3 min read · Updated 22 Oct 2026
Matrixyl and Argireline explained
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The two most common peptides on skincare labels.
If you've looked at peptide serums, you've almost certainly seen Matrixyl and Argireline. They're the two peptide names that show up most often, from budget brands to luxury ones. They do different jobs, so here's what each one is and how to choose.
What Matrixyl is
Matrixyl is a trade name for a family of peptides made by an ingredient company, Sederma. The versions you'll see most often are:
- Matrixyl (the original): palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.
- Matrixyl 3000: a pair of peptides, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.
- Matrixyl synthe'6: palmitoyl tripeptide-38.
These are often called "signal" peptides. In skincare they're described as supporting the skin's own collagen, for skin that looks firmer, smoother and plumper. The "palmitoyl" part is a fatty acid attached to the peptide, added so it sits better on skin.
Matrixyl is one of the more studied cosmetic peptides, though most of the studies are small and many are funded by the company that makes it. Expect gradual, subtle changes over weeks, not overnight results.
What Argireline is
Argireline is the trade name for acetyl hexapeptide-8 (you may also see the older name acetyl hexapeptide-3). It's made by another ingredient company, Lipotec.
Argireline is marketed for the look of expression lines: the lines that form where your face moves most, such as around the eyes, between the brows and across the forehead. Brands describe it as a peptide that relaxes the look of these lines.
The research is limited and mostly small. As a serum on the skin, any change is subtle, and it's best thought of as a gentle cosmetic option rather than a dramatic one.
How they're different
- Type. Matrixyl is a family of signal peptides. Argireline is a single peptide aimed at expression lines.
- Marketed for. Matrixyl: firmer, smoother-looking skin. Argireline: the look of expression lines.
- On the label. Matrixyl: palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 or palmitoyl tripeptide-38. Argireline: acetyl hexapeptide-8.
- Feel. Matrixyl serums are usually light and easy to layer. Argireline serums are usually watery.
In short, Matrixyl is about the overall look of firmness and smoothness. Argireline is about the lines that come from movement.
Using them together
Matrixyl and Argireline work well together, and many serums combine them. You can:
- Use a combined serum. Multi-peptide serums often contain both, which keeps your routine short.
- Layer two single serums. Apply the thinnest first, wait a moment, then the next. A watery Argireline serum usually goes on before a slightly thicker Matrixyl one.
- Split them by time of day. One in the morning, one at night.
To check what you're getting, find the ingredient names on the back of the pack. A serum that says "with Matrixyl" on the front but lists palmitoyl tripeptide-1 right at the end, after the preservatives, likely contains only a small amount. One near the top of the list is a better sign.
Both are generally gentle and suit most skin types. As with any new product, patch test first, and introduce one new serum at a time so you can tell what's working.
Here are three serums to compare, from single-peptide to multi-peptide:
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
Check price : The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA at Adore Beauty (opens in a new tab)Adore Beauty
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%
Check price : The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% at Adore Beauty (opens in a new tab)Adore Beauty
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
Check price : The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum at Adore Beauty (opens in a new tab)Adore Beauty
Prices as seen 17 Oct 2026, may change.
The short version
- Matrixyl is a family of signal peptides, marketed for firmer, smoother-looking skin.
- Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8) is marketed for the look of expression lines.
- They do different jobs and work well together, either in one multi-peptide serum or layered.
- Evidence for both is modest. Expect subtle, gradual changes.
Not medical advice. Talk to your GP.