A revolutionary new peptide, Matrixyl can be found in only the best wrinkle products currently on the market.  Otherwise known as palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Matrixyl is said to stimulate collagen growth in the skin and may be a valid and competitive botox alternative.  Moreover, Matrixyl may actually improve the performance of other peptides.

            Matrixyl was developed by Sederma SA and Proctor & Gamble in an attempt to find a substance capable of aiding the rate of skin healing while reducing the appearance of wrinkles at the same time.  Matrixyl was originally known as palmitoyl pentapeptide-3.  But it was renamed to be palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 after an adjustment was made to its molecular structure.  Since its discovery, some have speculated matrixyl to produce the same if not better results than retinol without the associated negative side effects(4)(5). 

            But people say a lot of things about a lot of different wrinkle ingredients.  So what do we have besides gossip and the idea that it might be better than retinol?  Scientists have found in evaluations of matrixyl that it stimulates the growth of collagen in the lowest levels of the epidermis.  Furthermore, when clinical studies were conducted on the effectiveness of Matrixyl in wrinkle fighting, scientists found that Matrixyl increases collagen production by up to 117%, increases collagen IV synthesis by up to 327%, and increases the production of hyaluronic acid by up to 267%.  In other words, a noticeable diminishment of wrinkles is guaranteed with the right concentration of this particular peptide(2)(3).

            In conclusion, Matrixyl is among a wave of new peptides promising to provide a valuable alternative to botox.  It is backed by studies and seems to stimulate lasting results rather than results which will wash away with whatever mixture it happens to accent.  However, we caution users to look closely at the label.  Even if a product claims to contain Matrixyl, it is no guarantor of success.  Too many a wrinkle care cream or serum may contain powerful ingredients, but in insignificant quantities to provide results.  To avoid this, we suggest a product with palmitoyl pentapeptide 4 near the top of their ingredients list.  In most  cases, this will ensure a minimum concentration of the recommended 3%.   

1. http://www.wrinklereview.com/wrinkle-reducer/matrixyl.html
2. Robinson LR, Fitzgerald NC, Doughty DG, Dawes NC, Berge CA, Bissett DL. Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin. The Procter & Gamble Company, Miami Valley Laboratories, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
3. Delie F, Couvreur P, Nisato D, Michel JB, Puisieux F, Letourneux Y. Synthesis and in vitro study of a diglyceride prodrug of a peptide. Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie, Pharmacotechnie et Biopharmacie, URA CNRS 1218, Faculté de Pharmacie, Catenay-Malabry, France.
4. http://mantegazza.wordpress.com/tag/matrixyl-3000/
5. Stein, Jill.  WCD: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide Challenges Retinol As Treatment For Photo-aged Skin.  http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2177e6.htm