Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 vs Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Keratin-stimulating lipopeptide specifically designed to enhance eyelash and eyebrow growth through hair follicle activation.
Collagen-boosting signal peptide clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines in photoaged skin.
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Quick comparison
Dose range
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
0.001–0.1 %
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
0.012–0.012 %
Frequency
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Once daily
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Once daily
Administration
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Topical
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Topical
Cycle length
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Ongoing/indefinite
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset speed
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence level
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Limited human trials
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Limited human trials
Benefit ratings
Eyelash Growth
Hair Strengthening
Safety Profile
Anti-Wrinkle
Collagen Production
Skin Rejuvenation
Compound specifications
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Molecular formula
C41H81N9O6
Molecular weight
796.2 Da
Half-life
Topical application; sustained follicular activity with daily reapplication
Bioavailability
Enhanced follicular penetration via myristic acid (C14) lipid conjugation
CAS number
959610-30-1
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Molecular formula
C39H75N7O10
Molecular weight
802.1 Da
Half-life
Approximately 20-30 minutes in skin (rapidly degraded by aminopeptidases; palmitoylation improves stability vs unmodified KTTKS)
Bioavailability
Topical penetration through stratum corneum to dermis; detected at 4.2 µg/cm² in SC, 2.8 µg/cm² in epidermis, 0.3 µg/cm² in dermis
CAS number
214047-00-4
Dosing compared
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Topical
0.001-0.1% in finished serum (supplied as a 0.1% / 1000 ppm active solution)
Once or twice daily to lash line / brows · 8-16 weeks for visible lash effect
Cosmetic lash/brow active applied to the lash line; typical eye-area use concentrations and the 1000 ppm supplier solution define the formulation dose [6]. Topical only; not dosed systemically.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Topical
3 ppm (0.0003%) active peptide
Twice daily · 12 weeks
The dose with proven clinical results: a randomized controlled trial (n=93) showed visible improvement in photoaged facial skin at 3 ppm of active Pal-KTTKS applied twice daily over 12 weeks [1]. This is the active-peptide concentration, not the trade solution.
Up to 0.012% in finished product
Twice daily · Ongoing
Typical concentration range found in commercial leave-on anti-aging products, considered safe for cosmetic use by industry review [6]. Higher than the minimum clinical dose but well within the safety-assessed range.
Best suited for
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Individuals seeking longer, fuller eyelashes without prostaglandin-based prescriptions
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking longer, fuller eyelashes without prostaglandin-based prescriptions. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows wanting natural enhancement
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows wanting natural enhancement. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People recovering from lash or brow loss due to extensions, aging, or over-plucking
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people recovering from lash or brow loss due to extensions, aging, or over-plucking. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Users wanting a gentle peptide-based alternative to bimatoprost (Latisse)
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on users wanting a gentle peptide-based alternative to bimatoprost (latisse). Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Individuals seeking non-invasive anti-wrinkle treatment
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking non-invasive anti-wrinkle treatment. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those with photoaged skin showing fine lines and loss of firmness
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with photoaged skin showing fine lines and loss of firmness. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People looking to boost collagen production through topical skincare
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people looking to boost collagen production through topical skincare. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Sensitive skin types seeking well-tolerated anti-aging actives
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on sensitive skin types seeking well-tolerated anti-aging actives. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Side effects
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Common
- Mild Tingling at Lash Line
- Temporary Eyelid Dryness
- Product Residue Buildup
- Lash Shedding During Initial Phase
Uncommon
- Periorbital Sensitivity
Serious
- Allergic Contact Reaction
- Lipid Peroxidation and Oxidative Stress
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Common
- Mild Tingling
- Transient Redness
- Dryness with Exfoliants
- Mild Irritation
Uncommon
- Contact Dermatitis
Serious
- Excessive Collagen Synthesis and Scar Risk
Safety & evidence
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Evidence level
Limited human trials
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 demonstrates excellent cosmetic safety with GRAS/safe-for-use status in topical formulations up to 3% concentration. No serious adverse events in 10+ years of cosmetic industry application; mild skin irritation rare (<1%) at recommended concentrations. Dermal penetration limited to epidermis; no systemic absorption in vitro. Well-tolerated in combination with other anti-aging ingredients; photostability adequate for cosmetic formulations.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to myristoylated peptides or formulation components
- Active eye infections, styes, or periorbital dermatitis
- Post-surgical eye conditions where topical application is contraindicated
- Concurrent use of prescription eyelash growth products without medical guidance
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Evidence level
Limited human trials
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) demonstrates excellent dermatological safety with GRAS/safe-for-cosmetic status; extensively used in anti-aging skincare for 20+ years with no serious adverse events. Skin irritation potential is minimal at recommended 2-3% concentrations (irritation index <0.5). No systemic absorption via intact skin; confined to epidermis/dermis per Franz diffusion cell studies. Stability in formulations verified through HPLC analysis.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 or formulation excipients
- Active skin infections at the application site
- Severely compromised skin barrier with open wounds
- No known systemic contraindications at cosmetic concentrations
Which is right for you?
Choose Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 if...
- Individuals seeking longer, fuller eyelashes without prostaglandin-based prescriptions
- Those with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows wanting natural enhancement
- People recovering from lash or brow loss due to extensions, aging, or over-plucking
- Users wanting a gentle peptide-based alternative to bimatoprost (Latisse)
Choose Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) if...
- Individuals seeking non-invasive anti-wrinkle treatment
- Those with photoaged skin showing fine lines and loss of firmness
- People looking to boost collagen production through topical skincare
- Sensitive skin types seeking well-tolerated anti-aging actives