Ingredient
Peptides
Short chains of amino acids that signal your skin to produce more collagen and elastin — the proteins that keep it firm and resilient. Some types also slow the muscle movements that deepen expression lines over time. Look for named peptides like Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 or Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in the top half of the ingredient list; results build gradually over 4–12 weeks of daily use.
Ingredient
Suitable for
Best for mature skin showing early signs of firmness loss — peptides support collagen production that slows with age, with visible improvements after consistent use over 4–12 weeks.
Also suitable for mature skin, dry skin, sensitive skin and all skin types seeking anti-aging.
Ingredient
Ingredient combination
Combinations that work
- PDRNRepairing
Both work on repair signalling rather than exfoliation: PDRN supports tissue recovery, peptides signal for collagen. Neither needs a low pH, so they layer in the same step without interfering.
- BakuchiolFirming
Both signal for collagen without exfoliating and without needing a low pH, so they can share a step. A firming routine for skin that does not tolerate retinoids or acids.
- Vitamin CFirming
Vitamin C supplies the cofactor for collagen synthesis; peptides send the signal to start it. Use a pH-neutral vitamin C derivative if you layer them in one step — L-ascorbic acid is acidic enough to degrade the peptide.
Combinations to avoid
Peptides are stable between pH 4.5 and 6; an AHA works at 3 to 4. Applied directly together, the acid hydrolyses the peptide bonds and the collagen signal is lost. Different routines, or wait 15–20 minutes for skin pH to recover.
Salicylic acid's low pH breaks down peptide chains the same way an AHA does — the peptide is still on the skin, but no longer signalling. Use them at opposite ends of the day.
Routine
Routines with Peptides
Routines featuring this ingredient are coming soon.