Other than reminding us of the famous Tony Stark quote, (I love you 3000, in case you are not an Avengers fan) Matrixyl 3000 is one of the lesser-known names in skincare. And unlike the somewhat confusing name, it only has one ingredient, not 3000. And unlike other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or Matrixyl 3000 isn’t produced by our bodies.
So, what is Matrixyl 3000?
The main thing to know is that Matrixyl is a peptide. It is a synthetic peptide – meaning, it is formulated by the synthesis of peptides in the lab. Matrixyl 3000 is a combination of peptides and it is a brand by Sederma, a French cosmetics company.
Peptides themselves have been around for a while. They were first incorporated into skincare products in the late ’80s and have since been marketed as the anti-aging powerhouse. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, aka the building blocks of the skin.
They perform a number of functions that are vital to the health of your skin. Check out our blog post about peptides and I promise it is very beginner-friendly 🙂
As mentioned above, Matrixyl 3000 is a combination of two peptides – Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 to be exact. To get really scientific-ish, these peptides are signal peptides that stimulate matrix (sound familiar?) protein production and cell production.
These proteins are mainly collagen and elastin that keep our skin youthful and plump.
Benefits of Matrixyl 3000 for skin
#1. Anti-aging: Remember collagen and elastin we talked about? Generally speaking, peptides stimulate our cells to produce more collagen which begins to decline as we age.
This is the whole trick behind their anti-aging benefit. It is the same for Matrixyl 3000, as it helps the skin rebuild itself. So, when you apply Matrixyl 3000 to your skin, you trigger your skin to produce new collagen and elastin.
#2. Reducing wrinkles: When you promote new collagen with Matrixyl 3000, you refill fine lines and wrinkles. Skin inflammation is the main reason why your skin ages fast and free radicals attack it every chance they get.
Matrixyl 3000 tackles inflammation, and as a result, it prevents premature aging. Voila!
#3. Fights against UVB damage: Sun damage is the number one cause of skin aging. By reducing inflammation, it makes sure that UVB damage is minimized. Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in Matrixyl 3000 formulation does the job for this one.
Is Matrixyl 3000 the same as Matrixyl?
Technically, they are both peptides. The only difference is that Matrixyl 3000 is the brand name given by Sederma.
Who should use Matrixyl 3000?
Any skin can benefit from using Matrixyl 3000. If you are in your late 20s or would like to start an anti-aging routine, go ahead.
If you are worried about fine lines and wrinkles, you should incorporate Matrixyl into your routine. Of course, aging and sun-damaged skin would benefit from using Matrixyl 3000 the most.
How should I use Matrixyl 3000 in my skincare routine?
Assuming that you will most probably use it as a serum product, you better use it in your nighttime routine. After you have properly cleansed and dried your face, apply 2 or 3 drops on your face.
Don’t go overboard with it, you don’t wanna waste a good product. Then, apply your best moisturizer and you are basically done.
How soon can I expect results from using Matrixyl 3000?
Studies show that Matrixyl 3000 is very effective, for example, one study found that after 2 months of use, there was a 15% reduction in wrinkles. For best results, you should apply it daily and you will see improved skin tone, increased skin elasticity, and less visible fine lines in about 8 weeks or so.
Are there any side effects of Matrixyl 3000?
It is perfectly safe to use Matrixyl 3000 on its own, however, if you have extra sensitive skin, consult with your doctor. One thing to bear in mind is that peptides can be unstable, so mixing them with certain ingredients can cause reactions.
It should be fine to use Matrixyl 3000 with retinoids since they also have collagen-building properties. Using it with Vitamin C can be a bit tricky since Vitamin C and peptides might cancel each other out. In case you want to layer Vitamin C and Matrixyl, wait for at least 30 minutes between the applications.
Just to be on the safe side, don’t use a highly concentrated vitamin C serum, use a fairly low percentage product. Because every skin has a different tolerance level, you should always try to work your way up.
More about Vitamin C: 4 Side Effects of Vitamin C serums, Benefits and More
Skincare products with Matrixyl 3000 to try
Because of its anti-aging value, many brands use Matrixyl 3000 in serums, and eye creams, that specifically target fine lines and wrinkles.
Here are our best picks for skincare products with Matrixyl 3000:
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
This is perhaps the most famous product out there because it is effective and very affordable at the same time. Props to The Ordinary! It is formulated with four essential ingredients: Matrixyl, Matrixyl 3000, and Matrixyl Synthe’6 + Hyaluronic Acid.
Matrixyl Synthe’6 is another peptide that targets rebuilding three types of collagen. It also helps HA to rebuild itself and retain moisture in the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, and yes, sensitive skin as well. With its light formula, it dries out fast on the skin and doesn’t feel heavy.
If you are looking for an affordable way to deal with wrinkles and to add an anti-aging boost to your routine, you should definitely give this one a go.
Timeless Matrixyl ®️ 3000 Serum
Timeless is another brand that makes great skincare products with Matrixyl 3000. I find that Timeless is a somewhat underrated brand, I feel like they should be more popular as they come up with great formulations.
Besides the obvious Matrixyl 3000, this anti-aging serum has HA (Hyaluronic Acid) for locking moisture, and Aloe vera which makes it perfect for sensitive skin.
With the help of matrikines – peptides that promote tissue repair, it boosts collagen synthesis by up to 258%. As a result, you get firm, plump skin that is replenished and hydrated.
Plus, it is vegan and cruelty-free, with no added fragrance. You can use it in your AM or PM routine, however, using it in your PM routine would probably serve your skin better.
Revolution skincare wrinkle and fine line reducing serum – 10% Matrixyl
Another budget-friendly product that won’t put a dent in your wallet. Targeted at smoothing out wrinkles, this formula increases skin’s hydration levels + collagen stimulation (hello, Matrixyl 3000!)
It is alcohol-free, fragrance and oil-free, and cruelty-free as well. It is very generous too, just 2 drops will help you cover your whole face. The texture is watery, I will admit, it is a little bit sticky, but not to a point that it reminds you of glue or something.
One user said that they started noticing a significant difference in their wrinkles after only 3 weeks! They don’t call Matrixyl 3000 an anti-aging superhero for no reason.
The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream
The first signs of aging are almost always around the eyes. Wrinkles forming around the eyes is your first cue for an anti-aging remedy. Its two main ingredients are Matrixyl 3000 and caffeine. The last one has a brightening effect on the skin.
If you are struggling with dark circles, and puffiness around the eyes, and want to tackle those wrinkles too, this formula is for you. However, keep in mind that dark circles around the eyes appear for a number of reasons, such as diet, lack of sleep, stress, or genetics.
If you have a serious condition of dark circles around your eyes, you might want to talk to your doctor or seek some lifestyle changes for them to completely disappear. This product, however, can definitely help you reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines around your eyes.
And, in conclusion …
It is totally up to you to decide if it is the secret to youthful, glowy, and perfect skin. However, it is pretty darn close to being one.
And I think Matrixyl 3000 is a powerhouse name that should be more popularized in skincare as an anti-aging agent. You can definitely expect to see results while tackling wrinkles, fine lines and promoting collagen levels in your skin.
