The Ordinary
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Copper + multiple peptides
$32.0030 mL · $1.07 / mL
A water-based serum combining copper tripeptide, several other peptides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid ingredients.
Matrixyl for skin: benefits and the different formulas
Matrixyl products may help fine lines look softer and skin look smoother, but “Matrixyl” covers different peptide ingredients. The best-known published trial studied the original pentapeptide; it cannot prove the same results for Matrixyl 3000 or synthe’6.
The practical verdict
An optional fine-line serum ingredient. Check which Matrixyl version you are buying.
Someone seeking an optional hydrating serum for early fine lines, who prefers to compare the actual peptide names and price rather than buy on a big percentage alone.
What’s the evidence like?
Limited and specific to the peptide version
Look for Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 on the label.
What can you realistically expect?
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Which serums contain it?
Compare two formulasThe Ordinary
Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
Multiple peptides + hydration
$19.9030 mL · $0.66 / mL
Multiple peptides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid ingredients; no listed copper tripeptide.
The Ordinary
Matrixyl 10% + HA
Matrixyl peptides + hydration
$10.9030 mL · $0.36 / mL
A lightweight serum with three palmitoylated peptides, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate. The product name’s 10% is not a verified pure-peptide concentration.
Does the research support the claims?
A 2005 randomized, double-blind study in 93 women compared a moisturizer with 3 ppm pal-KTTKS against the same moisturizer without it for 12 weeks. Fine-line and wrinkle assessments favored the peptide formula. The authors were affiliated with Procter & Gamble, so this is industry-affiliated human research. Pal-KTTKS is the original pentapeptide associated with Matrixyl, not the different peptides in Matrixyl 3000 or synthe’6. Croda’s official pages confirm those distinct compositions and publish supplier efficacy claims. Those commercial claims should be considered separately from the older published trial. The linked Ordinary serums list the peptides found in Matrixyl 3000 and synthe’6, rather than the original pentapeptide. The evidence reviewed here does not establish that one Matrixyl version or listed serum is best.
- Published industry-affiliated human researchRobinson et al. (2005): original pal-KTTKS, 93-person, 12-week trial; P&G affiliation
- Supplier materialCroda: original Matrixyl composition
- Supplier materialCroda: Matrixyl 3000 composition and supplier claims
- Supplier materialCroda: Matrixyl synthe’6 composition and supplier claims
- ManufacturerThe Ordinary: official US Matrixyl 10% + HA formula
- ManufacturerThe Ordinary: official US Multi-Peptide + HA formula
- ManufacturerThe Ordinary: official US copper serum formula
How do the ingredient options differ?
These names describe different peptides, and there is no verified head-to-head evidence here that establishes a winner. Several serums contain more than one.
| Ingredient | The useful distinction | What to check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Argireline | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, often marketed for expression lines. A small four-week placebo-controlled trial supports cautious expectations. | A solution percentage is different from the amount of pure peptide. Check the finished formula and its directions. |
| Matrixyl | A family of different peptide ingredients. Evidence for the original pentapeptide does not transfer automatically to Matrixyl 3000 or synthe’6. | Which version is listed, the other moisturizing ingredients and the price per mL. |
| Copper peptides | Look for Copper Tripeptide-1. Evidence that isolates its contribution in ordinary consumer serums remains limited. | The whole formula, cost and compatibility advice. Adding copper does not establish better performance. |