As far as active ingredients in skin care are concerned, we generally have a good understanding of what everyone’s roles are. When it comes to brightening, vitamin C is our go-to; salicylic acid fights congestion, retinol slows the ageing process, and hyaluronic acid seals in moisture keeping our skin plump and hydrated.
However, there is one other name that appears on many ingredient lists, but no one really knows what it does or what it is. We’re talking about the elusive ‘peptide’.
We know peptides are a good thing, but when pushed any further on what exactly they are? We’re left scratching our heads.
So in order to find out exactly what it means when a cream or serum says it’s “full of peptides,” we did some research.
What are peptides?
Here’s a quick, simplified science lesson before we get started. Peptides are chains of amino acids that act as messengers within the body. The body uses them to build essential proteins like collagen and elastin. In the absence of these proteins, we form wrinkles, brittle nails, dry hair and sagging skin.
The idea is that by applying them topically to our skin, peptides signal our cells to begin producing more collagen, resulting in firmer skin.
Why do we need to use them in our skin care routine?
Although they’re naturally occurring within the body, after we turn 30 our collagen stores begin to deplete and the communication channels that peptides use to convey messages slow down, which is why we constantly need to top up our supplies.
When peptides are applied to wrinkles or sagging skin, it sends a signal to your body to focus its rejuvenation and repairing process on this particular area. To plump up this area, the body may produce more collagen or hyaluronic acid.
Are there different types of peptides?
The typical peptide varieties to look for when applying skin care include:
Carrier peptides: These are designed to boost collagen
Enzyme inhibitor peptides: These prevent the skin’s natural collagen stores from being depleted
Signal peptides: These peptides signal different parts of the skin to produce collagen, elastin, and other types of proteins
Neurotransmitter peptides (otherwise known as the ‘Botox compound’): These peptides smooth wrinkles by inhibiting the release of chemicals that cause muscle contractions when we feel emotion.
When incorporating peptides into your skin routine, we recommend looking for moisturisers, eye creams and masks that stay on the skin, rather than cleansers that are rinsed off immediately. By choosing formulas with added vitamins and antioxidants, such as niacinamide or vitamin C, you can also boost the effectiveness of your peptides.
What are the main benefits of peptides?
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Boosts hydration
- Strengthens and repairs the skin barrier
- Stimulates collagen production
- Prevents sagging
- Soothes redness and inflammation
- Corrects uneven skin tones
The best peptide skin care products to try
For mature eyes: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex ($152 at Adore Beauty)
An everyday moisturiser: Olay Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer ($29.39 at Chemist Warehouse)
Suitable for sensitive skin: Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster ($60.36 at Paula’s Choice)
Affordable option: BOOST LAB Multi Peptide Anti-Ageing Serum ($29.95 at Adore Beauty)
Main image credit: @caudalie
What do you think about peptides in skin care? Do you use them?
Olay cream has peptide last on ing list. So not really a peptide cream.
Good spotting that Yo!
Good point
Agree
I knew you would find useful info!
rightt!
agree!
Yes love using them , they tend to be hydrating on the skin in some good formulations (where peptides are at the start of ing list, not at the very end.)
Yes good point .It is hard to know which is best to use but as with food the top ingredients are the main contents
so true
That is so true, thank you for the reminder.
Actually, can the companies advertise with that if the ingredient is towards the end or the bottom of the ingredients list?
I have never understood what they were so good to have an understanding and I will be able to check products in the future -Thank You
Love learning about skin care.. should teach it is schools
In what subject? Science?
Before I use retinol, peptides are my go-to for so called “anti aging” skincare. However, retinol really makes such a difference (I use it every second day) and that the difference the peptide serum makes (also every second day) becomes a lot less noticeable (if any)
Thank you
good to have some affordable options too
Yes especially when we want to slather it on more in winter!
Agree, sometimes products are very expensive.
