Ingredient comparison

Matrixyl Synthe'6 vs Retinyl Palmitate: which one is right for your skin?

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: Retinyl Palmitate vs Matrixyl Synthe'6.

Short answer: Honestly, either one works. Choose by your skin type and what your routine already has. If you are pregnant, Matrixyl Synthe'6 is the safer one to reach for.

Chemical structure of Matrixyl Synthe'6 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38)Matrixyl Synthe'6Promising, not proven
Chemical structure of Retinyl Palmitate (Retinyl Palmitate)Retinyl PalmitateDecent support
5
Efficacy
6
0
Hydration
1
2
Barrier
0
0
Brightening
2
0
Acne
1
5
Anti-aging
5
Matrixyl Synthe'6 versus Retinyl Palmitate, compared
ComparedMatrixyl Synthe'6Retinyl Palmitate
PotencySimilarSimilar
Evidenceemerging evidencemoderate evidence
Irritation riskLowLow
Clogs poresLowLow
In pregnancyConsidered safeNot in pregnancy
On a labelusually effective at 1-2%works best above 0.3%

So which should you pick?

Choose Matrixyl Synthe'6 if

  • you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since only Matrixyl Synthe'6 is considered safe

Choose Retinyl Palmitate if

  • you want the pick with the most research behind it

The honest bottom line: Honestly, either one works. Choose by your skin type and what your routine already has. If you are pregnant, Matrixyl Synthe'6 is the safer one to reach for.

Pregnancy: Only Matrixyl Synthe'6 is considered safe to use in pregnancy.

No known clash between these two. If you want both, you can layer them; introduce one at a time.

Check these two in the tool →Or decode a whole product label →

From our dataNeither has to be the answer: 49 other ingredients in our glossary share a family with these two.

Matrixyl Synthe'6 vs Retinyl Palmitate, answered

Which is stronger, Matrixyl Synthe'6 or Retinyl Palmitate?

They are close in strength: Matrixyl Synthe'6 and Retinyl Palmitate score similarly on efficacy. Choose by skin type rather than power.

Is Matrixyl Synthe'6 or Retinyl Palmitate better for sensitive skin?

Both carry a similar irritation risk (low). Patch test either one before using it daily.

Can you use Matrixyl Synthe'6 and Retinyl Palmitate together?

There is no known clash between them. You can layer them if you like, just introduce one at a time.

General guidance, not medical advice. Read the full pages on Matrixyl Synthe'6 and Retinyl Palmitate.