Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)
Also known as Matrixyl, Pal-KTTKS, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3
INCI name · Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
The original Matrixyl — a matrikine peptide beloved for its firming feel and for softening the look of fine lines over time. For external cosmetic use only.
Matrixyl is the peptide that taught the beauty world the word matrikine. On a label it reads as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4: a five-amino-acid message fragment with a palmitoyl (fatty) tail attached to help it feel at home in an oil-and-water formula.
It became a hero ingredient not through spectacle but through consistency — the kind of active people keep on the shelf for the long game. This page is about what it is and the appearance it's associated with, described honestly and without any medical claim.
The matrikine idea, in plain terms
Matrikines are short peptide sequences that skincare formulators think of as messenger fragments — little signal-shaped pieces. Matrixyl's sequence is a pentapeptide (five amino acids); the palmitoyl tail is a lipid attachment that makes the whole molecule sit comfortably in a serum.
That is the honest description of the class: it is named and built around the idea of a signal peptide. What we can speak to is the look and feel of skin in a good routine — not a biological outcome.
Why it's a shelf staple
Matrixyl is famously easy to live with. It is lightweight, layers under moisturizer without fuss, and is gentle enough to use morning and evening. That everyday-ness is exactly why it endures: it supports the look of plumper, more supple skin and helps soften the appearance of fine lines gradually, with consistency rather than drama.
It sits at the foundation of our Firming & Elasticity collection and pairs naturally with Matrixyl 3000 and the palmitoyl peptides.
Matrixyl vs. Matrixyl 3000
People often ask which to choose. The original Matrixyl here is Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 on its own. Matrixyl 3000 is a different, two-peptide pairing (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7). Both live in the same firming family; many people simply pick by texture preference or use them at different times.
How to use it
External use only. Apply a few drops to clean skin morning and evening before moisturizer. It layers happily with other peptides in the collection. Patch-test on the inner arm before first use and discontinue if irritation occurs. Store cool and out of direct sun.
Common questions
It appears as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (older listings sometimes read Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3) — a lipidated five-amino-acid matrikine peptide.
No. Matrixyl here is Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 by itself; Matrixyl 3000 is a separate blend of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. Both belong to the same firming family.
It's designed to be an easy, everyday leave-on step and is generally comfortable morning and evening. As always, patch-test first.
This is a cosmetic ingredient profile. It describes the active and the appearance of skin — the look and feel — not a treatment, a claim of any effect, or a recommendation for a medical use. These products are cosmetics and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For external cosmetic use only.