Also known as: Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
A signal peptide in anti-wrinkle creams.
Educational reference, not medical advice. Many compounds here are not approved, and products sold as research chemicals are not checked for purity. Plan any use with a licensed clinician.
How it works
Mimics collagen fragments that tell skin cells to make more collagen.
Evidence by goal
| Goal | Grade | What the grade means |
|---|---|---|
| Skin, hair & appearance | C | Limited human data, case series or practitioner reports |
At a glance
- Route
- Topical
- Half-life
- Not applicable
Reported dosing
Products as directed, usually twice daily.
Timing: Morning and evening.
Cycle: Ongoing; about 8 to 12 weeks to see effect.
From approved labels where they exist, otherwise from published trials and practitioner reports.
Side effects
- Mild irritation
Who should avoid it
- None significant
Often combined with
With Argireline or GHK-Cu serums.
Key findings
Small studies show modest wrinkle improvement.
Where it is legal (Oct 2026)
| US | No prescription |
|---|---|
| Canada | No prescription |
| Mexico | No prescription |
| EU | No prescription |
Sources
Open Matrixyl in the Peptide Guide Compare all peptides by goal
Last reviewed November 2026. Regulatory status reflects the US unless noted and changes often.