If you have browsed a skincare aisle lately, you have probably seen peptides everywhere. They appear in serums, eye creams, and moisturizers with promises of smoother, firmer, healthier looking skin.  If you’ve wondered what are peptides in skincare, this guide explains explains how they work, which types matter, and how to use peptides together with proven actives so you can decide whether they deserve a place in your routine.

Key Highlights

• Peptides are cell-signaling ingredients that support collagen, firmness, texture, and barrier health.

• Main peptide families address different needs: signal for firmness, carrier for repair, enzyme-inhibiting to slow breakdown, and neuropeptides for expression lines.

• Use leave-on serums or creams morning and night; pair with niacinamide and Saccharide Isomerate (for lasting hydration and barrier support); finish with SPF; avoid strong acids or retinol.

• Expect gradual results with steady use.
  

What Are Peptides?

Understanding what are peptides in skincare starts with knowing they are tiny chains of amino acids, the same building blocks that form the proteins in your body [1]. In the skin, the most important proteins are collagen, elastin, and keratin, which provide strength, elasticity, and resilience [2]. Think of amino acids as single beads, peptides as short strings of beads, and proteins as full necklaces. Your skin naturally makes and breaks down these short strings every day, and many skincare peptides are designed to mimic the ones your skin already recognizes. Unlike large collagen molecules that mainly sit on top, certain short peptides can rest on the surface long enough to be noticed by skin cells and included in routine repair [3].

Some of these short sequences act like gentle reminders to keep up healthy maintenance. They encourage cells to support structure, renew on time, and keep the barrier comfortable and intact, which over weeks can translate into a smoother feel, better bounce, and a healthier look [4].

How Peptides Work in the Skin

When specific peptide sequences reach the skin surface in a leave-on product, they can act like tiny messengers. They do not replace collagen directly. Instead, they remind the skin to maintain healthy turnover and structure.

Peptide products most often help in the following ways:

Support Firmness and Elasticity

Peptides encourage fibroblasts to support collagen and elastin, which helps soften the look of wrinkles and improve firmness over time [5].

Strengthen the Barrier

Peptides help maintain a resilient barrier that keeps water in and irritants out, which is essential for comfortable and healthy-looking skin [6]. Because peptides are excellent barrier-supporting ingredients, they fit naturally into a barrier-repair routine. For more strategies to restore resilience, read our full guide on repairing a damaged skin barrier.

Calm Redness and Puffiness

Peptide complexes soothe redness and help the eye area look less puffy and tired [7].

Improve Skin Feel and Texture

By supporting natural moisturizing factors, peptides can help skin feel smoother and look more even with consistent use.

In essence, this is what are peptides in skincare good for: signaling the skin to repair itself, maintain firmness, and stay resilient.

Peptides can help refine skin texture over time, but they’re only one part of the picture. Explore more dermatologist-backed ways to achieve an even, soft complexion in our article on how to get smooth skin.

Types of Peptides in Skincare

Peptides are often grouped by how they work. To understand what do peptides do for skin, it helps to know the different families of peptides and the unique roles each one plays. Below are categories you will see most often, plus examples you might find on ingredient lists.

Signal Peptides

They are known for wrinkle and firmness benefits because they encourage collagen support. Examples include palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, and palmitoyl tripeptide-38. These are sometimes combined as Matrixyl complexes.

Carrier Peptides

They deliver helpful minerals to the skin. The best known is the copper peptide GHK-Cu, which supports repair processes and may improve the look of firmness and even tone with steady use.

Enzyme-Inhibiting Peptides

They help slow enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. They often appear in firming formulas that target texture and fine lines. You may see these within soy or rice peptide complexes alongside hydrolyzed proteins.

Neuropeptides

They aim to soften the look of expression lines by influencing the pathway that leads to muscle contraction at the surface. A popular example is acetyl hexapeptide-8. You may also see SYN-AKE, a lab-created peptide inspired by a snake venom pathway that targets expression lines on the forehead and around the eyes.

Under-Eye De-Puffing Peptides

Eye formulas may include acetyl tetrapeptide-5 or dipeptide-2, often paired with caffeine to reduce the look of puffiness and help the under-eye area appear smoother.

If you want to go deeper into which specific peptides are worth looking for on ingredient labels, check out our guide to the best peptides for skin — with six dermatologist-approved options to add to your routine.

