Matrikyne Peptides Safe and Effective in Improving Skin Appearance

Matrikyne peptides demonstrated positive results in improving overall skin appearance and other aesthetic concerns such as anti-aging, according to a press release.¹

Photo courtesy of Xylyx Bio

In recent independent, single-blind safety and efficacy studies,² researchers tested Xylyx Bio’s Matrikynes cosmetic ingredient for safety and efficacy. The ingredient is made up of natural extracellular matrix-derived peptides, also known as matrikines. Researchers sought to determine efficacy regarding several topical applications, including anti-aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, they assessed the ingredient’s impact on sensitization, irritation, and skin-specific factors such as skin barrier repair, skin hydration, skin barrier function, and skin density.

Matrikynes was developed through previous biomedical research related to tissue repair and wound healing. With this research, researchers found that the bioactivity of matrikines led to the activation of regenerative mechanisms capable of tissue repair and the reversal of anti-aging effects.

The safety study consisted of 106 participants ages 21 to 71 who did not have existing dermatologic or systemic conditions. Participants included 60 females and 46 males across varying skin types.

Researchers split the 6-week study into 3 phases.

During the first phase, which lasted from weeks 1 to 3, all participants underwent repeated insult patch testing and cumulative irritation testing. In 9 serial applications, Matrikynes (2.5%) was applied to the infrascapular region of the back via a pad attached to an adhesive bandage and adhered with hypoallergenic tape.

Upon removal, researchers assessed the ingredient’s irritation potential and used sodium lauryl sulfate (0.2% aqueous) as a positive control to induce contact dermatitis.

In the second safety phase, which lasted from weeks 4 to 5, all participants took part in a rest period, wherein no Matrikynes applications took place. During the final phase, week 6, all participants had 1 Matrikynes application and assessment in the same format as described above.

Throughout this process, researchers collected data pertaining to sensitization and irritation.

During the 8-week efficacy study, 56 participants discontinued facial skin care product use in the days leading up to its start. For the duration of the 8 weeks, all participants applied a quarter-size amount of a topical cream containing Matrikynes (0.2%) on a twice-daily basis.

Researchers assessed participants at baseline and weeks 4 and 8. During these assessments, researchers analyzed the following factors:

• Fine lines
• Hyperpigmentation
• Redness
• Skin barrier function and trans-epidermal water loss
• Skin barrier integrity and repair
• Skin density and echogenicity of the dermis
• Skin hydration and electrical conductance
• Wrinkles

Additionally, all participants completed self assessments at weeks 4 and 8.

At the conclusion of the safety study, researchers found that 99.1% of participants had no visible sensitization reaction to Matrikynes, with only 1 participant experiencing visible erythema. In the irritation test, 100% of participants had no visible reaction, with 0 adverse events reported.

At the conclusion of the efficacy study, researchers found that Matrikynes induced statistically significant skin barrier function restoration within as little as 1 hour after injury. After the full 8 weeks, skin conductance in participants had increased by 10.2%. Trans-epidermal water loss was reduced by 5.9% by week 8.

Overall skin density experienced a 15% improvement from baseline by week 8, with 71% of participants experiencing significant improvement. By week 4, participants saw a 3.6% improvement in hyperpigmentation, and at week 8, a 4.3% improvement in fine lines and wrinkles.

“These results indicate that Matrikynes can support fundamental aspects of skin health as the ability to retain water is essential for healthy skin, and strengthening barrier function increases protection against pathogens, oxidative stress, mechanical injury, dehydration, and chemical insult,” study authors wrote.

References

1. Xylyx Bio I. Clinical study shows Xylyx Bio's Matrikynes significantly improves the structure, function, and appearance of skin. PR Newswire: press release distribution, targeting, monitoring and marketing. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clinical-study-shows-xylyx-bios-matrikynes-significantly-improves-the-structure-function-and-appearance-of-skin-301790011.html. Published April 5, 2023. Accessed April 5, 2023.
2. O’Neill J, Chiu A, Kissel N, King D, Sklar S, Aranda E, Nye A. Clinical evaluation of Matrikynes: a novel cosmetic ingredient comprised of matrikine peptides. Xylyx Bio. https://xylyxbio.com/matrikynes/. Published April 3, 2023. Accessed April 5, 2023.