Peptides have been used in skincare for decades and advances in science and product development have boosted their utility and diversity. They are usually created under these four categories: signalling, neuro-inhibiting, antimicrobial, and carrier peptides.
Signalling peptides are the most common and diverse group as they help trigger a specific response in the skin such as stimulating collagen or other structural proteins; activating other important responses in the skin such as antioxidant protection; or helping to block activities such as inflammation or hyperpigmentation.
Neuro-inhibiting peptides are quite popular as well because they are ‘botox-like’ in their ability to disrupt the formation of expression lines by disrupting the muscle contraction.
Anti-microbial peptides are valuable in skincare because they can help create a safe preservative for the formulation or these peptides can also benefit those dealing with acne concerns.
Carrier peptides is one of the most exciting categories of peptides because they can help enhance the delivery of active topicals into the skin, and so improve the activity of ingredients like vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid.