Peptides. While they may not incite the same impassioned fervour as, say, active ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, peptides are an underrated skincare hero. Touted as an effective yet gentle, anti-ageing skincare ingredient, peptides have been embraced by the skincare industry; chances are you’ve already used a product containing them.
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With new skincare actives seemingly cropping up left, right, and centre, it can be difficult to stay up to date with the latest buzzy ingredients. So, to help you cut through the noise, we’ve put together everything you need to know about peptides for skin.
What are peptides?
Peptides are short-chain amino acids and serve as the building blocks of proteins like collagen , keratin, and elastin. Peptides work to tell your body to produce more collagen; a key building block of the skin. A lack of peptides can cause a loss of firmness in the skin, textural irregularities, less suppleness, and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
What do peptides do in skincare?
When applied topically to the skin in the form of a serum or moisturiser, peptides act as a messenger, triggering skin cells to form collagen and elastin, ultimately contributing to firmer skin and a more youthful appearance.
Benefits of peptides for skin
There are several types of peptides, with the main benefits of peptides for skin being related to their ability to trigger collagen synthesis. Peptides can help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, promote more hydrated skin, reduce irritation and inflammation, repair damaged skin, and increase skin firmness.
How to incorporate peptides into your skincare routine
Although peptides are a versatile ingredient with some pretty significant skincare benefits, they’re best suited as an adjunctive skincare active, rather than as a sole active. Fortunately, peptides play well with other skincare actives and can even be used simultaneously with retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C (with the exception of copper peptides).
If you’re keen to incorporate peptides into your skincare routine, opt for serums and moisturisers over cleansers and wash-off masks, as the latter don’t stay on the skin long enough to provide noticeable benefits.
The best products with peptides
1. Medik8 Clarity Peptides
Niacinamide, crystalide peptide, zinc PCA, and hyaluronic acid come together in this formula, working to counteract the negative effects of a modern lifestyle on the skin. Ideal for brightening dull skin, preventing blemishes, and strengthening the skin barrier.
2. O Cosmedics EGF Booster
Ideal combined with retinol for mature skin in need of regaining firmness or as a solo treatment for a damaged skin barrier, the O Cosmedics EGF Booster combines three types of biomimetic peptides to imitate optimal conditions in the skin, working to repair the skin barrier and minimise signs of ageing.
3. Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Intensive Moisturiser
Deeply nourishing and ultra-rich, the Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Intensive Moisturiser seamlessly melds phyto-peptides, antioxidants from white tea and cranberry, and hyaluronic acid to deliver noticeable results, smoothing and plumping the skin while reducing the depth and appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
4. Dr Roebuck’s Ningaloo Firming Serum
Hero ingredient copper peptide promotes collagen and elastin synthesis to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while two types of hyaluronic acid plump the skin and support moisture retention.
5. Dermalist Age Defying Multicomplex
A unique all-in-one nighttime serum, the Dermalist Age Defying Multicomplex combines retinol with specialised peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to create a powerful brightening and firming serum.
6. The Jojoba Company Hydrating Peptide Day Cream
An easy way to start using peptides in your skincare routine, The Jojoba Company Hydrating Peptide Day Cream combines botanical-based peptide NaturePep with skin-strengthening ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and the brand’s signature jojoba oil to create a nourishing daily moisturiser that supports skin firmness and repairs the skin barrier.
7. Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Fragrance Free Moisturiser
A rich, nourishing, fragrance-free moisturiser, the Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Fragrance Free Moisturiser deeply moisturises and hydrates skin with shea butter and glycerin, while niacinamide and peptides strengthen the skin.
8. The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
Spotlighting two effective polypeptide formulas, Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl synthe’6, this (very) budget-friendly serum targets the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Plus, it utilises a hyaluronic acid delivery system, which works to plump the skin and deliver a healthy glow.
Words by AR Staff
