Also known as: Matrixyl
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Pal-KTTKS, trade name Matrixyl) is a synthetic lipid-linked fragment of type I procollagen used as a cosmetic ingredient. Research consists of cell studies and a handful of small cosmetic trials.
KTTKS is a short sequence from type I procollagen; the palmitoyl group is added to improve stability and skin uptake [4][5]. In lab work it is described as a signal peptide that increases fibroblast production of collagen types I and III, fibronectin and glycosaminoglycans [4][5]. Receptor-level details remain proposed rather than established.
| Study | Model | Reported result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facial appearance trial [1] | Human 93 women, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face, 12 weeks | Expert-graded appearance of fine lines and wrinkles measured against vehicle. Published. | Peer-reviewed Int J Cosmet Sci 2005 |
| Periorbital comparison trial [2] | Human 21 women, randomized, double-blind, three arms (peptide, acetyl hexapeptide-3, placebo), 8 weeks | Endpoints: appearance of periorbital lines (grading scale), hydration, water loss, elasticity, tolerability. Published. | Peer-reviewed J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2023 |
| Fibroblast contraction study [3] | Cell Cultured dermal fibroblasts, myofibroblast-transition and collagen-lattice contraction assays | 0.1 µM roughly halved α-SMA-positive stress fibers; 0.5 µM showed no significant effect. CTGF and lattice contraction also measured. | Peer-reviewed Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017 |
| Skin-peptide review [4] | Review Narrative review of cosmetic peptides | Summarizes lab collagen-synthesis data, tolerability at 3%, and delivery work (microneedles, ethosomes). | Peer-reviewed Biomolecules 2025 |
| Peptides and skin aging review [5] | Review Narrative review | Describes Pal-KTTKS as a procollagen-derived signal peptide and lists matrix components measured in lab studies. | Peer-reviewed Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2025 |
Human cosmetic studies describe appearance only. Lab results do not establish effects on skin structure.
