Dermatology · Investigational
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)
No lawful US pathway
01 · Overview
Matrixyl is a lipopeptide composed of the pentapeptide sequence Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser (KTTKS) attached to palmitic acid to improve skin delivery (PMID 18492182). In vitro work indicates that KTTKS stimulates extracellular matrix synthesis in fibroblasts, specifically collagen types I and III and fibronectin (PMID 21535443).
The peptide is described as a matrikine, a small matrix-derived signaling fragment proposed to promote tissue remodeling in aged or photodamaged skin.
02 · Research summary & key findings
In cultured human dermal and corneal fibroblasts, palmitoyl-KTTKS increased collagen production in a concentration-dependent manner (PMID 23320752). A 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face study in 93 women, conducted by a consumer-products company, found significant reductions in wrinkles and fine lines compared with the moisturizer base alone (PMID 18492182). A small 8-week randomized trial in 21 Indonesian women reported better results for crow's feet with palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 than with placebo (PMID 36909866). A review noted the absence of skin penetration data and relatively few clinical studies (PMID 21535443), and histological evidence of dermal matrix changes in human skin remains limited.
03 · Regulatory status
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is in the investigational stage. While preclinical and early-phase data exist, it has not received regulatory approval for clinical use in the United States.
No lawful pathway today
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so we do not sell it and will not book a consultation for it. That can change: in 2026 FDA began reviewing several peptides for compounding. If you are working on the goal it is studied for, a licensed clinician can tell you what is lawfully available, which may be something else.
See the 1 FDA-approved compound in Dermatology
Tell me if the status changes
One email, only if this compound's regulatory standing actually moves. Not a newsletter, not a sales sequence.
Looking for a lawful, clinician-prescribed option for longevity and healthy ageing?
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is an investigational compound, is not FDA-approved, and has no lawful US compounding pathway, so we do not offer it and no clinician we work with will prescribe it. Products sold online as “research chemicals” are not made or tested to the standards required of medicines. If you are working on longevity and healthy ageing, a licensed clinician can tell you at a free consultation whether an FDA-approved or lawfully compounded treatment fits you, or whether nothing does.
Explore lawful options (free intake)About 3 minutes. If a protocol is prescribed through our provider, we earn 10% of the sale. See the receipts.
04 · Administration routes
- Topical
References
- [1]Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin Int J Cosmet Sci, 2005. PMID 18492182
- [2]Topically applied KTTKS: a review Int J Cosmet Sci, 2011. PMID 21535443
- [3]Collagen stimulating effect of peptide amphiphile C16-KTTKS on human fibroblasts Mol Pharm, 2013. PMID 23320752
- [4]Double-blind, Randomized Trial on the Effectiveness of Acetylhexapeptide-3 Cream and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Cream for Crow's Feet J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2023. PMID 36909866
Primary literature
- PubMed: "Matrixyl"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "Matrixyl"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "Matrixyl"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
Related peptides in Dermatology
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.