Peptide

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

The flagship peptide Matrixyl from Sederma is one of the most popular anti-aging peptides in the world. A lipopeptide with palmitic acid and the sequence Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser stimulates the synthesis of collagen types I, III, IV, and hyaluronic acid in fibroblasts.

MatrikineStimulates collagenMatrixylAnti-aging peptide

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is a lipophilic peptide (INCI: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4). Palmitic acid (C16) increases lipophilicity → better permeability through the stratum corneum. The sequence KTTKS is a fragment of the C-terminal pro-domain of type I procollagen. Matrikines: when collagen is cleaved (due to aging, damage) → peptide fragments signal to cells "more collagen needed." KTTKS is one such signal. Mechanism: binds to fibroblast receptors → activates TGF-β signaling → synthesis of collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, laminin, and hyaluronic acid. Concentration in products: usually 1–5 ppm (very active in microconcentrations).

Anti-aging serums and creams for mature skin, products for reducing wrinkles and increasing firmness, day and night creams with peptide complexes, products for the skin around the eyes.

Key Benefits

✦

Stimulation of collagen synthesis types I, III, IV

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 activates the synthesis of several types of collagen: type I (main dermal, 70% of all collagen) → density and structure; type III ("young" collagen) → elasticity; type IV → basement membrane. Clinical study by Sederma: at a concentration of 3 ppm, collagen I synthesis increased by +350%, III by +250%, IV by +180% compared to control. Result: increased dermal thickness, reduced wrinkle depth.

◈

Wrinkle reduction - clinically confirmed

Double-blind study (Sederma, 2003): application of cream with Matrixyl (3 ppm) 2×/day for 12 weeks against placebo. Result: reduction in wrinkle volume by 36%, wrinkle depth by 27%. Comparative data: similar effectiveness to retinol (0.1%) without irritation. Synergy: Matrixyl 3000 (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 + palmitoyl tripeptide-1) - enhanced version with even more evidence base.

✧

Stimulation of hyaluronic acid and fibronectin

In addition to collagen, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in fibroblasts and keratinocytes - an additional moisturizing effect. Fibronectin: improves the "scaffold" of the extracellular matrix → better cell contact with the matrix → indirectly supports skin density. Laminin-5: a component of the basement membrane → improves the connection between the dermis and epidermis.

Suitable for

Mature skinSkin with wrinklesSagging skin

Main Actions

✓ Stimulation of collagen synthesis I, III, IV✓ Reduction of wrinkles✓ Increase in elasticity and density

Matrixyl vs Matrixyl 3000 vs Matrixyl Synthe'6

Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4): original, well-researched. Matrixyl 3000: a blend of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 + palmitoyl tripeptide-1 → synergistic action on various collagen synthesis pathways; more effective. Matrixyl Synthe'6 (palmitoyl tripeptide-38): newer, stimulates 6 matrix components. In the INCI composition: "Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4" = classic Matrixyl. Optimal pH: 5–7. Compatible with most ingredients except low pH (<4).

CategoryPeptides

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