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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides85 plates · MIT
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C39H75N7O10 · 802.1 g/mol · PubChem CID 9897237 ↗

47Plate 47Reviewed 2026-04-27

Matrixyl

Cosmeceutical Pentapeptide

also known as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Pal-KTTKS, Pentapeptide-4

Synthetic palmitoyl-pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) derived from pro-collagen I fragment. Topically applied cosmeceutical that stimulates extracellular matrix synthesis in dermal fibroblasts, including collagen I, collagen III, and glycosaminoglycans. The N-terminal palmitoyl modification enhances lipophilicity and dermal penetration. Used in anti-aging formulations to promote dermal remodeling. [paccola-2025][gomes-2022]

Quick facts
Class
Cosmeceutical Pentapeptide
Evidence level
Mechanistic animal evidence
Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved (US) — research use only
§ I

At a glance

Route
Topical
Length (KTTKS)
5-AA
[gomes-2022]
Primary target
Collagen I/III
[paccola-2025]
Route

Topical · Dermal · Twice Daily

§ II

Mechanism

Edit ↗

Primary target — Dermal fibroblasts [paccola-2025].

Pathway — Fibroblast stimulation → Collagen I/III/IV synthesis → Glycosaminoglycan deposition → ECM remodeling.

Downstream effect — Enhanced extracellular matrix synthesis, improved dermal density, collagen remodeling [paccola-2025].

Origin — Synthetic pentapeptide KTTKS derived from pro-collagen I fragment, N-palmitoylated for lipophilicity [gomes-2022].

§ III

Dosage

Protocols described in the cited literature; not medical advice.

Edit ↗
ParameterValue
Formulation concentration0.5–5% in topical vehicleCommon cosmeceutical range; higher concentrations in clinical formulations.
Application frequencyTwice daily (AM/PM)Standard cosmeceutical protocol.
Duration8–12 weeks minimum for visible effectCollagen synthesis requires sustained application.
In vitro evidenceFibroblast viability + ECM gene upregulation [paccola-2025]
VehicleSerum, cream, or emulsion baseLipophilic carriers enhance penetration.
§ III · b

Reconstitution

A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.

Inputs
mg
mL
mcg
The calculator does pure mass-to-volume math. It does not recommend a dose. Refer to Matrixyl's cited literature for protocol specifics.
Volumetric outputFig. C — reconstitution math
Volume per dose
0.100mL
≈ 10.0 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
Concentration
2500
mcg per mL
Doses per vial
20
at this dose
§ V

Adverse events

Severities follow the FDA / CTCAE convention.

Edit ↗
Irritationmild
Mild erythema, pruritus in sensitive skin (rare)
Allergic reactionmild
Contact dermatitis (uncommon)
Systemic absorptionmild
Negligible — topical application only
Absolute contraindications
  • — Known hypersensitivity to palmitoyl peptides
Relative contraindications
  • — Active dermatitis or open wounds at application site
§ VI

Administration

Edit ↗
  1. 01
    Cleanse

    Wash face with gentle cleanser. Pat dry.

  2. 02
    Application

    Apply 2–3 drops to fingertips. Massage gently into target areas (face, neck, décolletage). Allow 1–2 minutes for absorption.

  3. 03
    Timing

    Twice daily — morning and evening. Apply before heavier creams or sunscreen.

  4. 04
    Storage

    Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Stable in formulation for 12–24 months.

§ VII

Synergies

Edit ↗
multi-pathway synergy
Deterministic 12-node hex coat-of-arms fingerprint for Matrixyl, generated from the slug hash. Decorative; the same slug always produces the same motif.+Deterministic 12-node hex coat-of-arms fingerprint for Ghk Cu, generated from the slug hash. Decorative; the same slug always produces the same motif.
Matrixyl + GHK-Cu

Matrixyl (Pal-KTTKS) stimulates fibroblast collagen synthesis via pro-collagen I mimicry, while GHK-Cu acts as a copper-binding tripeptide that enhances ECM remodeling through metalloproteinase modulation and wound healing pathways. Combined, they address collagen synthesis (Matrixyl) and matrix remodeling/repair (GHK-Cu) through distinct mechanisms, producing complementary effects on dermal architecture.

Primary benefit — Enhanced collagen synthesis + ECM remodeling, improved skin density and elasticity
Reference Q&A

Frequently asked

How does Matrixyl work?

Matrixyl acts on Dermal fibroblasts. [paccola-2025]

Is Matrixyl FDA-approved?

Matrixyl is not FDA-approved in the United States and is handled as a research compound (research use only). Regulatory status may differ in other jurisdictions.

Appendix

Sources

23%

of 39 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.

  1. [gomes-2022]
    Gomes 2022 — Boosting Cosmeceutical Peptides: Coupling Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids to Pentapeptide-4 Originates New Leads with Antimicrobial and Collagenesis-Inducing Activities.
    journal, 2022
    PubMed →
  2. [paccola-2025]
    Paccola 2025 — Synergistic Effects of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Bioactive Peptides on Dermal Fibroblast Viability and Extracellular Matrix Gene Expression: An In Vitro Study.
    journal, 2025
    PubMed →
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Plate composed 2026-04-27 · maturity human-reviewed · schema v1 · Contributors: peptidesdb-core · 30 fields uncited — open contributions
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