matrixyl approved for human use?
Matrixyl is permitted as a topical cosmetic ingredient but is not an approved drug. Allowed as a cosmetic ingredient in topical products, as long as the product makes no drug claims. Not approved as a drug.
How should Matrixyl be stored in the lab?
Keep the sealed material cold, dry and away from light, typically at −20 °C. Once in solution, split it into single-use aliquots and freeze to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Does this page give doses?
No. We publish laboratory and educational information only, never doses, injection guidance or treatment advice.
