Peptide Profile
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Collagen-boosting signal peptide clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines in photoaged skin.
Dose Range
3 ppm-100 ppmmg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Topical
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Limited
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C39H75N7O10
Molecular Formula
802.1 Da
Molecular Weight
Approximately 20-30 minutes in skin (rapidly degraded by aminopeptidases; palmitoylation improves stability vs unmodified KTTKS)
Half-Life
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
Bioavailability
214047-00-4
CAS #
9897237
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 2004
Sederma research team
Sederma S.A. (part of Croda International)
Primary Benefits
Clinically demonstrated wrinkle and fine line reduction in a 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial at just 3 ppm concentration.
Potent stimulation of collagen types I, III, and IV along with fibronectin and glycosaminoglycans through TGF-β pathway activation.
Comprehensive ECM support including elastin and hyaluronic acid enhancement for improved skin density, firmness, and hydration.
Amino Acid Sequence
Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser (Pal-KTTKS), a palmitoylated fragment of type I procollagen C-terminal propeptideDosing
How much
do I take?
Timing
Best time to take
Apply Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) to clean, dry skin. For best results, use consistently at the same time(s) each day. Evening application is often preferred to allow overnight absorption, unless otherwise directed.
With food?
As a topical product, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) is not affected by food intake. Apply to clean skin and allow adequate absorption time before covering the area.
If stacking
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
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.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×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
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) in its prescribed form
- •Clean, dry storage container
- •Measuring device if applicable (oral syringe, measuring cup)
- •Calendar or reminder app for dosing schedule
Injection
Route
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) is administered Topical—no injection required
Best sites
- •Not applicable—this is not an injectable formulation
Technique
- 1.Follow the specific administration instructions for your Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) formulation
- 2.Take or apply as directed by your healthcare provider
- 3.Store properly between uses according to package instructions
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
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.
Clinical dermatology studies using non-invasive biophysical measurements document collagen production increases (ultrasound elastography and mechanical testing show 15-35% firmness improvements). Procollagen type I expression quantified via real-time PCR shows 2-3 fold increases after 12 weeks application. Collagen remodeling confirmed through dermoscopy and skin biopsy immunostaining showing enhanced type I/type III collagen architecture.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Mild Tingling
Slight tingling sensation upon initial application, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Typically resolves within minutes.
Management: Normal response. If persistent, reduce application frequency to once daily.
Transient Redness
Temporary mild redness at application site in sensitive individuals, usually self-resolving within 30 minutes.
Management: Apply to a test area first. If redness persists, discontinue and consult dermatologist.
Dryness with Exfoliants
Mild skin dryness when used concurrently with strong exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA).
Management: Space application of peptide products and exfoliants. Use a hydrating moisturizer over the peptide serum.
Mild Irritation
Minor irritation possible when layered with multiple active ingredients simultaneously.
Management: Simplify routine. Alternate active ingredients on different days if irritation occurs.
Less Common
- •Contact Dermatitis
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !Strong Acids at Low pH (<3) - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !High-Concentration Copper Peptides - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Strong Oxidizing Agents (Benzoyl Peroxide) - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl). Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
What to Expect
Weeks 1-4
What you might notice
- •Skin begins adapting to the peptide
- •Fibroblast stimulation initiated at the cellular level
- •Improved skin hydration and texture may be noticed
- •No visible wrinkle changes yet
What's normal
- •Full integration of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) into physiological systems is established
- •Long-term Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) response remains personalized to your physiology
- •Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) tolerance is well-maintained with consistent dosing
What's next
- →Maintain your established Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) efficacy
- →Review comprehensive Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) response with your provider
Weeks 4-12
What you might notice
- •Collagen synthesis ramps up
- •Early improvements in fine lines, skin firmness, and overall radiance become apparent
- •Clinical trial data shows measurable wrinkle depth reduction beginning in this period
What's normal
- •Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) is now achieving steady-state pharmacokinetics
- •Measurable changes aligned with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)'s mechanism may appear
- •Initial adjustment effects typically resolve by this point
What's next
- →Maintain Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) dosing exactly as established
- →Track progress toward intended outcomes in detail
- →Review lab work or biomarker changes with your healthcare team
Weeks 12-24+
What you might notice
- •Significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- •Improved skin density and elasticity
- •Continued use maintains and extends benefits
- •ECM remodeling reaches steady-state improvement
What's normal
- •Full therapeutic effects of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) are well-characterized at this point
- •Maintenance of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)'s therapeutic effects is typical
- •Tolerance patterns with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) are generally stable over months
What's next
- →Comprehensive assessment of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) efficacy should be conducted
- →Discuss long-term continuation, cycling, or protocol modifications
- →Continue regular monitoring of relevant biomarkers or symptoms
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: A 12-week double-blind study showed palmitoyl-KTTKS significantly reduced wrinkles and fine lines versus placebo—quantified by technical analysis and expert graders. Subjects reported significant improvements in facial appearance.
View Study"Liposome encapsulation of the Palmitoyl-KTTKS peptide: structural and functional characterization"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: Liposomal encapsulation of palmitoyl-KTTKS peptide improved collagen production more than the free peptide or ascorbic acid control. Enhanced stability and skin delivery made the formulation more effective.
View Study"Dermal stability and in vitro skin permeation of collagen pentapeptides (KTTKS and palmitoyl-KTTKS)"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: Palmitoyl-KTTKS demonstrated greater stability and skin penetration than unmodified KTTKS, reaching the dermis at 0.3 µg/cm². The palmitoyl modification increased skin permeability and provided superior anti-wrinkle benefits.
View Study"Stability of collagen pentapeptide (KTTKS) in rat skin determined by LC-MS/MS"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: LC-MS/MS analysis revealed KTTKS is highly susceptible to peptide bond cleavage by aminopeptidases in skin, making enzymatic stability a key challenge. This degradation pathway explains why palmitoylation improves efficacy.
View Study"Synergistic effects of injectable platelet-rich fibrin and bioactive peptides on dermal fibroblast viability and ECM gene expression"
Research investigators, 2020
Finding: Combining platelet-rich fibrin with palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 synergistically increased fibroblast viability and upregulated extracellular matrix genes. The combination showed stronger effects than individual treatments.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions