Quick Comparison
| Bakuchiol | Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Concentration | Concentrations: 0.5%-2%. Can be used morning and/or night (not photosensitizing like retinoids). Apply after cleansing. Can be combined with retinoids for enhanced effects. Safe to use without SPF specifically for this ingredient, though daily SPF is always recommended. | Typically used at 2-8% in formulations. Applied morning and/or night. Compatible with virtually all other active ingredients. Often found combined with Matrixyl 3000 (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7) for enhanced effects. |
| Application | Topical (serum, oil, cream). Stable in formulation. Not photosensitizing. | Topical (serum, cream). Water-soluble base. Apply to clean skin. Compatible with acids, retinoids, and vitamin C. |
| Research Papers | 10 papers | 2 papers |
| Categories |
Mechanism of Action
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol (meroterpene from Psoralea corylifolia) achieves retinol-like effects through RAR/RXR-independent pathways. It upregulates collagen I and III in fibroblasts via TGF-beta/Smad signaling and possibly ER-beta cross-talk. Bakuchiol downregulates MMP-1, preserving dermal collagen. It accelerates keratinocyte differentiation and stratum corneum turnover through distinct pathways. Direct antioxidant activity scavenges ROS and inhibits lipid peroxidation. Anti-inflammatory effects may involve NF-kappaB modulation. Clinical studies show comparable wrinkle reduction to 0.5% retinol; combination with retinol shows synergy. Safe during pregnancy—does not activate retinoic acid receptors.
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)
Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Pal-KTTKS) is a matrikine—a bioactive collagen fragment mimicking Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser from the alpha-1 chain of collagen I. This sequence binds integrin receptors on dermal fibroblasts, triggering TGF-beta/Smad and MAPK/ERK signaling that upregulates ECM synthesis genes. Fibroblasts increase production of collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans including hyaluronic acid—recreating the wound-healing signal without tissue damage. The C16 palmitoyl chain enhances lipophilicity and stratum corneum penetration via intercellular lipid partitioning. Unlike retinoids, Matrixyl does not accelerate epidermal turnover, explaining its lack of irritation. Clinical studies show wrinkle reduction comparable to retinol.
Risks & Safety
Bakuchiol
Common
Very few — bakuchiol is exceptionally well-tolerated. Mild tingling in some users initially.
Serious
None documented. Safe during pregnancy.
Rare
Allergic reaction (rare plant allergy).
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)
Common
Essentially none — peptides are extremely well-tolerated.
Serious
None documented. Safe in pregnancy.
Rare
Minimal risk of allergic reaction.
Full Profiles
Bakuchiol →
A plant-derived compound from Psoralea corylifolia seeds that provides retinol-like benefits without retinoid chemistry. Bakuchiol does not bind to retinoic acid receptors — it achieves similar gene expression changes through a completely different mechanism, making it safe during pregnancy and for skin too sensitive for any retinoid. Clinical studies show comparable improvements in wrinkles and pigmentation to 0.5% retinol.
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) →
One of the most studied anti-aging peptides. Matrixyl is a signal peptide that mimics collagen fragments (matrikines), tricking fibroblasts into thinking collagen has been broken down and needs to be replaced. This stimulates new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. Clinical studies show visible wrinkle reduction comparable to retinol but without any irritation.