What's on the label is the measured result — net peptide mass, not gross powder weight, plus RP-HPLC purity, on a lot-numbered COA for every batch.
Net peptide mass and RP-HPLC purity — a lot-numbered COA for every batch.
Net peptide mass + HPLC purity, per lot.
PCAC will review 7 peptides for the 503A bulks list, BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, MOTS-c, Emideltide, Semax, Epitalon. Read our briefing →
PCAC will review 7 peptides for the 503A bulks list. Read →
FDA PCAC reviews 7 peptides in July. Read →
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
PeptideXpo buyer fit
This PeptideXpo page supports buyers who are comparing Matrixyl as one item in a broader cosmetic-peptide or OEM sourcing program. A dedicated cosmetic-actives channel owns finished INCI formulation depth; PeptideXpo should help distributors and private-label sourcing teams compare catalog coverage, COA availability, and adjacent anti-aging actives.
Overview
Matrixyl (INCI: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is a palmitic-acid-conjugated pentapeptide based on the KTTKS sequence, which is a fragment of human procollagen type I. The palmitoyl modification increases the molecule's lipophilicity and facilitates stratum corneum penetration in topical applications. The underlying biological premise, that the KTTKS fragment, released during procollagen processing, signals fibroblasts to upregulate collagen synthesis as part of a feedback loop, is the rationale for Matrixyl's broad use across collagen-stimulating anti-aging finished products since the early 2000s. PeptideXpo supplies Matrixyl at ≥99.0% HPLC purity. The palmitoyl modification creates an analytical wrinkle: the lipidated peptide is more hydrophobic than typical short peptides and requires modified RP-HPLC conditions (higher organic gradient, larger pore-size column) for adequate resolution. The release packet covers peak-integration HPLC under the appropriate conditions, mass spec confirming the palmitoyl-modified mass, and water content. INCI name and CAS are reproduced on the SDS for cosmetic-notification workflows. Matrixyl is commonly co-formulated with Snap-8 (expression-line peptide) and GHK-Cu (copper-repair peptide) in multi-active anti-aging serums; the three peptides target different aspects of dermal aging and are mechanistically complementary rather than redundant.
Who buys this, and why
Cosmetic-peptide buyers fall into two groups: established beauty / med-aesthetic brands extending an existing line, and OEM clients building a private-label catalog from scratch. The first group usually wants bulk active plus stability data in their existing carrier matrix; the second usually wants a finished formulation under their label. Both need INCI naming verified, regulator-specific safety files (CPNP for EU, FDA OTC monograph for US where relevant), and packaging-compatibility data.
Primary buyer fit: medical aesthetic clinics and med spas and regional distributors and re-sellers.
Specifications
Documentation available on request
Regulatory note
Sold as a cosmetic ingredient for use in finished products where the receiving formulator's regulatory framework permits. Finished-product safety, INCI compliance, claims substantiation, and notification (CPNP, FDA, etc.) remain the responsibility of the brand owner. SDS and INCI documentation supplied with each shipment.
Frequently asked questions
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is the original palmitoyl-KTTKS molecule. Matrixyl 3000 is a different commercial product from Sederma that combines two palmitoyl-conjugated peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) and is not the same as Matrixyl, buyers shopping for finished-product formulation should be explicit about which they want at quote stage. PeptideXpo supplies Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (the original Matrixyl); related Matrixyl-family peptides including Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 are available on request through the OEM service.
The unmodified KTTKS pentapeptide is too polar to cross the stratum corneum lipid barrier in any meaningful quantity, so topical application of unmodified KTTKS produces essentially no biological signal. Conjugating palmitic acid to the N-terminus produces an amphipathic molecule that partitions into the lipid lamellae of the stratum corneum and can then dissociate into the viable epidermis, where the peptide moiety reaches dermal fibroblasts. The palmitoyl group is a delivery vehicle, not a pharmacophore, the biological activity comes from the KTTKS peptide itself.
Published cosmetic formulations typically incorporate Matrixyl at 3-8% finished-product mass. The peptide is most stable at slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.0-7.0); strongly alkaline systems hydrolyze the palmitoyl amide linkage and release free palmitic acid plus free KTTKS, which loses the topical-penetration advantage. Matrixyl is compatible with most cosmetic-base systems (serums, creams, lotions, ampoules) and is commonly stacked with other cosmetic peptides in multi-active formulations.
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