Matrixyl vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Matrixyl
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is a signal peptide that stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix production. It is one of the most well-studied anti-aging peptides with proven efficacy for wrinkle reduction.
Full details →MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is produced locally in muscle tissue in response to mechanical stress. The non-PEGylated form has a very short half-life.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Matrixyl | MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mimics collagen breakdown fragments, triggering fibroblasts to produce new collagen, elastin, and other matrix components. Essentially tricks skin into repair mode without actual damage. | Activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) and promotes their proliferation without differentiation, priming them for fusion with existing muscle fibers during repair and growth. |
| Typical Dosage | Topical: 2-8% concentration in serums and creams. Matrixyl 3000 combines it with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 for enhanced effects. | Due to extremely short half-life (minutes), typical protocols use 100-200mcg injected directly into target muscles immediately post-workout. |
| Administration | Topical application 1-2 times daily. Can be combined with other actives like retinol, vitamin C, and other peptides. | Intramuscular injection into trained muscles within minutes of workout completion. Must be used immediately after reconstitution due to instability. |
| Side Effects | Very well-tolerated. Rare mild irritation. Suitable for sensitive skin types. | Injection site soreness, potential hypoglycemia, localized swelling. Short half-life limits systemic effects. |
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