Peptides are one of the most hyped — and most misunderstood — anti-aging ingredients. They’re useful, but they’re a supporting player, not the star.
What peptides are
Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins like collagen. In skincare, certain "signal peptides" tell your skin to ramp up repair and collagen production, which can support firmness over time.
What they actually do
- Support collagen and barrier function
- Help skin feel firmer and more resilient
- Are gentle and well-tolerated, even on sensitive skin
What they don’t do is match a retinoid for proven anti-aging results. Think of peptides as a helpful addition, not a replacement.
How to use them
Peptides play nicely with almost everything, including niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. They usually appear in serums or moisturisers, morning or night. There’s little downside to including them — just keep expectations realistic, and anchor your routine in the proven anti-aging core (sunscreen, a retinoid, vitamin C). Build it in our routine builder.