What is the difference between Cartalax and Matrixyl?

Cartalax: Tetrapeptide bioregulator from cartilage tissue; stimulates chondrocyte proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis; normalizes gene expression in cartilage cells Matrixyl: Palmitoylated pentapeptide fragment of collagen I; binds TGF-β receptors on fibroblasts; upregulates collagen I, III, and fibronectin; procollagen production via MAPK pathway

Is Cartalax FDA approved?

Cartalax is not evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is discussed for research and educational purposes only, not as medical guidance.

Is Matrixyl FDA approved?

Matrixyl is not evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is discussed for research and educational purposes only, not as medical guidance.

How is Cartalax administered in research settings?

In research settings, Cartalax is typically administered via the subcutaneous or oral routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

How is Matrixyl administered in research settings?

In research settings, Matrixyl is typically administered via the topical route. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

Home›Research›Compare›Cartalax vs Matrixyl

Peptide Comparison

Cartalax vs Matrixyl

Name: Cartalax vs Matrixyl — Per-mg Price Comparison
Creator: PeptideBase
License: https://peptidebase.io/terms

Both are Skin & Cosmetic peptides.

Cartalax

Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg

Skin & JointNot EvaluatedResearch Only

Half-life: Unknown

6 providers listed

Full Cartalax profile →

Matrixyl

Palmitoyl Lysyl-Threonyl-Threonyl-Lysyl-Serine

Skin & JointNot EvaluatedResearch Only

Half-life: N/A (topical)

13 providers listed

Full Matrixyl profile →

Bottom line

Matrixyl carries stronger published evidence (RCT, 1 key studies) than Cartalax (In vitro, 1); both are research compounds.

Quick Verdict

Cartalax

Evidence

Preclinical

Matrixyl

Evidence

Emerging Clinical

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Stronger clinical evidence	Matrixyl
Oral administration option	Cartalax
More provider options (6 vs 13)	Matrixyl

Research summary only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before making any decisions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Cartalax

Matrixyl

Mechanism Family

Skin & Cosmetic

Half-life

Unknown

N/A (topical)

FDA Status

not evaluated

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, oral

topical

Availability

Research Only

Providers

6 listed

13 listed

Avail. Notes

Russian joint/cartilage peptide bioregulator (Khavinson Institute). Not FDA-approved. Not on any FDA list. Research chemical in US.

Cosmetic peptide (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 / Pal-KTTKS) by Sederma. Collagen-stimulating anti-aging cosmetic ingredient. Not regulated as a drug by FDA. No NDA or IND. Cosmetic only.

Research Evidence

Cartalax

PreclinicalIn vitro · 1 key study · most recent 2023

Matrixyl

Emerging ClinicalRCT · 1 key study · dated evidence base — most recent 2005

Research Citations

Cartalax

In vitro2023 · Advances in Gerontology

KE peptide regulates SIRT1, PARP1, PARP2 gene expression and protein synthesis in human mesenchymal stem cell…

Matrixyl

RCT2005 · International Journal of Cosmetic Science

Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin

About Cartalax

Tetrapeptide bioregulator from cartilage tissue; stimulates chondrocyte proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis; normalizes gene expression in cartilage cells

Research Areas

cartilage regenerationjoint repairchondrocyte function support

About Matrixyl

Palmitoylated pentapeptide fragment of collagen I; binds TGF-β receptors on fibroblasts; upregulates collagen I, III, and fibronectin; procollagen production via MAPK pathway

Research Areas

collagen I and III synthesisfibronectin increasewrinkle reductionskin firmness

Safety Profile

Information below reflects published research data only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before use.

Cartalax

No established clinical contraindications. This is an investigational compound with limited human data and has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety in this context. Consult a qualified clinician.

Matrixyl

No established clinical contraindications. This is an investigational compound with limited human data and has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety in this context. Consult a qualified clinician.

Price (per mg)

Cartalax

$2.75/mg

$2.00 – $2.75 range

8 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

Matrixyl

Not enough vendor pricing yet.

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

Cartalax

6 listed

Browse directory →

Providers offering

Matrixyl

13 listed

Browse directory →

PeptideBase lists providers for educational research purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before obtaining or using any peptide.

More Skin & Cosmetic Comparisons

Browse all peptides →

Educational research tools — not medical advice.

Cite this page

Data last updated July 27, 2026

Free to reference and republish with attribution to PeptideBase. Choose a format:

PeptideBase. (2026). Cartalax vs Matrixyl — Per-mg Price Comparison. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/cartalax/matrixyl

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