Your Complete Guide to Peptides
Peptides are now the next generation of skin health.
From soothing inflammation to smoothing fine lines, peptides are emerging as effective all-rounders. Helping us achieve hydrated, healthier-looking skin, they’re quickly positioning themselves as a routine non-negotiable.
What are Peptides?
Peptides are amino acid chains that help strengthen and repair the skin’s microbiome, whilst supporting natural elastin and collagen production: the building blocks of firmer, more resilient skin.
What Are the Different Types of Peptides?
Not all peptides work in the same way. Signal peptides are commonly used in formulas designed to support firmer, smoother-looking skin, while carrier peptides help deliver trace elements involved in normal skin processes. Enzyme-inhibiting peptides and neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides are also used in skincare, often appearing in formulas targeting visible signs of ageing.
You don't necessarily need to choose just one. Many advanced formulas combine different peptides alongside complementary ingredients, creating a multitasking approach to your skincare goals.
Peptides vs Collagen: What's the Difference?
While they're closely connected, peptides and collagen aren't the same thing. Collagen is a structural protein naturally found in the skin, where it helps provide firmness and support, while peptides are short chains of amino acids that form the building blocks of proteins such as collagen.
In topical skincare, peptides are often incorporated into formulas designed to support firmer, plumper and smoother-looking skin. Rather than thinking of peptides and collagen as competitors, consider them part of the same wider conversation around maintaining healthy-looking skin as it changes over time.
What are the Benefits of Peptides in Skincare?
Peptides are multitasking skincare ingredients that can help support a smoother, firmer and healthier-looking complexion. As short chains of amino acids – the building blocks of proteins such as collagen and elastin – different peptides can play different roles within your skincare routine.
Depending on the formula, peptides can help improve the appearance of fine lines, support skin firmness and strengthen the skin barrier. This makes them particularly suited to a skin longevity-focused routine, where maintaining resilient, healthy-looking skin over time is the goal.
Why are Peptides so Popular?
With over 233 million TikTok views under #peptides, this reflects a broader demand for science-backed, low-irritation skincare solutions that prioritise long-term results.
And it’s not just on socials.
Search behaviour on LOOKFANTASTIC is up +14% YoY; it’s now our 8th most popular ingredient for facial skincare, and Checkout Start Rate has increased to +17.1%. Offering a more balanced, barrier-conscious approach to visible results.
As the ingredient continues to become a skincare staple this season, we expect more brands to embed peptides within existing general formulas alongside those for sensitive skin, with many products currently using them as their unsung hero.
What are Some of Our Favourite Peptides?
Medik8’s Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream, featuring Medik8’s signature GF MiniProtein™, showcases how brands are evolving peptide technology, specifically designed to naturally reduce glycation, a process that contributes to skin ageing, for added firmness.
Plus, Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Serum and the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum: both enriched with niacinamide and a multi-peptide complex to support the skin barrier and boost elasticity.
For a category expanding beyond traditional facial skincare, Ole Henriksen’s Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment brings peptides into new beauty rituals for clinically fuller-looking lips.
So does The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density and Scalp Support. Designed to complement the look of fuller, denser-looking hair, it reflects the growing demand for ingredient-first routines that treat scalp health as an essential part of overall beauty.
Final Thoughts
- Peptides are versatile skincare ingredients that can support everything from smoother-looking skin to a stronger skin barrier, depending on the formula.
- There are different types of peptides, each with its own role, making peptide blends a great addition to a targeted routine.
- Peptides can complement ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and antioxidants for a well-rounded approach to skincare.
- When it comes to skin longevity, peptides fit perfectly into the focus on maintaining resilient, healthy-looking skin over time.
- As with any skincare ingredient, consistency is key – look for a formula suited to your skin type and wider routine rather than expecting an overnight transformation.
- Ultimately, peptides are about playing the long game, making them a hardworking addition to any considered skincare routine.
1. The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum 30ml
Recommended Retail Price: £15.00 Current price: £12.00
Simple yet effective, this plumping serum is infused with a Matrixyl 3000 - a peptide that mimics the effect of our natural collagen protein.
Designed to maintain a youthful glow, this formula keeps the complexion firm and supple, delaying the appearance of fine lines and keeping the skin looking healthy.
2. The INKEY List Peptide Moisturizer 50ml
Recommended Retail Price: £16.00 Current price: £12.80
Formulated to promote cell renewal, this no-fuss moisturiser is a favourite amongst those with mature skin types.
Infused with a blend of peptides, this moisturiser encourages increased collagen production, targeting skin at its deepest layer to restore elasticity and firmness. Fast-absorbing and lightweight on the skin, it's perfect for everyday wear.
3. Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial 15ml
Recommended Retail Price: £68.00 Current price: £54.40
This another of my favourite products that incorporates peptides into the formula.
It is designed to be used overnight and contains a lot of ingredients that are great at targeting the signs of ageing. The formula is based on antioxidants, vitamins and Renovage, which all help to extend and improve cell life while the peptides work on production of Collagen.
It also has a blend of essential natural oils which gives the serum its nourishing and soothing properties to all together help you achieve younger, more radiant appearance.
4. Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30ml
£59.00
Formulated with a powerful blend of peptides to help to boost collagen and elastane production, this nourishing combination works to repair collagen-producing cells, which helps to firm and plump skin.
Topped off with hyaluronic acid, this formula attracts moisture into the skin to keep it soft, plump and smooth-looking, for a youthful glow.
5. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum 30ml
£15.90
A universal formula with peptide technologies, amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes, this serum hydrates and visibly plumps to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet.
Working to improve firmness, smoothness and elasticity, this lightweight formula locks in moisture for a radiant glow.
