The 5 Best Matrixyl Serums of 2024, According to Experts

Oct 26, 2024

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Add these 5 expert-recommended formulas into your routine for tighter, firmer skin.

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.

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.

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

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.”

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!”

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!”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Mona Gohara, MD, is the associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.

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 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.

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