Peptides in Skincare: What They Are, How They Work, & How to Choose the Best Ones
Why Peptides Matter More Than Ever
Peptides have gone from niche ingredients to must-have components in modern skincare. And they deserve the attention. These short amino-acid chains act like tiny messengers that help the skin maintain the appearance of firmness, smoothness, hydration, and more. In our previous BabyFace overview of peptides, we introduced them, and now it’s time for the deep dive into skincare peptides.
This guide breaks down the many peptide categories, what research shows they can do, how to decode their names, and how to build them into a smart routine, with realistic expectations. It also pairs well with our Peptides + Ceramides + Retinol article and our Youthful Skin Roadmap.
What Peptides Are and Why They Matter for Skin
Peptides are fragments of proteins like collagen and elastin. Without peptides, the skin can’t maintain firmness or bounce. Peptides help teach skin how to revitalize these building blocks.
And because each peptide performs a different “job,” they can support a wide range of appearance-based skin concerns, from fine lines to hydration to firmness.
Why Peptides Aren’t Magic, but They Are Valuable
While peptides support the skin’s appearance, they do not replace neurotoxins, hyaluronic acid injectables, retinoids, or in-office collagen-support treatments (like microneedling). But they do support the skin’s natural processes that make those treatments last longer and look better.
The Major Types of Peptides in Skincare
Each peptide falls into a functional category. Here’s what each one is known for and what research supports. [PubMed]
1. Signal Peptides (Collagen-Support Peptides)
Examples: Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, tripeptide-5
Signal peptides help support the skin’s natural collagen and elastin processes. Research shows they can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and support firmness with consistent use.
What they do:
Signal peptides can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve visible firmness over time with consistent use. These are among the most reliable peptide categories with the strongest track record in cosmetic formulas. [PubMed]
BabyFace Tip:
If your goal is “bouncier,” “firmer-looking,” or “smoother-appearing” skin, look for signal peptides first.
2. Carrier Peptides (Mineral-Delivery Peptides)
Example: GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
These peptides help deliver trace minerals (like copper) that support antioxidant defenses and skin repair.
What they do:
They help support visible firmness and overall skin vitality. However, copper peptides aren’t inherently superior; they’re one option among many. [PubMed]
BabyFace Tip:
A well-balanced peptide routine benefits more from variety than overreliance on only copper peptides.
3. Neurotransmitter-Affecting Peptides (“Topical Relaxers”)
Examples: Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), acetyl hexapeptide-30
Research suggests these peptides may help reduce the appearance of expression lines by influencing nerve signaling at the surface, not by affecting muscle activity the way injectable neurotoxins do.
What they do:
They may help soften the appearance of expression lines on the skin’s surface. But unlike neuromodulators, they do not reach the muscle, as we explain in our guide to Botox vs. Hyaluronic Acid injections.”
4. Enzyme-Inhibiting Peptides
Examples: Tetrapeptide-72, tripeptide-10 citrulline
These peptides help maintain the appearance of firmness by slowing natural collagen-degrading enzymes.
What they do:
They help maintain the skin’s structure by reducing the appearance of sagging and textural changes.
5. Barrier & Microbiome-Supporting Peptides
Examples: Sh-polypeptide-121, acetyl sh-hexapeptide-5 amide acetate
These peptides help support the skin’s barrier, hydration, and soothing benefits, making them excellent for dryness, sensitivity, or post-procedure. They pair nicely with ceramides and niacinamide.
6. Peptides That Don’t “Sound” Like Peptides
Ingredients like glutathione, carnosine, and silk proteins are technically peptides and function as antioxidants or humectants that support hydration and defense against environmental stressors. [PubMed] [PubMed]
Benefits of Peptides in Skincare (What the Research Shows Us)
Peptides Can Support the Appearance of:
Smoother texture
Improved firmness
Hydration and plumping
Reduced fine lines
Stronger barrier function
More resilient-looking skin
As BabyFace’s peptide overview stresses, results are gradual and cumulative, not dramatic.
Understanding Peptide Names (A Quick Decoder)
A simple trick for identifying peptides on labels:
Names ending in “peptide.”
Names beginning with “palmitoyl.”
Names that include numbers (e.g., tripeptide-5, tetrapeptide-72)
Myths & Limitations of Peptides
Myth 1 — Peptides Replace Retinol or Procedures
They do not. They are adjuncts that enhance long-term skin quality but do not replicate structural changes from procedures or retinoids. They complement, not replace, retinoids, microneedling, and neurotoxins.
Myth 2 — Peptides Can’t Be Used with Acids like AHA and BHA
Most cosmetic peptides remain stable alongside alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs/BHAs) when properly formulated. pH shifts from exfoliants do not automatically inactivate peptides.
Myth 3 — One Peptide Can Do Everything
Skincare is never a single-ingredient solution. Each peptide works in its own way.
How to Choose Peptide Products That Actually Work
Look for Leave-On Products
Peptides must stay on the skin to work; serums, moisturizers, and eye creams are ideal.
Rinse-off cleansers wash peptides away.
Look for Airtight, Opaque Packaging
Peptides degrade with exposure to air and light, which is why jars or clear packaging are less ideal.
Prioritize Supporting Ingredients
Peptides perform best alongside:
Ceramides
Hyaluronic acid
Antioxidants
Niacinamide
Combine Peptides with Other Power Ingredients
Peptides pair beautifully with:
Retinol
Vitamin C
Niacinamide
AHAs/BHAs
Daily sunscreen
Read our recent Retinol + Ceramide + Peptide article.
How do Peptides Fit Into a Smart BabyFace Skincare Routine
BabyFace Layering Guide
Cleanser
Peptide serum
Retinol (PM)
Ceramide-rich moisturizer
SPF (AM)
For advanced results, peptides pair especially well with microneedling, as the skin’s increased permeability can enhance topical peptide absorption under clinical supervision.
Final Thoughts
Peptides are one of the most versatile and scientifically supported cosmetic skincare ingredient families available today. At BabyFace Scottsdale, we build personalized skincare routines that blend peptides, ceramides, retinoids, sun protection, and in-office treatments for truly natural, long-lasting results.
If you want help choosing peptide formulas tailored to your skin, we’re here to guide you step-by-step.
If you are looking for a personalized supplement plan, BabyFace LLC offers complimentary access to our Persona Nutrition Assessment, which tailors supplement recommendations to your needs.
It’s powered by Persona Nutrition and guided by our in-house nutritionist, Michael. This program creates customized daily vitamin packs tailored to your unique lifestyle and goals. No guesswork —just clean, science-backed ingredients supporting your beauty, energy, and recovery.
https://babyfacellc.personanutritionpro.com
Schedule with our Nutritionist, Michael, to discuss the supplements you are currently taking and whether modifying your routine would be helpful.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These supplements and treatments are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, especially when combining with medical spa treatments. Individual results may vary.