Peptides
Short chains of amino acids that act as signalling molecules, supporting the skin's natural firmness processes.
Peptides are small fragments of proteins, typically made up of between two and fifty amino acids linked together. Because your skin's structural proteins like collagen and elastin are built from amino acids, peptides essentially speak the same chemical language as your skin. Different peptide types serve different roles: signal peptides are thought to support the skin's own firmness processes, carrier peptides deliver trace minerals like copper to where they're needed, and other peptides are formulated to support the look of smoother skin around expression lines.
In skincare formulations, peptides are usually found in serums, moisturisers, and eye creams at concentrations that vary by type. They tend to be water-soluble and are often paired with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to support delivery into the upper layers of the skin. Because peptides can be sensitive to pH extremes, they generally work best in formulations that sit close to your skin's natural pH. If you're using active acids like AHAs or vitamin C at low pH, consider applying your peptide product at a different step or time of day to get the most from both.
Peptides are worth considering if you're looking to support skin firmness and smoothness over time, particularly as part of a broader routine that includes sun protection and consistent hydration. They layer well with most ingredients and tend to be gentle enough for sensitive skin types, making them a solid option when you're building a routine with patience rather than chasing a quick fix.
Honest caveats: peptides are not a like-for-like replacement for procedures or prescription-strength retinoids, and results tend to be gradual rather than dramatic. The evidence base is growing but varies significantly between peptide types, so not every peptide on a label carries the same weight of research behind it. Formulation matters too: a peptide buried at the bottom of an ingredients list in a poorly designed base may not deliver much at all. If you have specific concerns about skin ageing or texture changes, speaking to a skincare professional can help you understand which actives, including which peptides, are most relevant for your skin.
In skincare formulations, peptides are usually found in serums, moisturisers, and eye creams at concentrations that vary by type. They tend to be water-soluble and are often paired with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to support delivery into the upper layers of the skin. Because peptides can be sensitive to pH extremes, they generally work best in formulations that sit close to your skin's natural pH. If you're using active acids like AHAs or vitamin C at low pH, consider applying your peptide product at a different step or time of day to get the most from both.
Peptides are worth considering if you're looking to support skin firmness and smoothness over time, particularly as part of a broader routine that includes sun protection and consistent hydration. They layer well with most ingredients and tend to be gentle enough for sensitive skin types, making them a solid option when you're building a routine with patience rather than chasing a quick fix.
Honest caveats: peptides are not a like-for-like replacement for procedures or prescription-strength retinoids, and results tend to be gradual rather than dramatic. The evidence base is growing but varies significantly between peptide types, so not every peptide on a label carries the same weight of research behind it. Formulation matters too: a peptide buried at the bottom of an ingredients list in a poorly designed base may not deliver much at all. If you have specific concerns about skin ageing or texture changes, speaking to a skincare professional can help you understand which actives, including which peptides, are most relevant for your skin.
