FAQ · Cosmetic peptides

What is Matrixyl 3000?

Q: What is Matrixyl 3000?

Matrixyl 3000 is a branded cosmetic peptide complex from French ingredient maker Sederma, combining palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. Both are signal peptides that appear to stimulate collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Matrixyl 3000 is among the most commercially recognised cosmetic peptide ingredients globally; it is in dozens of UK serums and creams from The Ordinary, Olay, RoC, Boots No7, Indeed Labs, Medik8 and others.

The two peptides

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1: a 3-amino-acid signal peptide with a palmitic-acid attachment that improves skin penetration. Stimulates type I, II, and IV collagen synthesis and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cultured fibroblasts.
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7: a 4-amino-acid signal peptide. Reduces inflammation by limiting interleukin-6 production. Often paired with tripeptide-1 to balance anti-inflammatory and pro-collagen effects.

Matrixyl 3000 vs Matrixyl morphobiomimetic (MMW) etc

Sederma has multiple Matrixyl-branded peptide complexes: Matrixyl 3000 (the most common in UK retail), Matrixyl synthe\'6, Matrixyl morphobiomimetic. The trademark family confuses casual readers; in formulation terms they are distinct peptide combinations from the same supplier. Most UK products use Matrixyl 3000 specifically.

Concentration in finished products

Manufacturer-recommended use level is 3 to 8 percent of the finished product. Higher percentages are not particularly more effective; signal peptides saturate the receptor effect at modest concentrations. UK products at the top of INCI listings (Medik8 Liquid Peptides, The Ordinary "Buffet") typically use Matrixyl 3000 at the manufacturer-recommended range.

Comparison with GHK-Cu

Different molecules, different mechanisms, different stacking compatibility. Matrixyl 3000 is generally compatible with retinoids, vitamin C, and most other actives. GHK-Cu has more restrictive stacking rules (avoid low-pH vitamin C in the same step). For users wanting one peptide product covering most bases, Matrixyl 3000-containing serums are often easier to incorporate.