Matrixyl, also known as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (or Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 in older literature), is a synthetic peptide widely used in anti-aging cosmetic formulations. It is derived from a fragment of collagen I, one of the most abundant proteins in the skin. The name "Matrixyl" is a registered trademark of Sederma, a Givaudan company, which introduced this ingredient to the cosmetics market. Its primary function in skincare is to signal to skin cells (fibroblasts) to produce more collagen and other extracellular matrix components, thereby helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture. It is a small molecule that can penetrate the skin's outer layers to exert its effects. Unlike some other anti-aging ingredients, Matrixyl is generally well-tolerated and can be used on sensitive skin.
Deep dive
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Known interactions
Category rule: peptide × hormone
Note
Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.
Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
["DrugBank", "NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)", "PubChem (National Center for Biotechnology Information)", "Sederma (manufacturer data)"]
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the peptide category or studied for the same goals.