Matrixyl
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Pal-KTTKS)
The collagen-signal cosmetic peptide.
Half-life
~ topical
Mol. weight
802.0 g/mol (approx)
Sequence
Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser
Discussions
0 threads
Overview
A palmitoylated pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) widely used in cosmetic formulations to stimulate collagen production and reduce fine lines. It is one of the most-established topical cosmetic peptides, with published clinical evidence for improving wrinkle appearance and skin texture — the cosmetic category's counterpart to GHK-Cu's wound-healing research.
Mechanism of action
Matrixyl (Pal-KTTKS) is a fragment of type I collagen, and it signals to dermal fibroblasts that collagen breakdown is occurring — a 'damage signal' that prompts the fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen (types I and III) and extracellular matrix. The palmitoyl lipid tail improves penetration through the skin barrier. The net effect is increased dermal matrix production that, in clinical studies, translates to measurable reductions in wrinkle depth and length and improved skin texture.
Researched benefits
- Clinically studied to reduce wrinkle depth and length
- Signals fibroblasts to boost collagen synthesis
- Well-tolerated for daily topical use
- Improved skin texture in published trials
Considerations
- Effects are cosmetic and gradual, not structural repair
- Topical only; not for injection
- Requires consistent daily application
Key Academic Literature & Studies
Search more in PubMedPeer-reviewed citations and clinical trials evaluating Matrixyl in scientific literature.
Query PubMed for recent peer-reviewed preclinical and clinical publications on Matrixyl:
View Matrixyl index on PubMed (NCBI)