Matrixyl® 3000 Collagen Boosting Serum
Matrixyl® 3000 Collagen Boosting Serum
Product Description
A lightweight, fast-absorbing collagen-boosting serum from Depology, powered by the Matrixyl® 3000 peptide complex and supported by hyaluronic acid, glycerin and soothing botanicals like aloe, purslane and cactus extract. Designed to plump, hydrate and visibly soften fine lines for firmer, dewier-looking skin — a gentle, retinol-free way to target early signs of aging.
✨ Texture & Feel
Collagen-Boosting Peptides
Matrixyl® 3000 signals skin to support collagen and elastin, helping restore firmness and bounce over time.
Multi-Layer Hydration
Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and trehalose draw in and hold moisture for a plumper, smoother surface.
Soothing Botanicals
Aloe, purslane, allantoin and cactus extract calm and comfort skin, making it gentle for daily use.
Clinically Tested
Brand testing reports fine lines improved 5.25% and hydration increased 46.31% within 28 days.
🛡️ Safety & Compatibility
Generally considered suitable — peptides, HA and botanicals with no retinoids, salicylic acid or hydroquinone. Confirm with your doctor.
Not recommended — contains coconut, sunflower and rosehip oils plus stearic acid and a glyceryl ester that can feed malassezia.
Pairs nicely with hydrating toners, niacinamide, extra HA and moisturizers in both AM and PM routines.
Compatible, but for best feel apply peptides separately from strong vitamin C or direct AHA/BHA acids (e.g. alternate AM/PM).
Fragrance-light but contains plant extracts and citrus seed extract — patch test if your skin is very reactive.
Peptides are photostable and fine for AM use. Always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning.
🔬 Ingredient Breakdown
🧬 Matrixyl® 3000 Peptide Complex ~3% Proven
The hero active — a palmitoyl peptide blend (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) that signals skin to support collagen and elastin, helping soften fine lines and restore firmness.
- Source: Matrixyl® 3000 is a peptide complex by Sederma, widely studied for anti-wrinkle and skin-firming benefits.
- Brand testing: Reported to improve fine lines by 5.25% and increase hydration by 46.31% within 28 days.
💧 Hyaluronic Acid <1% Proven
A powerful humectant that binds many times its weight in water, drawing moisture into the skin for an instantly plumper, smoother and more supple look.
- Source: Naturally present in skin; widely shown to hydrate, soothe and temporarily reduce the look of fine lines.
🌊 Glycerin Mid-list Proven
A gold-standard humectant that pulls moisture into the deeper layers of skin and reinforces a healthy, hydrated skin barrier.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
🪴 Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice High-list Promising
A soothing, lightweight hydrator rich in vitamins A, C and E. It calms, moisturizes and adds antioxidant support without heaviness.
- Source: Known for anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties; often used to comfort stressed skin.
🌱 Portulaca Oleracea (Purslane) Extract Mid-list Promising
A succulent extract used in traditional Korean skincare, packed with omega fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants to calm and protect.
- Source: Studied for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, helping soothe irritated skin.
❄️ Trehalose Mid-list Promising
A plant-derived sugar humectant that draws moisture to the skin and adds antioxidant defense, supporting a smoother, more resilient surface.
- Source: Used in medicine for dry eyes alongside HA; valued for its moisture-locking and protective properties.
🌹 Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil Low-list Promising
A nourishing plant oil rich in vitamins C, E and A plus fatty acids that condition skin, support the barrier and add a soft, dewy finish.
- Source: Contains natural vitamin A and antioxidants linked to brighter, smoother-looking skin.
🩹 Allantoin Low-list Proven
A calming, protective ingredient that soothes and moisturizes, often added to formulas to keep skin comfortable and support healing.
- Source: Higher concentrations are shown to help promote wound healing and skin comfort.
🌵 Cereus Grandiflorus (Cactus) Extract Low-list Promising
A night-blooming cactus extract used as an antioxidant, helping defend skin against free-radical stress while adding lightweight hydration.
- Source: Valued in K-beauty formulas for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning qualities.
20 ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Citrus Paradisi Seed Extract, Cereus Grandiflorus Extract, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Trehalose, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Allantoin, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum.
🔄 Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use twice daily. Apply after cleansing and toning, before heavier creams. Layer under moisturizer, and always finish your morning routine with SPF.
📝 How to Use
Cleanse & Tone
Start with clean, toned skin so the serum can absorb effectively.
Dispense 2–3 Drops
A little goes a long way — 2 to 3 drops are enough for the full face.
Pat & Press In
Gently pat over face and neck until fully absorbed. Avoid the direct eye area.
Lock It In
Follow with moisturizer to seal in hydration and active ingredients.
AM: Finish with SPF
In the morning, complete your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
👤 Who Is It For?
