Ingredient comparison

Matrixyl Synthe'6 vs Retinyl Propionate: which one is right for your skin?

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: Retinyl Propionate vs Matrixyl Synthe'6.

Short answer: Honestly, either one works. Choose by your skin type and what your routine already has. If you are pregnant, Matrixyl Synthe'6 is the safer one to reach for.

Chemical structure of Matrixyl Synthe'6 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38)Matrixyl Synthe'6Promising, not proven
Chemical structure of Retinyl Propionate (Retinyl Propionate)Retinyl PropionatePromising, not proven
5
Efficacy
5
0
Hydration
1
2
Barrier
0
0
Brightening
2
0
Acne
1
5
Anti-aging
4
Matrixyl Synthe'6 versus Retinyl Propionate, compared
ComparedMatrixyl Synthe'6Retinyl Propionate
PotencySimilarSimilar
Evidenceemerging evidenceemerging evidence
Irritation riskLowLow
Clogs poresLowLow
In pregnancyConsidered safeNot in pregnancy
On a labelusually effective at 1-2%works best above 0.3%

So which should you pick?

Choose Matrixyl Synthe'6 if

  • you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since only Matrixyl Synthe'6 is considered safe

The honest bottom line: Honestly, either one works. Choose by your skin type and what your routine already has. If you are pregnant, Matrixyl Synthe'6 is the safer one to reach for.

Pregnancy: Only Matrixyl Synthe'6 is considered safe to use in pregnancy.

No known clash between these two. If you want both, you can layer them; introduce one at a time.

Check these two in the tool →Or decode a whole product label →

From our dataNeither has to be the answer: 49 other ingredients in our glossary share a family with these two.

Matrixyl Synthe'6 vs Retinyl Propionate, answered

Which is stronger, Matrixyl Synthe'6 or Retinyl Propionate?

They are close in strength: Matrixyl Synthe'6 and Retinyl Propionate score similarly on efficacy. Choose by skin type rather than power.

Is Matrixyl Synthe'6 or Retinyl Propionate better for sensitive skin?

Both carry a similar irritation risk (low). Patch test either one before using it daily.

Can you use Matrixyl Synthe'6 and Retinyl Propionate together?

There is no known clash between them. You can layer them if you like, just introduce one at a time.

General guidance, not medical advice. Read the full pages on Matrixyl Synthe'6 and Retinyl Propionate.