Matrixyl 3000 + Argireline Peptide + Vitamin C
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
Sometimes called "topical Botox," it's a peptide that subtly reduces the depth of expression lines around the eyes and forehead when used daily over months. Mild effect, but real.
Good for: Anti-aging
A fruit-derived AHA that exfoliates and antioxidizes. It shares the same basic mechanism as glycolic and lactic acid but is weaker gram-for-gram; in practice you'll see it doing dual duty (a little exfoliation plus pH stabilisation) in multi-acid toners and serums. When it appears low on an ingredient list, it's adjusting pH; higher up, it's contributing real exfoliation.
Good for: Exfoliating, Antioxidant
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Good for: Hydrating
A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.
Good for: Hydrating
Signals your skin to make more collagen. Quiet but real support for firmness and fine lines with consistent daily use.
Good for: Anti-aging
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
Sometimes called "topical Botox," it's a peptide that subtly reduces the depth of expression lines around the eyes and forehead when used daily over months. Mild effect, but real.
Zhu M et al., The effect of a serum containing acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate and gluconolactone on skin biomarkers, wrinkles and skin texture: ex vivo and clinical studies, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2026 — two clinical trials (n=50, n=42) showed 35-69% static wrinkle improvement and significant elastic fiber and collagen biomarker increases at 12 weeks
Zdrada-Nowak J, Surgiel-Gemza A, Szatkowska M, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals: A Review of Skin Permeability and Efficacy, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2025
Henseler H, Investigating the effects of Argireline in a skin serum containing hyaluronic acids on skin surface wrinkles using the Visia Complexion Analysis camera system, GMS Interdisciplinary Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery DGPW 2023;12:Doc09 — topical argireline serum reduced measured surface wrinkles
A fruit-derived AHA that exfoliates and antioxidizes. It shares the same basic mechanism as glycolic and lactic acid but is weaker gram-for-gram; in practice you'll see it doing dual duty (a little exfoliation plus pH stabilisation) in multi-acid toners and serums. When it appears low on an ingredient list, it's adjusting pH; higher up, it's contributing real exfoliation.
Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4):863.
Yamamoto Y, Uede K, Yonei N, Kishioka A, Ohtani T, Furukawa F. Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the human skin of Japanese subjects: the rationale for chemical peeling. Journal of Dermatology. 2006 Jan;33(1):16-22. — Clinical-mechanistic study in Japanese subjects demonstrating AHA (including citric acid class) keratolytic and epidermal renewal effects as rationale for chemical peeling.
Bernstein EF, Underhill CB, Lakkakorpi J, et al. Citric acid increases viable epidermal thickness and glycosaminoglycan content of sun-damaged skin. Dermatologic Surgery. 1997 Aug;23(8):689-694. — Mechanistic study showing topical citric acid increased viable epidermal thickness and dermal glycosaminoglycans in sun-damaged skin, similar to glycolic acid and retinoic acid.
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Danby SG et al., Different types of emollient cream exhibit diverse physiological effects on the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022;47(6):1154-1164 — glycerol+urea emollient delivered superior barrier-strengthening and irritant protection
Youssef R et al., Glycerol 85% efficacy on atopic skin and its microbiome: a randomized controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2021;32(7):730-736 — topical glycerol 85% RCT on atopic skin
Evans NJ et al., Human axillary skin condition is improved following incorporation of glycerol into the stratum corneum from an antiperspirant formulation, Archives of Dermatological Research 2017;309(9):739-748 — 4% glycerol penetrated axillary SC, reduced irritation, improved hydration
+−2 more ingredients
A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.
Karabat MU, Tuncer MC. Effects of hyaluronic acid on skin at the cellular level: a systematic review. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2025;71(8):e20250208. — Systematic review of 45 studies found low-molecular-weight HA stimulates keratinocyte proliferation and migration while high-molecular-weight HA drives skin hydration, supporting topical HA as an effective skin-hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredient.
Bravo B et al., Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence, Dermatology and Therapy 2022;12(12):2657-2680 — HA-based cosmeceuticals reliably improve hydration and signs of skin aging
Lee SG et al., Hyaluronan Oligosaccharides Improve Rosacea-Like Phenotype through Anti-Inflammatory and Epidermal Barrier-Improving Effects, Annals of Dermatology 2020
Signals your skin to make more collagen. Quiet but real support for firmness and fine lines with consistent daily use.
Yang Y et al., Comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new multi-component anti-aging topical eye cream, Skin Research and Technology 2024;30(7):e13790 — 12-week study of active complex containing Matrixyl 3000 peptides showed significant improvement in hydration, elasticity, periorbital wrinkles
Aruan RR et al., Double-blind, Randomized Trial on the Effectiveness of Acetylhexapeptide-3 Cream and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Cream for Crow's Feet, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 2023;16(2):37-43 — RCT of topical palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) for periorbital wrinkles
Imhof L, Leuthard D, Topical Over-the-Counter Antiaging Agents: An Update and Systematic Review, Dermatology 2021;237(2):217-229 — SR covering topical antiaging peptides
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Similar comparisons
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