What are peptides? Types and benefits in cosmetics

Peptides consist of small chains of amino acids. When amino acids combine in a specific manner, they create peptides. These peptides are fragments of proteins.

In our skin, there are proteins that play a fundamental role in its structure, appearance, and maintenance, such as collagen, elastin, and keratin.

In recent years, advancements in research have established peptides as active ingredients acknowledged for their high efficacy and properties in skin regeneration and maintenance.

In cosmetics, synthetic peptides serve as messengers to activate cellular processes, such as increasing collagen and repairing damage.

Types of peptides in cosmetics

Although peptides have become essential ingredients in skin care due to their high efficacy, they are not all identical. At U/1ST, we identify the various groups of peptides.

• Collagen peptides. These are fragments of the protein that stimulate its production in the skin. They are commonly found in products designed to improve skin firmness and elasticity.

• Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4. It is primarily used in cosmetics to enhance cell regeneration and promote collagen synthesis. It is recognised for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

• Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide that works by relaxing facial muscles to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.

• Oligopeptides. These smaller chains of amino acids can penetrate deeper into the skin. They are used to stimulate cell regeneration and enhance the skin barrier.

• Anti-inflammatory peptides. These compounds help reduce inflammation in the skin. They are ideal for soothing sensitive skin and for use in treating conditions such as acne and rosacea.

• Copper peptides. They are known for their ability to aid in wound healing and cell regeneration. They are essential in products aimed at improving the health of damaged skin. This peptide is present in MultiActive Serum Foundation and MultiActive Brightening Concealer.

• Moisturising peptides. They draw water into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. They are especially useful for making the skin look smooth.

• Antioxidant peptides. They help protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. They are included in products designed to prevent premature ageing and enhance skin appearance health.

• Growth peptides. These compounds stimulate cell regeneration and promote tissue repair. They are used to enhance cell renewal and improve skin texture.

• Elastin peptides. They help improve skin elasticity. They are key in products designed to maintain firmness and prevent skin sagging.

Benefits of peptides for the skin

Peptides, as we have already mentioned, are ingredients with multiple benefits for the skin. By stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, peptides promote firmer and more elastic skin through various mechanisms of action.

One of the advantages that makes them among the most desirable active ingredients is their excellent skin tolerance across all skin types, the ability to act on specific skin mechanisms, and a high penetration capacity due to their small size or encapsulation processes, which enhance their effectiveness.

Best cosmetics with peptides on U1ST!

If you’re looking for a serum with peptides that can enhance your skin's health, we recommend the MultiActive Sérum Foundation, which combines peptides with other active ingredients to hydrate and brighten your skin. Additionally, the MultiActive Brightening Concealer  also contains peptides, making it ideal for treating facial skin while providing flawless coverage.