Peptides

Peptides — The Collagen Messengers

Peptides are like text messages to your skin cells: "Make more collagen!" These short chains of amino acids signal your skin to repair and rebuild, delivering anti-aging benefits without the irritation of retinol.

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin. In skincare, specific peptides are used to send signals to skin cells, triggering processes like collagen production and repair.

Think of them as messengers. When your skin is young, it naturally produces plenty of collagen. As you age, it needs reminding. Peptides provide that reminder.

How Do Peptides Work?

Different peptides work in different ways:

Signal Peptides

Tell your skin to produce more collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins. The most common type in anti-aging products.

Carrier Peptides

Deliver trace elements (like copper) to skin cells to support enzyme functions and healing.

Neurotransmitter-Inhibiting Peptides

Interfere with muscle contractions to reduce expression lines — like a mild, topical alternative to Botox.

Key Peptides to Know

Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)

One of the most researched anti-aging peptides. Signals collagen and elastin production. Studies show visible reduction in wrinkle depth and skin roughness.

Matrixyl 3000 / Synthe'6

Advanced versions targeting multiple aspects of skin aging.

Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3)

The "Botox in a bottle" peptide. Inhibits muscle contractions that cause expression lines. Most effective on forehead lines and crow's feet.

Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)

Deliver copper to skin, supporting wound healing, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant activity. Also promotes hair growth.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 & Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Work together to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production. Often found in combination products.

Benefits of Peptides

Boost collagen production — Firmer, more youthful skin
Improve skin elasticity — Better "bounce back"
Reduce wrinkle depth — Particularly fine lines
Gentle on all skin types — No adjustment period like retinol
Can be used morning and night — Flexible in your routine
Work well with other ingredients — Plays nicely with retinol, vitamin C, and most actives

Peptides vs Retinol

Factor	Peptides	Retinol
Effectiveness	Good	Excellent (gold standard)
Irritation potential	Very low	Moderate to high initially
Adjustment period	None	4-8 weeks
Safe in pregnancy	Generally yes	No
When to use	Morning or night	Night only
Works with other actives	Almost everything	Some restrictions

Our recommendation: Use both. Retinol on some nights, peptides on others. They complement each other beautifully.

How to Use Peptides

Cleanse — Start with clean skin
Apply peptide serum — After any water-based serums, before oils and moisturiser
Moisturise — Lock everything in
SPF (morning) — Always protect your skin

Frequency: Can be used twice daily, every day. No build-up period needed.

Tip: Use peptides on nights when you're not using retinol. This gives you active treatment every night without irritation.

What to Look for in Peptide Products

Peptides in the top third of ingredients — Ensures effective concentration
Multiple peptides — Different peptides work in different ways
Stable packaging — Airless pumps or tubes protect peptide integrity
Complementary ingredients — Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and amino acids enhance results