Peptides vs Squalane: Do You Need Both?

Peptides are signaling ingredients that support collagen, texture, and barrier steadiness, while Squalane is a lightweight emollient lipid that replenishes surface lipids and reduces water loss. For everyday routines, choose Squalane for comfort and barrier support, and add peptides when you want extra help with fine lines and elasticity.

How to Use Peptides in Your Routine

Here is how to fit peptides into your routine and get the best results:

Choose the Right Format

Leave-on products work best. Serums, creams, and eye treatments give peptides time to interact with the skin surface. Cleansers are rinsed too quickly to be a reliable delivery option. For expression lines, a focused serum or eye cream with SYN-AKE can be patted on without rubbing.

When to Apply

Use peptides in the morning or night on clean, dry skin. Apply a thin layer, wait a short moment, then seal with moisturizer. In the daytime, finish with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect the progress you are making with peptides.

Tip: For a smoother routine, keep hair away from your face while applying serums and sunscreen with our gentle vegan silk headband, designed to prevent product transfer and add a touch of luxury.

Best Pairings

Peptides pair well with niacinamide for brighter, stronger barrier function, Saccharide Isomerate for long-lasting hydration, Squalane for slip and softness, and UNYSOOTH™ to calm and reinforce the protective layer. If you’re looking for a formula that combines these ingredients for peptide support, our Rush Hour Serum is designed to calm, hydrate, and strengthen sensitive, acne-prone skin.

What to Avoid

Avoid pairing peptide serums with strong exfoliating acids or peels, as this can raise irritation and may reduce peptide stability. For smoother texture without irritation, choose gentler barrier builders like Niacinamide, Saccharide Isomerate, and Squalane.

Limitations and Myths About Peptides

Peptides are good support players, but it is important to set expectations. Not all peptides penetrate deeply, and benefits depend on the full formula. Think of peptides as part of a well-rounded routine rather than a quick fix.

FAQs About What Are Peptides In Skincare

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about what are peptides in skincare and how to use them effectively:

1. Can I use peptides if I have sensitive skin?

Yes. Peptides are generally well tolerated and tend to support the barrier rather than strip it, which is why they are often recommended for reactive or redness-prone skin. Start with a simple leave-on serum, patch test first, and pair with a moisturizer. If you have sensitive or breakout-prone skin, don’t just look at product claims—always check the full ingredient list. Our Pore-Clogging Ingredients Checker makes it easy to see if your peptide serum or moisturizer is truly non-comedogenic.

2. Do peptides work for all ages?

Yes. In your 20s and 30s, they help with prevention and barrier health. In your 40s and beyond, they can support firmness and soften the look of fine lines when used consistently.

3. Do peptides help with wrinkles?

They can help reduce fine lines and early laxity over time. Signal peptides support collagen and elastin, while neurorelaxing peptides can soften expression lines at the surface. Expect gradual change over 8 to 12 weeks and protect progress with daily sunscreen.

4. Can I layer peptides with vitamin C?

Yes, if it is the gentle, oil-soluble vitamin C used for sensitive skin, such as BV-OSC. This pairs well with peptide serums. Avoid strong, low pH L-ascorbic acid formulas in the same routine, as they can increase irritation and may reduce peptide stability.

5. Can peptides replace collagen supplements?

Not exactly. Topical peptides send signals at the skin surface, while collagen supplements act internally through digestion. They work by different routes and can complement each other as part of an overall support plan.

6. Do peptides work around the eyes?

Yes. Peptides such as acetyl tetrapeptide-5 and dipeptide-2 are used for puffiness, while acetyl hexapeptide-8 targets expression lines. Use a tiny amount, pat gently without rubbing, and allow several weeks for a softer, smoother look.

Did You Know?

Most cosmetic peptides are not photosensitizing, so they can be used in the morning and at night. That means you can pair a peptide serum under sunscreen to protect the gains you are making. Consistent daytime use with SPF helps maintain the smoother look you build over weeks.

Takeaway

In conclusion, if you’ve been asking what are peptides in skincare, the answer is that they are a smart, gentle way to support your skin’s repair and resilience. They help with texture, fine lines, firmness, and barrier strength when you choose well-formulated, leave-on products and use them consistently. Choose the peptide family that fits your skin goal, keep application simple, and protect progress with daily sunscreen. Results are gradual but meaningful when you use it consistently.