Peptides are widely used in modern skincare formulations due to their ability to support smoother, firmer-looking skin and improve overall skin appearance. They are especially popular in anti-ageing skincare routines and are commonly found in serums, creams, and cosmetic boosters.
This page explains what cosmetic peptides are, how they are used in skincare, and the different types of peptides commonly found in advanced formulations.
What Are Peptides in Skincare?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins naturally found in the skin, such as collagen and elastin.
In cosmetic formulations, peptides are used as skin-conditioning ingredients that help support the skin’s natural processes associated with firmness, smoothness, and overall skin quality. They are used at very low concentrations and are suitable for regular, long-term cosmetic use.
Peptides in skincare are cosmetic ingredients, not medicines, and are formulated to support skin appearance rather than treat medical conditions.
Why Peptides Are Used in Anti-Ageing Skincare
As skin matures, the appearance of firmness, elasticity, and smooth texture can gradually decline. Peptides are included in skincare products to help support:
The appearance of smoother skin and softened fine lines
Improved-looking skin texture
The appearance of firmness and elasticity
A more refined, youthful-looking complexion
Peptides work gradually and are most effective when used consistently as part of a daily skincare routine.
Different Types of Cosmetic Peptides
Not all peptides are the same. Different peptides are selected based on the cosmetic benefit they are designed to support.
Signal Peptides
Signal peptides are among the most commonly used peptides in skincare. They help support the skin’s natural renewal processes and are often included in formulations designed to improve the appearance of firmness and smoothness.
Examples of signal peptides include:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
These peptides are commonly combined in Matrixyl 3000, a well-known peptide complex used in anti-ageing skincare formulations.
Neuro-Modulating Peptides
Neuro-modulating peptides are designed to help support the appearance of relaxed-looking skin, particularly in areas affected by repetitive facial expressions.
They are often used in products targeting:
Forehead lines
Crow’s feet
Expression lines around the mouth
Example:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
This type of peptide is popular in skincare routines focused on smoothing the appearance of expression-related lines.
Carrier Peptides
Carrier peptides help deliver trace elements to the skin that support overall skin appearance and vitality. These peptides are often included in formulations designed to support skin tone, texture, and overall skin quality.
Carrier peptides are commonly combined with other active ingredients to enhance overall cosmetic performance.
Enzyme-Inhibiting Peptides
Enzyme-inhibiting peptides are used in cosmetic formulations to help support skin structure by influencing processes associated with skin breakdown over time. They are typically included in advanced anti-ageing products.
Popular Peptides Used in Skincare
Some of the most widely used cosmetic peptides include:
Matrixyl 3000
A peptide complex containing Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. It is widely used to support smoother-looking skin and improve the appearance of fine lines.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A neuro-modulating peptide commonly used in products designed to soften the appearance of expression lines.
Copper Peptides
Copper peptides are often used to support skin vitality and overall skin appearance, particularly in mature or stressed skin formulations.
How Peptides Are Used in Skincare Products
Peptides are commonly found in:
Serums
Creams
Cosmetic boosters
They are usually added to water-based formulations and are effective at low concentrations. Many people choose peptide boosters to customise their own skincare by adding them to creams or serums.
Peptides vs Other Anti-Ageing Ingredients
Peptides work differently from ingredients such as exfoliating acids or retinoids. Instead of resurfacing the skin, peptides are typically used to support skin appearance over time, making them suitable for sensitive skin types and daily use.
They are often combined with:
Hyaluronic Acid
Niacinamide
Antioxidants
for a well-rounded skincare routine.
Why Choose Peptide-Based Skincare?
Peptide-based skincare offers a gentle yet effective approach to maintaining youthful-looking skin. With consistent use, peptides help support smoother texture, improved firmness, and a more refined complexion.
Explore Our Peptide Boosters
If you’re interested in incorporating peptides into your skincare routine, explore our peptide boosters:
- Matrixyl 3000 Peptide Solution – designed to support smoother-looking skin and improve the appearance of fine lines
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Serum Booster – focused on expression-line appearance and skin smoothness
- Copper Peptide Serum Booster (Cu-GHK) for Skin & Hair – A peptide complex used in skincare to support skin vitality, texture, and overall skin appearance, particularly in mature or stressed skin.
Why Peptides Are Commonly Used in Eye Creams
Peptides are frequently used in eye creams due to the delicate nature of the under-eye area.
Support for smoother-looking skin
Peptides are often included to help soften the appearance of fine lines around the eyes.
Appearance of firmer-looking skin
Certain peptides are used to help support the appearance of skin firmness and elasticity over time.
Suitable for delicate under-eye skin
Peptides can be incorporated into lightweight formulations suitable for sensitive areas.
How Peptides Fit Into an Under-Eye Routine
Peptides are commonly combined with hydrating ingredients, antioxidants, and soothing extracts to help improve the overall appearance of the under-eye area. When used consistently, peptide-containing eye creams support smoother-looking skin and enhanced under-eye comfort.
Eye Creams Formulated with Peptides
Some eye creams are formulated with peptides alongside ingredients such as caffeine and hydrating agents to help address multiple under-eye concerns, including fine lines, puffiness, and uneven texture.
When selecting a peptide-based eye product, understanding how to choose an eye cream based on your individual under-eye concerns can be helpful.
Anti-aging Lifting Eye Cream – Dark Circles Puffiness & Sagging
Anti-Aging Eye Cream with Retinol, Peptides & Hyaluronic Acid.