Peptides have clinical studies, documented mechanisms and a tolerability profile that no other anti-ageing active matches — no adaptation period, no photosensitivity, compatible with everything. And yet they're the active most people ignore because marketing sells them badly: technical names like Argireline or Matrixyl without explaining what they do.

What Peptides Are and How They Work

Peptides are protein fragments — short chains of amino acids (2 to 50) that act as biological signals. Skin recognises them as messages and responds accordingly. Depending on the sequence, they can:

• Stimulate synthesis of collagen types I, III and IV in dermal fibroblasts
• Relax muscular contraction (neurotransmitter peptides — topical botox effect)
• Stimulate elastin and fibronectin production
• Transport actives like copper into cells (carrier peptides)

Peptides With the Most Evidence

• Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) — increases collagen I and III synthesis; measurable wrinkle reduction in 4–8 weeks
• Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) — inhibits muscular neurotransmitter release; reduces expression lines in the periocular area in 4 weeks
• Leuphasyl (pentapeptide-18) — synergistic action with Argireline
• Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) — collagen stimulation + wound healing + antioxidant

Peptides vs. Retinol: When to Choose Each

They're not substitutes — they're complementary. Retinol/bakuchiol renews cells; peptides stimulate collagen synthesis. The most effective routine combines both. If you can only choose one: sensitive skin, pregnancy, or young skin without established damage → peptides. Skin with visible photodamage or hyperpigmentation → bakuchiol first.