Peptides
Anti-agingBarrier RepairAlso known as: Matrixyl, Argireline, Copper Peptides, Palmitoyl Tripeptide, Signal Peptides, GHK-Cu
Short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin. Different peptides serve different signaling functions in the skin.
Routine placement
Serum · AM & PM
Time to results
4-8 weeks for firmer feel; 12+ weeks for visible wrinkle reduction
Stimulates collagen production, firms skin, reduces fine lines, supports skin repair, improves skin elasticity.
Apply morning and/or evening. Works well with most other actives. Look for formulas combining multiple peptide types for synergistic benefits.
Beginner
1-3%
Intermediate
5%
Advanced
10%
Growing body of evidence for anti-aging benefits. Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide) shown to stimulate collagen synthesis. Argireline shows modest wrinkle-relaxing effects.
Key Studies
Topical peptides as cosmeceuticals (2018)
International Journal of Cosmetic Science
Signal peptides like palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) stimulate collagen and fibronectin production, reducing wrinkle depth by up to 36% over 12 weeks.
Copper peptides in skin regeneration (2015)
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide) promotes wound healing, collagen synthesis, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides (2009)
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Acetyl hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) reduces the depth of wrinkles caused by facial muscle contraction by inhibiting neurotransmitter release.
- copper peptides: avoid with vitamin C and strong acids
Cautions
Generally very well tolerated. Copper peptides should not be combined with strong acids or Vitamin C as they can react.
Are peptides better than retinol?
They work differently. Retinol increases cell turnover while peptides signal your skin to produce more collagen. They complement each other well and can be used together.
When should I apply peptides?
Apply peptide serums after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer. They work both AM and PM and layer well with most ingredients.
Can peptides cause irritation?
Peptides are among the gentlest anti-aging ingredients. Irritation is extremely rare, making them ideal for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate retinol.
How long do peptides take to work?
Expect subtle firmness improvements in 4-8 weeks. Visible wrinkle reduction typically requires 12+ weeks of consistent use.
Does your skincare contain Peptides?
Paste your product's ingredient list to check, or create your Skinularity ID for a full routine.
Find Peptides products
Browse skincare products containing Peptides.
Related to Peptides
The acid form of panthenol (provitamin B5). Supports skin barrier function, wound healing, and hydration.
Copper peptides, most commonly represented by the tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu, are small protein fragments bound to copper ions that occur naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine. GHK-Cu plays a fundamental role in tissue remodeling by stimulating the synthesis of collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and other components of the extracellular matrix. In dermatology, copper peptides have attracted significant attention for their dual capacity to promote wound healing while simultaneously reducing the appearance of aging skin. The copper ion serves as a cofactor for lysyl oxidase, the enzyme responsible for cross-linking collagen and elastin fibers, while the GHK peptide sequence itself modulates gene expression related to tissue repair and anti-inflammatory pathways.
Pomegranate extract is derived from the fruit, peel, and seeds of Punica granatum, a plant with a long history of medicinal use across multiple traditional medicine systems. The extract is exceptionally rich in ellagitannins (particularly punicalagin), ellagic acid, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and punicic acid, a conjugated linolenic acid with potent anti-inflammatory properties. In skincare, pomegranate extract provides multi-pathway antioxidant protection that addresses both lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. Its polyphenols have been shown to inhibit UVB-induced MMP-1 expression, protecting dermal collagen from photodegradation. Punicalagin, the predominant ellagitannin in pomegranate, is one of the highest molecular weight polyphenols found in nature and is hydrolyzed in the skin to release ellagic acid, which further contributes to tyrosinase inhibition and anti-melanogenic activity.
A combination of salicylic acid and phytosphingosine (a ceramide precursor). Provides gentle exfoliation while supporting barrier repair.
A naturally occurring antioxidant in the body that decreases with age. Helps energize skin cells and protect against oxidative damage.