MAT
Matrixyl is a lipopeptide consisting of a palmitic acid chain linked to the pentapeptide KTTKS. The KTTKS pentapeptide stimulated collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis in fibroblast culture (Katayama 1993), and Matrixyl is one of the most widely used peptides in anti-aging skincare.
Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)
Cosmetic ingredient; not regulated as a drug. Not in the PCAC process.
See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote5 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is mainly used as a cosmetic skin-care ingredient. Matrixyl is a lipopeptide consisting of a palmitic acid chain linked to the pentapeptide KTTKS.
| Half-life | Topical (not systemically relevant) |
|---|---|
| How it's given in studies | Topical |
| Research stage | Cosmetic/topical |
| Dosing | Published research: Human facial skin: 3 ppm pal-KTTKS in a moisturizer, applied twice daily for 12 weeks detailsHuman facial skin: 3 ppm pal-KTTKS in a moisturizer, applied twice daily for 12 weeks. Double-blind split-face RCT, n=93 women aged 35-55 (Robinson 2005). Katayama 1993 used unmodified KTTKS on fibroblasts in vitro.Community-reportedCommunity-reported: 2–5% in topical formulations, topical |
Published-research dosing is what was given in the cited studies (species and units as reported). Community-reported dosing is what users describe, not from clinical studies. Neither is a recommendation. Not medical advice.
Where each point comes from: Clinicalhuman trials and FDA labels Lab / animalrodent, cell and ex vivo studies Community-reporteduser experience and commonly used protocols, not from clinical studies
In plain terms: It is a skin-care peptide designed to prompt skin to make more collagen. Proposed mechanism: designed as a topical agent to stimulate collagen production (Robinson 2005). The procollagen-derived pentapeptide it is based on increased extracellular-matrix production in cultured fibroblasts (Katayama 1993). The palmitoyl chain is added to enhance skin penetration.
How to read this: Each item below is an effect observed in research subjects in the cited studies — think of Dexter, our stand-in research subject. These are findings from the literature, not results you should expect, and not medical advice.
Community-reportedUsers report Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) in 2–5% in topical formulations (topical). This is not a recommendation.
Side effects reported in studies are listed separately below.
Community reports are anecdotal, vary widely in product quality and purity, and are not medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider.
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, also known as pal-KTTKS) is one of the most successful and widely used cosmetic peptides, developed by Sederma. The pentapeptide KTTKS was originally identified as a fragment of collagen type I propeptide — a natural signal (matrikine) produced during collagen turnover that tells fibroblasts to produce more collagen. A palmitoyl (C-16 fatty acid) chain is added, intended to improve the peptide's skin penetration and stability. In a 12-week double-blind split-face study in 93 women, pal-KTTKS produced a significant reduction in wrinkles/fine lines vs vehicle (Robinson 2005).
Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser (5 amino acids + palmitoyl chain)
Molecular Weight: 802.1 Da
Molecular Formula: C39H75N7O10
Structure Details: Lipopeptide consisting of the pentapeptide KTTKS conjugated to a palmitic acid (C16:0) chain at the N-terminus. The lipid moiety enhances membrane permeation and skin delivery.
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| Peptide | Half-Life | Route | Research Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) | Topical (not systemically relevant) | Topical | Cosmetic/topical |
| Epitalon | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| FOXO4-DRI | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| GDF-11 | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
| Humanin | Unknown | Subcutaneous injection | Preclinical (animal) |
Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →
This peptide belongs to the Anti-Aging category. View All Anti-Aging Peptides
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Dosing, half-life figures, and mechanism descriptions on this page are compiled from peer-reviewed published research, with the species and study type stated where reported. Figures labeled “Dosing used in published research” describe what was given in those studies and do not constitute dosing recommendations for any human use. Each cited paper is listed with DOI and PubMed links in the References section above. Found an error? Contact us.