Why is everyone talking about peptides?

In a nutshell, peptides found in skincare products simply tell the skin what it already knows how to do – prompting it to do it more effectively. They help optimise the skin’s natural processes by supporting collagen and elastin production, encouraging tissue repair and cell renewal, helping to calm inflammation, and strengthening the skin barrier. Ultimately, their role isn’t to transform the skin, but to support its natural function.

At the surface, this can translate into skin that looks firmer, smoother and more even, with reduced redness as well as a minimised appearance of blemishes and/or dark spots.

Each peptide sends a specific signal to your skin cells. Some target firmness and elasticity, others improve radiance or strengthen the skin barrier. So-called ‘botox-like’ peptides target the micro-contractions responsible for expression lines, helping create a subtle but visible smoothing effect. Certain peptides, such as palmitoyl tripeptide-8 or copper peptide (GHK-Cu), may also help soothe irritation and regulate inflammation – though not all peptides offer this benefit.

The effectiveness of peptides depends on their type, their concentration, and the quality of the formula in which they feature, since this determines both their stability and their ability to reach the targeted layers of the skin.

Applied consistently, peptide-based skincare has the power to gradually transform your skin. The key is finding the right formula for you! Below, we’ve rounded up our favourite peptide-enriched skincare essentials:

• Combeau Universal Collagen: a neutral-tasting and scent-free collagen treatment, formulated with type 1 hydrolysed collagen peptides, for targeting visible signs of ageing, skin elasticity, radiance and an even complexion. What more can we say?
  
  

• Goop Beauty Youth-Boost Peptide Serum: a powerful facial serum with anti-ageing peptides, designed to target the main signs of skin ageing.
  
  

• Goop Beauty Youth-Boost NAD+ Peptide Rich Cream: a super-hydrating, rich all-in-one cream that hydrates, firms, and enhances elasticity, supporting skin longevity.
  
  

• Oh My Cream Skincare Plumping Serum: a multi-action serum enriched with peptides, niacinamide, vitamin C, bakuchiol and more! It hydrates, plumps, helps smooth fine lines, and reawakens your natural radiance.

• Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer: a light, ultra-hydrating cream with a 100% natural formula, blending pomegranate spheres, peptides and hyaluronic acid for lasting plumped-up skin.
  
  

• Dr. Barbara Sturm The Peptide Serum: an intelligent serum specially formulated to help preserve collagen and elastin, and to slow the signs of skin ageing.

• Mimétique Everyday 50 Invisible Face Fluid SPF50: an invisible-finish hydrating sunscreen, enriched with peptides, that protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays while helping correct dark spots.