✅ Perfect for you if:
- You want a gentle, beginner-friendly anti-aging serum
- You're targeting early fine lines, loss of firmness or dehydration
- You prefer peptides over retinol (lower irritation, pregnancy-friendly)
- You have dry, normal, combination or sensitive skin
- You like a hydrating, dewy-finish serum that layers easily
❌ Consider alternatives if:
- You have very acne-prone or fungal-acne-prone skin (contains oils/esters)
- You want a high-strength clinical retinoid result
- You dislike any scent (a light natural scent is present)
- You need a strictly fragrance-free, extract-free formula
- You're after a large-size, high-value-per-ml bottle
🎯 Skin Type Compatibility
Humectants plus nourishing oils deliver deep, comforting hydration with a dewy finish.
Balanced hydration and peptides make this an easy everyday anti-aging step.
Absorbs quickly and hydrates well; very oily zones may prefer a lighter layer.
Soothing botanicals and no retinoids; patch test first due to plant extracts.
Lightweight, but the coconut and plant oils may not suit very breakout-prone skin.
📈 Results Timeline
Instant Hydration & Plumpness
Skin feels softer, smoother and more hydrated right away thanks to HA, glycerin and trehalose.
Hydration boost within daysSmoother, More Refined Texture
Fine lines look softened and the complexion appears more even and refreshed with consistent twice-daily use.
+46.31% hydration at 28 daysFirmer, Bouncier Skin
As peptides support collagen and elastin, skin starts to feel firmer with improved bounce.
−5.25% fine lines at 28 daysCumulative Anti-Aging Benefits
With ongoing use, firmness and smoothness build, helping maintain a youthful, hydrated glow.
Best with daily consistency⭐ Ratings by Platform
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Praised
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy
- Noticeable hydration and a plumping, dewy finish
- Gentle enough for dry and sensitive skin
- Retinol-free, pregnancy-friendly peptide approach
- Backed by strong clinical messaging and 3,500+ reviews
❌ Criticized
- Small 30ml bottle for $40 (premium per ml)
- Contains oils and esters — not fungal-acne safe
- Results are subtle and gradual, not dramatic
- Light natural scent may bother fragrance-sensitive users
- Peptide levels are modest versus higher-strength actives
💰 Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Uses the same core peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 + Tetrapeptide-7) plus hyaluronic acid at a higher strength. Simpler, fragrance-free and oil-free — less luxurious feel but very similar action.
A high-percentage matrixyl serum focused purely on peptides. Cheaper and effective, but lacks the soothing botanicals, oils and dewy finish of the Depology formula.
A broader multi-peptide blend with hydrators. Lighter on nourishing oils and extracts, so it feels more bare-bones but targets the same firming and smoothing goals.
🔄 Comparison with Competitors
Depology Matrixyl® 3000 (Featured)
$40.00The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
$13.20Paula's Choice Peptide Booster
$48.00The INKEY List Multi-Peptide Serum
$16.99📦 Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Tinted glass bottle with a dropper applicator.
Yes — at 30ml it's well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. The formula relies on peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and botanical extracts, with no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens — the ingredients usually flagged during pregnancy. Peptides are widely considered a pregnancy-friendly anti-aging option. As with any product, confirm with your doctor or OB-GYN before use.
No. It contains coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera), rosehip oil, sunflower seed oil, stearic acid and a polyglyceryl ester — all ingredients that can feed malassezia. If you're prone to fungal acne, this serum is best avoided in favor of an oil-free peptide alternative.
Yes. Peptides layer well with most actives and make a great partner to retinol (use the serum first, or on alternate nights). With strong vitamin C or direct AHA/BHA acids, you can use them, but separating them (one in the AM, one in the PM) helps each work comfortably and minimizes any potential irritation.
It suits most skin types but shines on dry, normal, combination, sensitive and mature skin thanks to its hydrating, soothing and gentle anti-aging profile. Very oily or acne-prone skin may find the oils less ideal and could prefer an oil-free peptide serum.
Hydration and plumpness are typically felt within the first few days. For fine lines and firmness, the brand's 28-day testing reports a 5.25% improvement in fine lines and a 46.31% increase in hydration, with most users noticing visible smoothing over roughly 4–12 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
Apply it after cleansing and toning, before your moisturizer, in both the morning and evening. Pat 2–3 drops over face and neck, let it absorb, then seal with moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF.
Overall it has a low comedogenic rating (around 2/5). It's lightweight and fast-absorbing, but it does contain coconut oil, which is highly comedogenic on its own. For most people this is fine; if your skin clogs easily or breaks out from oils, approach with caution or patch test first.
It has a Period After Opening (PAO) of about 12 months. For best results and potency, use it within a year of opening and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Verdict: Depology's Matrixyl® 3000 Collagen Boosting Serum is a gentle, hydrating and beginner-friendly way to target early signs of aging without retinol. The peptide-and-hydration combo, soothing botanicals and dewy finish make it a standout for dry, normal and sensitive skin, backed by thousands of glowing reviews and reassuring 28-day testing. The main trade-offs are the small 30ml size for the price and the presence of oils and esters, which make it unsuitable for fungal-acne-prone skin. For most people seeking a soft, plumping, retinol-free anti-aging serum, it's an easy, well-loved choice.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
|
Anti-Aging
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|