Ingredient glossary

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

What Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.

INCI: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 · Also: Matrixyl, Pal-KTTKS

Solid and proven

In short: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 delivers anti-aging support and firming, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate.

What it does
Anti aging, firming
Best for
Most skin types
Evidence
Moderate
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The molecule

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Chemical structure of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)

The Glow take

Genuinely worth a spot in your routine.

When your goal is softening fine lines and keeping skin firm, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 pulls genuine weight, with a solid amount of evidence behind it. Gentle enough that most skin types can reach for it.

— Maya

What it does

  • anti aging
  • firming
  • texture

moderate evidenceDouble blind clinical trials at three ppm report around thirty percent reductions in wrinkle volume with minimal irritation yet replication outside supplier studies is scarce.

On a label: usually effective at 0.0003-0.003%.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

Tends to suit

  • normal
  • dry
  • combo
  • photoaged

Approach with care

No specific group flagged to avoid it.

  • Clogs poresLow
  • Irritation riskLow

How it fits each skin type

  • DrySuits
  • CombinationSuits
  • OilySuits
  • SensitiveSuits

Often chosen for photoaged.

Where it fits in your routine

WhenMorning or evening
Where in the orderAfter cleansing, before your moisturizer

Plays well with

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, answered

Is Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.

Who should avoid Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4?

No specific group is flagged to avoid Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.

What concentration of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 actually works?

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 tends to do its job in the 0.0003 to 0.003% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.

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Sources & how we reviewed this

Last reviewed July 2026. Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.