Matrixyl and Matrikines: What They Are and How to Use Them

Matrixyl and matrikines are among the best-known names in peptide skin care. This guide explains what matrikines are, how Matrixyl differs from Matrixyl 3000, which formats are available and how to add a Matrixyl-type peptide solution to a simple DIY serum.

Short answer: Matrikines are peptides modeled on short fragments of skin proteins. Matrixyl is the trade name associated with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, and Matrixyl 3000 combines Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. Both are used in products that support the look of firmer, smoother skin.

What are matrikines?

Matrikines are peptides modeled on short fragments of the proteins found in skin. In cosmetics they are used in serums, creams and eye products positioned for a firmer, smoother look and a softer look of fine lines. Like other peptides, each matrikine has its own INCI name, so products with similar trade names can contain different peptides or carriers.

Matrixyl vs Matrixyl 3000

Matrixyl is linked to a single peptide, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4. Matrixyl 3000 is a pair: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. Both are palmitoylated, which means a fatty-acid chain is attached to the peptide. They are related but not identical, so documents for one should not be used for the other. BeautyLabPro carries Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Peptide Solution and Matrixyl 3000 Peptide Solution.

Formats: solution, powder and oil-soluble concentrate

Matrixyl 3000-type peptides are available in three formats. A ready solution blends straight into water-based serums and creams. A Matrixyl 3000-Type Peptide Powder lets you choose the carrier and final level yourself. An oil-soluble concentrate brings the same peptide pair into facial oils, balms and emulsions, where water-soluble peptides do not fit. Choose the format that matches your product, then follow the documents for that exact material.

DIY Matrixyl 3000 serum

This simple water-based serum uses 10 ml distilled water, 2 ml hyaluronic acid gel, 1 ml glycerin and a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative used at the rate its supplier recommends. Add Matrixyl 3000 Peptide Solution at the level given in its product documents.

Start by cleaning and sanitizing your tools and containers. Combine the water, hyaluronic acid gel and glycerin, then stir in the peptide solution at its documented level and mix until even. Add the preservative, stir well and pour the serum into a clean dark glass dropper bottle.

Store the serum in a cool, dark place and discard it if its color, smell or texture changes. Apply a few drops to clean skin and follow with your moisturizer. Patch test before regular use.

Shop Matrixyl-type peptides

Shop Matrixyl 3000 Peptide Solution for your first serum, or browse the full Peptides collection to compare formats. For an overview of other popular peptides, see our guide to the top 5 peptides for anti-aging DIY skincare.

Related guides: Tripeptide-1 in a DIY Tanning Spray and Vitamins in Cosmetics: Benefits, Uses, and a DIY Recipe.

FAQ

What are matrikines?

Matrikines are peptides modeled on short fragments of skin proteins. They are used in serums, creams and eye products that support the look of firmer, smoother skin.

What is the difference between Matrixyl and Matrixyl 3000?

Matrixyl is linked to Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, while Matrixyl 3000 combines Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. They are related but not interchangeable.

Which Matrixyl format should I choose?

Choose a ready solution for water-based serums, a powder if you want to set the carrier and level yourself, and an oil-soluble concentrate for oils and balms.

How much Matrixyl 3000 should I add to a serum?

Use the level given in the product documents for the exact material you buy, because solutions, powders and concentrates are dosed differently.