Ingredient comparison

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

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

Short answer: Retinyl Retinoate does more of the heavy lifting, while Matrixyl Synthe'6 is the gentler, lighter option. Pick the one that matches your skin.

Chemical structure of Matrixyl Synthe'6 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38)Matrixyl Synthe'6Promising, not proven
Chemical structure of Retinyl Retinoate (Retinyl Retinoate)Retinyl RetinoatePromising, not proven
5
Efficacy
8
0
Hydration
2
2
Barrier
-1
0
Brightening
4
0
Acne
3
5
Anti-aging
8
Matrixyl Synthe'6 versus Retinyl Retinoate, compared
ComparedMatrixyl Synthe'6Retinyl Retinoate
PotencyLowerHigher
Evidenceemerging evidenceemerging evidence
Irritation riskLowModerate
Clogs poresLowLow
In pregnancyConsidered safeNot in pregnancy
On a labelusually effective at 1-2%works best above 0.05%

So which should you pick?

Choose Matrixyl Synthe'6 if

  • your skin is sensitive or reacts easily
  • you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since only Matrixyl Synthe'6 is considered safe

Choose Retinyl Retinoate if

  • fine lines and firmness are your main goal

The honest bottom line: Retinyl Retinoate does more of the heavy lifting, while Matrixyl Synthe'6 is the gentler, lighter option. Pick the one that matches your skin.

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

Better for your concern

  • Fine lines and firmnessRetinyl Retinoate
  • Sensitive, reactive skinMatrixyl Synthe'6

Based on their scores in the knowledge base. "Either" means both hold their own for that goal.

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 Retinoate, answered

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

Retinyl Retinoate is the more potent of the two, with the higher efficacy score. Matrixyl Synthe'6 is the lighter option.

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

Matrixyl Synthe'6 is the gentler choice for sensitive, reactive skin (low irritation risk, versus moderate for Retinyl Retinoate).

Can you use Matrixyl Synthe'6 and Retinyl Retinoate 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 Retinoate.