Definitely wouldn’t have known about this or seen it anywhere if I hadn’t found this article
The knowledge you share about using Peptides in skin care is very good and useful. I have learned a lot from skin care experience.
among us
I can’t keep up with so many different products to enhance our skin. I use serum and moisturiser and occasionally some products that work over several weeks to enhance. Adding layers and layers of product can be so confusing these days.
Me neither!, there are so many to choose from.
yes
There is so much to choose from and so many new things.
So many buzz ingredients – it does get confusing.
Very much so. I’m still baffled about topical growth factors!
It really is getting tricky to decide which ingredients to prioritise.
yes i dont want to try everything cause it can burn
So excited, just purchased a peptide serum in the latest RR!
it’s exciting to try new products fron the RR! 🙂
I’ve been using TO Argireline and it has diminished sone of my dynamic wrinkles. It’s definitely not btx in a bottle but I was never expecting it to be!
That sounds good Lucy!
Super helpful, thanks!
Very informative article.
I will check the ingredients list when next I’m buying skincare.
My skin serum has peptides in it.
that’s cool chicklet! I’ve just got a new one today, I think it feels awesome to put on already!
oooooh thatss nice
Excellent article. I need ALL of those peptides. I do wonder about the amount in some creams vs the required amount to be beneficial
I’ve just bought a new serum with peptides in it
yaya
Never used it but now thinking to buy some thanks for the information.
I have found that Olay cream to be so good when I’ve tried it at a bh event – we were able to take home a small pot from what I recall and I loved that matte-like yet hydrated texture it left my skin with. It was really good and now I know why!
Have been a little bit scared of using skincare containing peptides, for an unrelated issue
Bought myself a peptide serum from the RR, can’t wait for it to arrive!
hmmm same
Nothing works once the lines and wrinkles set in when you get older. A lot of money to waste imo.
At the moment I am using Dr Lewinns Sleep Mask it has Peptides in it as well as my Eye Serum, Thanks BH for the Great information on Peptides especially the different Ones that help our Skin to stay more youthful.
I use the Boost Lab Multi Anti-Ageing Peptide Serum and love it for all the benefits listed for peptides. I have found this serum is particularly good for boosting hydration, strengthening and repairing the skin barrier, and reducing fine lines.
Peptides are a must in my routine.
might need to add it in mine
I definitely look for these more these days with anti-ageing skincare!
I’ve ordered the boost serum so yeah !
I use the Olay regenerist whip and love it. Would like to try the A.G.E. eye cream but a bit out of my price range
I’m interested to try the Boost Lab or the Paula’s Choice serums, they sound good.
It sounds so scientific
I tried Boost lab serum.Love the hydration and soothing benefits while using it.
I’m beginning to feel that I need a science degree to choose my skin care.
I’ve been meaning to try that Boost serum.
Lots of good information here, thank you.
I can never remember what all these ingredient names are or mean, and reading such articles are always interesting and useful. I would say even fun to read.
I will have to check where ‘peptides’ are on my ingredients list! I generally like Olay products. My Timeless VitC and Matrixyl 3000 are my holy grail products ATM. Still looking for a HG retinol & determining what peptides do for me.
I’ve used Olay Regenerist before, read the word ‘peptide’ but not known before this what it is or does
ahaha sounds like my mum
I’ve been using Vit C Retinol and acids for a while, but hadn’t paid any attention to peptides. It will be interesting to see how adding this to my skincare ‘rotation’ goes.
I’m not using peptides too much in my skin care, but maybe I should start keeping an eye out for it.
The article is informative and you are clearly very knowledgeable in this area. You have opened my eyes to many different perspectives on this topic with interesting content. Thanks very much!
poppy playtime
I’m a big fan of Olay and the Regenerist Whip. Great value and excellent results.
Keen to try Paula’s choice.
Love the range of products and prices. Something to suit everyones budget
I want to try the Boost Lab product
Since introducing a copper peptide to my skincare routine I’ve noticed I haven’t really experienced a damaged skin barrier, which used to happen a lot.
wow!
So does our body tire with all these signals and trying to produce collagen and whatever else?
Interesting article. I use peptides serums for skin needling.
Wow this is good information.
I use a few different products with peptides.