There’s no doubt about it: peptides have been the star skin-care ingredient of 2024. Peptides are amino acids that work to firm skin, boost elasticity, and brighten dull complexions. They’ve also been having a major moment in skin care—peptide serums were one of the most popular skin-care launches in 2024, and peptide hair products and lip treatments also had a major moment. Though peptides are buzzy on their own, there’s a specific type of peptide that’s beginning to gain momentum: matrixyl peptides.
Matrixyl peptides are peptides that mimic skin’s natural production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin. According to Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, these peptides aim to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Think of matrixyl serums as highly potent peptide serums, since their biomimetic properties help mimic skin’s natural processes.
Best to Use With Injectables
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Serum
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Matrixyl serums are fairly new to the market, so there aren’t many of them out there yet—but we found the five best to try. Keep reading for our favorite matrixyl serums, based on expert recommendations and rave reviews.
Best Overall
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA High-Strength Wrinkle Support Serum
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Some find the texture a bit sticky
This serum blends matrixyl peptides and hyaluronic acid for a potent formula that boosts elasticity and hydrates skin. The formula includes 10 percent matrixyl, which helps to target fine lines and wrinkles and promote collagen production.
Key ingredients: Matrixyl peptides, hyaluronic acid
Size: 30 mL
Ulta rating: 4.5/5
Our expert says: “The Ordinary’s Matrixyl 10% + HA is popular for their effective blend of peptides and hydration at an affordable price.”—Gohara
Best to Use With Injectables
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Serum
Pros
- Aims to help extend your injectables
Cons
- Some find the texture to be a bit gritty
Consider this serum a secret weapon for targeting fine lines and wrinkles. Made with a peptide complex that includes both matrixyl peptides and argireline, it’s meant to work as a supplement to your injectables—this serum claims to help extend your botox by up to six months.
Key ingredients: Matrixyl peptides, argireline
Size: 30 mL
Dermstore rating: 4/5
A Dermstore reviewer says: “I bought this product to use as a supplement with Botox. I found that it helped keep my forehead lines relaxed longer between appointments, although I didn’t see much difference around my crows feet . The consistency is creamy and feels moisturizing, and I liked the ingredient list. I’m back for a refill.”
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Pros
- Retinal helps cellular turnover
Cons
- Results take time
This overnight serum uses a blend of matrixyl and antioxidant-rich chrysin, a flavinoid found in honey to help boost elasticity and collagen. It also has retinal, which helps to speed up cellular turnover to smooth and brighten skin. The ingredient list also includes arctic cloudberry, which helps shield skin from environmental damage.
Key ingredients: Matrixyl peptides, chrysin, retinal, arctic cloudberry
Size: 1.17 oz.
Dermstore rating: 4.6/5
A Dermstore reviewer says: “I’ve been using this on and off for a year, and I notice a huge difference when I use it. It makes my wrinkles less noticeable and my skin tight the next morning!”
Pros
- Aloe and hyaluronic acid help soothe and moisturize skin
Cons
- Some reviewers didn’t notice a big difference after using
This serum is meant to fit seamlessly into any skin-care routine and can be used daily. It’s made with matrixyl peptides to boost collagen synthesis and hyaluronic acid and aloe to plump and soothe skin.
Key ingredients: Matrixyl peptides, hyaluronic acid, aloe
Size: 1 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “This bottle lasted me a year! I have been using this in the morning along with tretinoin every few days at night, and my skin looks so much better. I decided at 35 I needed to step up my skin care, and this product definitely helped! I like it in the morning because it absorbs so well. My fine lines are practically gone!”
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Pros
- Matrixyl and argireline work together to firm
Cons
- Some reviewers found it to be a bit drying
With almost 2,000 five-star ratings, this matrixyl serum is a best-seller on Amazon for a reason. In this serum, matrixyl and argireline work together to boost collagen and elastin, repair damage, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on skin.
Key ingredients: Matrixyl peptides, argireline
Size: 4 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love how firm and calm my skin looks and feels after using this! My skin is generally quite sensitive and it feels so nourished after I apply it. I’m so happy I discovered this serum to add to my beauty routine. It’s so effective I barely use my other skin-care products anymore.”
What are the benefits of using a matrixyl serum?
If you want tighter, smoother skin, matrixyl serums might be the perfect addition to your skin-care routine. “Matrixyl serum helps improve skin elasticity, smoothness, and overall firmness, making skin look more youthful over time,” says Gohara. Many matrixyl serums are also formulated with hydrating ingredients, so they also help keep skin moisturized and nourished.
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What should someone look for when choosing a matrixyl serum?
If you want to get the most out of a matrixyl serum, there are a few guidelines to follow. “Look for a high concentration of matrixyl peptides, ideally paired with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, to enhance its effectiveness,” says Gohara. A good rule of thumb is to look for about a 10 percent concentration of matrixyl peptides.
Are there any drawbacks to using a matrixyl serum?
As with any new skin-care products, it’s a good idea to do a patch test before you use a matrixyl serum. “Some people may experience mild irritation or breakouts, so it’s important to test first, especially for sensitive skin,” says Gohara.
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Meet the expert
Mona Gohara, MD, is the associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.
Why trust ELLE beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn interviewed a dermatologist and found the best matrixyl serums on the market.
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Katie Berohn
Beauty Editor
Katie Berohn is ELLE’s beauty editor. Previously, she held the same title at Who What Wear, where she was promoted from associate beauty editor. She’s written for publications like The Cut, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, and Mashable. Her interests include fragrance, vintage shopping, hot yoga, food, travel, music, books, and attempting to make every NYT Cooking recipe. She’s on the endless hunt to find the perfect shade of red lipstick.
