Peptides in skincare: what do they do for the skin?
Does your cream or serum list peptides, and are you wondering what they actually do? Here’s an explanation of peptides in skincare: what they are, what they can do for your skin, and how to use them.
In brief
- In skincare, peptides are primarily used to make fine lines less visible. They are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks that make up proteins.
- There are different types of peptides, and each works in its own way. Argireline is one of the best known.
- Peptides are mild and fit into both morning and evening routines, alongside moisturiser and sunscreen.
What are peptides in skincare?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks that make up proteins such as collagen and elastin. Peptides in skincare are made for a specific purpose, such as making fine lines less visible or conditioning lashes1.
Peptides are popular because they are mild. Many people who cannot tolerate strong ingredients can use them every day. If you want to see which peptides we use and what the studies show, read our page on peptides.
Good to know
Peptides in skincare are not the same as the peptides you may read about in connection with exercise, weight loss or injections. The peptides in creams and serums are cosmetic ingredients that you apply to the skin, and they work only there.
What types of peptides are there?
Peptides in skincare are typically divided into a few groups according to how they work2:
| Type | What they do | Listed as, for example |
|---|---|---|
| Signal peptides | Developed to support the skin’s own production of collagen. | Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 |
| Peptides for expression lines | Developed to reduce the small movements that cause expression lines. | Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) |
| Carrier peptides | Deliver a mineral, such as copper, into the skin. | Copper tripeptide-1 |
There are also peptides for lashes and hair, for example in lash serums. Collagen is also made of amino acids, but it is a much larger molecule. Read more in our guide to collagen and the skin.
What do peptides do for the skin?
It depends on the peptide. The best known is Argireline, which can make fine lines around the eyes less visible in a few weeks3. Signal peptides can also make fine lines less visible when you use them consistently for a couple of months4.
Peptides work gently, and consistent use is needed to see a difference. How well a peptide works also depends on how well it reaches into the skin. That’s why the rest of the product matters5.
Did you know?
Argireline is sometimes called "botox in a cream". It isn’t. You apply it to the skin, and its effect is much milder than an injection from a doctor. On the other hand, you can use it every day. Read more on our page about Argireline.
Myth or fact?
Peptides in creams work like botox.
Myth. Peptides are applied to the skin and work gently. They can make fine lines less visible, but they do not paralyse the muscles.
Peptides in skincare are the same as peptides used for exercise.
Myth. Peptides are a large family of substances. Those in your cream are cosmetic ingredients for the skin.
Peptides can be used with most other ingredients.
Fact. Peptides work well with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and retinol. If you use copper peptides with vitamin C, follow the product instructions.
Can peptides replace retinol?
Not entirely. Retinol is well studied for fine lines, but it can irritate sensitive skin. Peptides are milder and can easily be used with retinol, for example peptides in the morning and retinol in the evening. Read more in our guide to retinol.
How to use peptides
Peptides fit into your existing routine. Use your serum after cleansing and before your cream, or choose a cream with peptides if you want to keep it simple.
- Cleanse the skin with a mild cleanser.
- Apply a few drops of serum with peptides.
- Moisturise with your day cream.
- Protect the skin with sunscreen.
- Cleanse the day away from your skin.
- Apply your serum with peptides.
- Finish with your night cream.
A tip from us
Give peptides time. Use them morning and evening for at least two to three months before assessing the results. And enjoy those few minutes. A calm routine is also a little bit of everyday luxury.
Where to find peptides in our range
If you want to do something about fine lines, choose Super Serum. It is fragrance-free and contains Argireline alongside hyaluronic acid, so your skin gets both peptides and moisture in the same step. If you want a cream for the night, choose Night cream with 5 % Argireline.
For the skin on your neck and chest, we have Neck & Décolleté Firming Cream with peptides and niacinamide, and for the area around your eyes, Energizing Eye Cream, which also contains a peptide. It moisturises the skin and makes fine lines less visible. Peptides are also included in our Lash serum and Peptide Volume Mascara, where they condition the lashes.
If you are not happy with your purchase, you have our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Super Serum
Fragrance-free anti-ageing serum that firms, reduces fine lines and wrinkles,...
Night Cream
Night-time face cream that moisturises, firms and reduces fine lines and wrin...
Neck & Décolleté Firming Cream
Fragrance-free, firming cream for the neck and chest that reduces wrinkles an...
Energizing Eye Cream
Fragrance-free eye cream for wrinkles and dark circles that firms, moisturise...
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Frequently asked questions
Are peptides in skincare dangerous?
No. Peptides in creams and serums are cosmetic ingredients, and like all skincare in the EU, the products are safety assessed. Most people tolerate them well. Some people may react, so take a break if your skin stings or becomes red.
How long does it take for peptides to work?
It takes time. Give your routine at least two to three months of consistent use morning and evening before assessing the results.
Can I use peptides with retinol?
Yes. Peptides are mild and work well with retinol. Many people use peptides in the morning and retinol in the evening.
Can I use peptides with vitamin C?
Yes, you can use most peptides with vitamin C. If you use copper peptides, follow the product instructions. See more in What should you not use with vitamin C?
Are peptides good for mature skin?
Yes. Peptides are primarily used for fine lines, and they are mild enough for daily use, including on mature skin and skin that is changing.
Sources
- Gorouhi F, Maibach HI. Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2009. PubMed
- Errante F et al. Cosmeceutical Peptides in the Framework of Sustainable Wellness Economy. Frontiers in Chemistry. 2020. PubMed
- Wang Y et al. The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2013. PubMed
- Robinson LR et al. Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2005. PubMed
- Zdrada-Nowak J et al. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals: A Review of Skin Permeability and Efficacy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025. PubMed
