The answer is yes. Peptides do actually work. They have earned their place in skincare, with research supporting their use for a range of skin concerns. The important thing is that not all peptides work in the same way, and the results you can expect depend on the specific peptide, the formula it's used in and the evidence behind it.

Peptides are used in skincare to support processes linked to collagen, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, support skin hydration and barrier function, and help skin look smoother and more resilient. Results tend to be gradual rather than dramatic, but with consistent use, the right peptide formula can be a useful addition to a long-term skincare routine.

So, let's get into what peptides actually are, what different peptides do and how to make them work for your routine.

What are peptides in skincare?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins including collagen and elastin. In skincare, certain peptides act as signalling molecules, sending messages to skin cells that can support processes involved in firmness, repair and the skin barrier. Think of them as little messengers helping your skin do more of what it already knows how to do.

What are the different types of peptides and what do they do?

If you've never looked into peptides before, the ingredient list can feel like a bit of a minefield. Peptides aren't one single ingredient or one single type of skincare. They're a broad group of ingredients, and different peptides can be used for different skin concerns.

You don't need to memorise every complicated name on the back of a bottle. Knowing a few of the most common peptides can make it much easier to understand what you're actually buying and which type could suit your skin.

Pro-Collagen peptides shift the focus on firmer, plumper-looking skin. These are peptides used in skincare to support processes associated with collagen, a protein that helps give skin its structure and bounce. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, which is one reason skin can start to look less firm and fine lines become more noticeable. It's worth making one distinction here: Pro-Collagen Peptides are not the same thing as putting collagen on your skin. Topical collagen is mainly used as a moisturising and conditioning ingredient, while specific peptides are formulated to support the skin's own collagen-related processes. 

Our Pick: Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Intensive Moisturiser combines a 3X Pro-Collagen Peptide Complex with Hyaluronic Acid to visibly plump, firm and smooth dry, dehydrated skin. It's a great example of combining peptide technology with hydration for skin that needs extra moisture and bounce.

Argireline, also known as Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (historically also referred to as Acetyl Hexapeptide-3), is one to know if expression lines are your main concern. Expression lines are the lines that become more noticeable from repeated facial movements, such as forehead lines and crow's feet. Argireline is therefore often found in targeted serums designed around the appearance of these lines.

Our Pick: The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% contains a high concentration of Argireline and is specifically formulated to target the appearance of expression lines, making it an interesting choice for areas such as the forehead and around the eyes.

Copper peptides are another popular type, with GHK-Cu and Copper Tripeptide-1 being names you'll commonly see on ingredient lists. Rather than focusing solely on the appearance of lines, copper peptides are used to support skin repair and resilience, making them an option for skin that needs extra support or a more comprehensive approach to visible signs of ageing.

Our Pick: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum combines Copper Peptides with several other peptide technologies, including Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl Synthe'6, SYN-AKE, Relistase and ARGIRELOX. It also contains amino acids and multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid, making it a comprehensive multi-peptide formula designed to target several signs of ageing at once.

Matrixyl is another name you're likely to come across when shopping for peptide skincare. It's not one individual peptide, but a group of peptide technologies used in formulas targeting fine lines and visible signs of ageing. You'll see different versions, including Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl Synthe'6, depending on the formula.

Our Pick: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Serum combines Matrixyl Morphomics, Matrixyl Synthe'6 and Argireline technologies to target expression lines and the appearance of wrinkles. It's a good example of a multi-peptide formula, where several peptide technologies are brought together rather than relying on just one.

Multi-peptide formulas bring together different types of peptides, allowing one product to target several signs of ageing rather than focusing on one specific concern. Depending on the combination, they can help address expression lines, fine lines, texture, radiance and firmness, making them a useful option for a more comprehensive anti-ageing routine.

Our Pick: SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum is formulated with an advanced peptide complex, 5% PHA and 5% Niacinamide. It helps visibly smooth contraction lines, refine skin texture and pores, boost radiance and provide 24-hour hydration while supporting the skin barrier.

So, which peptide should you choose?

The good news is that you don't need to become a peptide expert. Start with your main skin concern. Looking for more plumpness and bounce? Collagen-focused peptides are worth exploring. Concerned about expression lines? Look for Argireline. Want to support skin resilience and repair? Copper peptides could be a good fit. If you're looking to target several visible signs of ageing at once, a multi-peptide formula can give you several types of peptide support in one product.

And remember, "peptide" on the label doesn't automatically mean every peptide product will do the same thing. The specific peptides, the rest of the formula and how consistently you use it all make a difference.

How to use peptides in your skincare routine

Add a peptide serum after cleansing and before moisturiser, then finish with SPF in the morning. Peptides are typically easy to pair with other ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides but as with any active skincare ingredient, check the directions for your chosen formula, as some products may have specific usage recommendations. You can also find peptides in moisturisers, eye creams and treatments, so you don't necessarily need a dedicated serum. The key is consistency, using your chosen peptide regularly to support firmer, smoother, more resilient-looking skin over time.

The key takeaway? Not every peptide product does the same thing. Different peptides are designed to target different skin concerns, so the best place to start is with what your skin actually needs. If expression lines are your main concern, we'd look for a targeted peptide such as Argireline. For dry or dehydrated skin, we'd prioritise hydration first, then look for a peptide formula that also supports moisture levels, such as one paired with Hyaluronic Acid. And for general signs of ageing, we'd opt for a multi-peptide formula that targets several concerns at once.

You don't need a complicated routine to get the most from peptides. Choose a well-formulated product that suits your skin, use it consistently and give it time to work. Once your skin is in a good place, peptides can be a simple, targeted addition to support smoother, plumper and more resilient-looking skin.

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