What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Each chain consists of two to fifty amino acids, which are the basic building blocks of proteins. However, a peptide is smaller than a protein, which contains more than one hundred amino acids in one or more chains. (1)1.
Peptides have attracted the interest of scientists due to their unique properties. Numerous studies highlight the ability of peptides to regulate and signal:
- cell homeostasis,
- cell immunity,
- cell defense mechanisms,
- cell growth and reproduction,
- cell stress.
Peptides obtained from natural sources, in performing these functions, exhibit moisturising, anti-aging and antioxidant properties, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate regeneration and wound healing. This effect has been confirmed by in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies2.
Peptides in cosmetics and skincare. Types of peptides in cosmetics.
Interest in peptides – initially focused mainly on medicine and pharmacology – has expanded to cosmetics in recent decades. This is due to their special properties, including supporting skin cell proliferation, reducing discolouration, reducing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier.
In cosmetics, peptides are most often classified according to their mechanism of action, distinguishing between:
- Signalling peptides – these include, among others, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 and Citrulline Tripeptide-10. Signalling peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production, have anti-inflammatory properties, strengthen cell communication and improve skin elasticity.
- Carrier peptides – these include Copper Tripeptide-1 and Manganese Tripeptide-1. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and boost skin regeneration.
- Neurotransmitter inhibitor peptides – these include Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, which blocks impulses within the neuromuscular junction, which is why it is sometimes referred to as an alternative to Botox. It reduces wrinkles, smooths and firms the skin.
- Enzyme inhibitor peptides – these include soy peptides, rice peptides and silk peptides. These compounds have antioxidant properties and increase the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid3.
As you can see, peptides are a broad group of compounds with a multidirectional effect on the skin. Is it worth using peptides on your face? Definitely yes. To enrich your daily skincare routine, choose cosmetics with peptides tailored to the needs of your skin.
Agenity offers the 4° PROLIFT line, recommended for mature skin with signs of aging. The cosmetics in this line are enriched with hexapeptide, tripeptide and the Peptide Matrix formula, which have a lifting effect, reduce wrinkles and restore the skin's youthful glow.
The 4° PROLIFT line with peptides includes:
- 4° PROLIFT Firming Lifting Day Cream SPF 20
- 4° PROLIFT Strengthening Lifting Night Cream
- 4° PROLIFT Filling & Lifting Eye Cream
- 4° PROLIFT Rejuvenating Peptide Concentrate
Peptides – what to combine them with for the best skincare results?
Peptides can be easily combined with most active ingredients. Many of them, such as vitamin E, vitamin A, prebiotics, or our patented FGF1 LMS™ fibroblast growth factor formula, enhance the positive effects of peptides and make skincare more effective.
If you use cosmetics containing peptides, do not use them at the same time as products containing AHA/BHA acids, as these can neutralise the peptides and reduce their beneficial effects.
1 J.E. Aguilar-Toalá, A. Hernández-Mendoza, A.F. González-Córdova, B. Vallejo-Cordoba, A.M. Liceaga, Potential role of natural bioactive peptides for development of cosmeceutical skin products, Peptides, Volume 122, 2019, 170170, ISSN 0196-9781, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170170.
2 Ngoc LTN, Moon J-Y, Lee Y-C. Insights into Bioactive Peptides in Cosmetics. Cosmetics. 2023; 10(4):111. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10040111
3 Pintea A, Manea A, Pintea C, Vlad RA, Bîrsan M, Antonoaea P, Rédai EM, Ciurba A. Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Senescence: A Review. Biomolecules. 2025 Jan 9;15(1):88. doi: 10.3390/biom15010088. PMID: 39858482; PMCID: PMC11762834.
