Peptides

Category: Peptides
Used in: Skincare (serums, moisturizers, lip balms, eye creams, treatments)

INCI (Representative Examples)

Peptides do not have a single INCI name. Each peptide is listed individually based on its amino acid structure. Common cosmetic INCI examples include:

• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
  
• Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
  
• Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
  
• Copper Tripeptide-1
  
• Oligopeptide-1
  
• Tetrapeptide-21
  

(Finished products may contain one or multiple peptides depending on formulation design.)

Typical Usage Levels

• 0.001% – 0.01% per individual peptide for signaling and repair support
  
• 0.01% – 1% for visible smoothing, hydration, and barrier support
  
• Peptide complexes may be used at slightly higher combined levels depending on stability and delivery system
  

Peptides are effective at very low concentrations because they work via biological signaling rather than bulk activity.

What This Ingredient Does

Peptides are chains of amino acids that act as messengers in the skin. Because skin structure relies heavily on proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin, peptides play a supportive role in maintaining skin strength, elasticity, and overall function.

Different peptides perform different roles. Some help support skin repair and barrier function, others are used to improve the appearance of fine lines, firmness, or expression-related wrinkles. Many peptides also exhibit soothing properties, making them suitable for sensitive or stressed skin.

In modern skincare, peptides are often synthetically engineered to improve stability and performance. When properly formulated peptides can contribute to visible improvements in skin texture, hydration, and resilience over time.

Benefits

• Supports skin repair and barrier strength
  
• Helps improve skin smoothness and firmness
  
• Contributes to hydration and overall skin glow
  
• Helps soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with consistent use
  
• Suitable for long-term skin maintenance
  

Who It’s Suitable For

• All skin types
  
• Aging or mature skin
  
• Dehydrated or barrier-compromised skin
  
• Sensitive skin when properly formulated
  

Note by Dr. Su (M.D. Dermatologist)

Peptides support the skin’s natural repair and resilience mechanisms. When used consistently in well-formulated products, they help maintain skin strength, smoothness, and hydration as part of a complete skincare routine.

References

• Cosmetics, May 2017, pages 1–14
  
• ChemMedChem, August 2016, Issue 16, pages 1850–1855
  
• Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, May 2016, Issue 1, pages 175–178
  
• Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, April 2016, Supplement, pages 63–71
  
• Austin Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, August 2014, pages 1–9
  
• Biological Trace Element Research, August 2013, Issue 2, pages 268–274
  
• Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, April 2013, pages 1–8
  
• Dermato-Endocrinology, July 2012, Issue 3, pages 308–319