Matrixyl calculator
A well-established cosmetic peptide used topically for skin aging. One of the few peptides with real cosmetic-trial support.
Also known as: Palmitoyl pentapeptide, Pal-KTTKS, Matrixyl 3000
FDA status — not an approved drug Matrixyl is not FDA-approved as a drug — it is a cosmetic ingredient used topically in anti-aging skincare, which is regulated differently from drugs. Injectable use has no evidence base.
Schedule Matrixyl → Set your dosing schedule and get a phone notification when each dose is due. Free.
What Matrixyl is
Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide, or Pal-KTTKS) is one of the most established cosmetic peptides, used topically in anti-aging skincare. It is a fragment of collagen linked to a fatty acid to aid skin penetration. It is among the few peptides with controlled trials supporting modest topical benefit.
Research depth: 3/5 Among the better-studied cosmetic peptides, with controlled topical trials showing modest benefit. Human trials: Topical cosmetic trials. This measures how much has been studied — counting animal and laboratory work — not whether it works for you.
How Matrixyl works
It is designed to mimic a fragment of collagen, signaling skin cells (fibroblasts) to produce more collagen and extracellular matrix as if repairing damage. The palmitoyl fatty-acid tail helps it penetrate the skin barrier. Controlled topical trials report modest improvement in the appearance of fine lines.
Matrixyl side effects
Commonly reported
- Skin irritation or redness with topical use
- Generally well tolerated
- Effects are modest
Serious — seek medical care
- No established injectable safety data — it is a topical cosmetic
- Allergic contact dermatitis possible
- Not a drug — cosmetic-grade evidence
This list is not exhaustive. Report anything unexpected to the clinician who prescribed it. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek care the same day. See also our guide to peptide side effects by class.
A worked example
A 50 mg vial reconstituted with 5 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 10 mg/mL. A 3000 mcg dose is then 0.3 mL — about 30 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe, giving roughly 16 doses per vial before accounting for residual volume left in the vial and syringe.
Prefer paper? Download the printable Matrixyl dosing chart (PDF) — every vial size and water volume in syringe units, with the same review byline as this page. All charts →
Commonly cited dose range
Figures circulating for Matrixyl run from 1000 mcg to 10000 mcg. Matrixyl is a topical cosmetic ingredient, not an injectable. Figures shown reflect topical-formulation reference amounts. There is no injectable dose.
Read this as reference information, not instruction. These numbers describe what is commonly discussed, not what is right for any individual. Dose, frequency, and whether to use Matrixyl at all are decisions for a licensed clinician who knows your history.
Common questions
Does Matrixyl work for wrinkles?
It is one of the better-studied cosmetic peptides, with some controlled trials showing modest improvement in the appearance of fine lines with topical use. Effects are modest and it is a cosmetic, not a drug.
Is Matrixyl injected?
No. Matrixyl is a topical cosmetic ingredient used in creams and serums. There is no evidence base for injecting it, and injectable use is not advised.