Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 / Pal-KTTKS / Matrixyl
A lipopeptide consisting of palmitic acid linked to the pentapeptide KTTKS (Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser). The KTTKS sequence mimics a fragment of type I collagen and signals fibroblasts to produce more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. The palmitoyl group enhances skin penetration. One of the most clinically validated anti-wrinkle peptides in cosmeceuticals, found in thousands of skincare products.
Half-life
N/A (topical depot in skin layers)
Typical Dose
Topical serum — typically 2–8% concentration
Route
topical
Category
anti_aging
Evidence Overview
Strength of evidence across clinical, expert, and experimental lanes.
How Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is dosed in practice
Usually taken on the skin. Typical range: Topical serum — typically 2–8% concentration. Half-life: N/A (topical depot in skin layers). Each card gives the dose, frequency and duration from one evidence lane: Clinical (human trials), Expert (practitioner protocols) or Experimental (early or animal data). These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Work out the units to draw with the reconstitution calculator, how long a vial lasts with the vial duration calculator, and how levels fall between doses with the half-life calculator.
One split-face randomized trial (2005) in 93 women found fewer fine lines and wrinkles than the placebo moisturizer after 12 weeks with 3 ppm palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.
- Split-face randomized trial (2005)
A workhorse anti-aging ingredient recommended by dermatologists as a gentler alternative to retinoids. Best results when layered under moisturizer on clean skin. Look for products with 2%+ concentration. Can be used year-round without photosensitivity concerns unlike retinoids.
- Dermatology cosmeceutical recommendations
- Anti-aging skincare clinical guidelines
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Upgrade to ProSafety & Contraindications
- Known allergy to peptide cosmeceuticals
- Active skin infections or open wounds in application area
- Generally very well tolerated — minimal contraindications
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4): common questions
What is Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)?
A lipopeptide consisting of palmitic acid linked to the pentapeptide KTTKS (Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser). The KTTKS sequence mimics a fragment of type I collagen and signals fibroblasts to produce more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. The palmitoyl group enhances skin penetration. One of the most clinically validated anti-wrinkle peptides in cosmeceuticals, found in thousands of skincare products.
How is Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) dosed?
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is usually taken on the skin. Typical range in DoseCraft's library: Topical serum — typically 2–8% concentration. Clinical (human trials): 3 ppm palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in a moisturizer; Daily use (exact frequency not reported); 12 weeks. Expert (practitioner protocols): 2–8% in topical formulation; Twice daily; Ongoing — cumulative benefits over months. These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Is Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) FDA-approved?
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is sold over the counter.
What is the half-life of Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)?
DoseCraft's library lists a half-life of N/A (topical depot in skin layers). Half-life sets how often a compound is dosed and how long it takes to clear: about five half-lives.
Who should not use Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)?
Listed contraindications: Known allergy to peptide cosmeceuticals; Active skin infections or open wounds in application area; Generally very well tolerated — minimal contraindications.
Information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide regimen.
Page updated . How we grade evidence: methodology.