20 Most Popular Peptides For Skin + Products

In the world of skincare, where trends often outshine scientific understanding, it’s important to wade through fleeting fads and practical solutions.

Today, we are diving into peptides. So, sit back, relax, and let’s explore the world of peptides for skin – your roadmap to an informed and empowered skincare journey. I compiled the best-selling and highest-rated skincare products on both Ulta and Sephora’s websites.

The result? A ranking of the most popular peptides for skin care.

Peptides, the new skincare-it-girl are being used in a ton of products. These versatile molecules, while not drugs but cosmetics offer a treasure trove of benefits.

But what are they exactly? Imagine them as tiny messengers – they communicate with your skin cells, prompting them to perform specific tasks. Intriguing, isn’t it?

Let’s navigate through some of the most popular peptides that are making waves in the beauty realm.

1. Collagen Enhancement: Tripeptide-1

With almost 50 products containing this peptide, tripeptide-1 is the most popular peptide used by formulators. Tripeptide-1 is a signal peptide found in blood plasma, and it triggers the production of extracellular proteins like collagen and elastin. There are two popular forms, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and copper tripeptide-1.

The palmitoyl functionalized form of tripeptide-1 is one of the two peptide components of Matrixyl 3000. Copper tripeptide-1 is also known as copper peptides or Cu-GHK.

This peptide is popular in anti-aging formulations because it is marketed to improve skin firmness and elasticity. As skin ages, the collagen and elastin in the skin do not regenerate as quickly as they are broken down. So adding a collagen enhancer to your routine makes sense.

Some Products Formulated with Tripeptide-1

2. Inflammation Control: Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

We all have inflammation in our skin. Whether it’s self-inflicted from using the wrong products or environmental exposure to UV rays too much inflammation in the skin can cause premature aging.

So insert tetrapeptide-7, the Inflammation Control peptide.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 suppresses the production of proteins called interleukins which trigger inflammatory responses in the body. In your skin when there is inflammation, key structural proteins like collagen and elastin are broken down.

Over time as this happens over and over it can make your skin look older faster. So, whether it’s the hustle and bustle of daily life or the occasional environmental stress, Tetrapeptide-7 can help stop the damage that typically occurs.

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

3. Wrinkle Management: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Wrinkles are a part of life and as we get older we all get them. So it is not surprising that a lot of skincare ingredients are looking for ways to prevent them or get rid of them when they form.

For Wrinkle Management, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is the go-to peptide. The trade name for this peptide is Argireline, and it is marketed as a non-invasive alternative to Botox.

In the body, some proteins trigger muscle contraction and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a fragment that prevents muscles from contracting and thus wrinkles from forming.

While the peptide has a similar function as Botox it is not as effective as Botox because it does not last as long in preventing muscle contraction.

Daily application of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 can help with wrinkle management.

Related Post: Botox in a Bottle, Does It Really Work?

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

4. Elasticity Preservation: Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Structural proteins like collagen and elastin are key to keeping skin looking youthful, plump, and elastic.

Skin naturally breaks down and rejuvenates the proteins, but as you age the rejuvenation does not keep up as well with the breaking down. Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 enters the scene as your Elasticity Preservation peptide.

Derived from a segment of elastin, it can help trigger the production of collagen and elastin to keep skin looking supple and youthful.

Collagen and elastin are too large to penetrate the skin barrier when they are applied topically so this makes peptides an excellent alternative to get the job done.

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

5. Collagen Creator: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

Similar to the last peptide, many peptides are fragments of larger proteins. These peptides are great because they are small enough to penetrate the skin barrier while still triggering the biological functions that the full molecules do. Enter Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, the Collagen Creator. Derived from a fragment of type I collagen, it can boost collagen production.

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

6. Collagen Production: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

You might be sensing a theme with several of the top peptides for skin care, they are fragments of important proteins in the skin.

Collagen in its many various forms contributes to youthful-looking skin. And the next peptide fits in with the trend of collagen fragments, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is another one of the Collagen Production peptides.

Derived from a segment of collagen, it contributes to your skin’s youthful appearance by enhancing collagen synthesis. It aids your skin in producing the building blocks of youth.

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

7. Muscular Relaxation: Acetyl Octapeptide-3

Just like the other wrinkle management peptide this Muscular Relaxation peptide acts on the same pathway as Botox.

One of the reasons wrinkles form is repeated muscle contraction from things like smiling and squinting. Preventing this repeated contraction of facial muscles can help slow down the formation of wrinkles.

Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is the Muscular Relaxation peptide. Derived from another one of the proteins in the muscle contraction trail, its goal is to relax facial muscles and provide respite from constant contractions.

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Octapeptide-3

8. Skin Regeneration: Oligopeptide-1

Growth factors are becoming popular in skin care because in the body they trigger so many biological functions that keep our bodies youthful.

Just like other large biological molecules one of the challenges with growth factors is they are too large to penetrate the skin barrier. Insert the skin regeneration peptide, Oligopeptide-1, which is a fragment of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF).

In the body, EGF catalyzes the production of skin cells and skin proteins.

Promoting cellular turnover means, new fresh layers of skin to keep skin looking youthful. Increased cellular turnover with the right skincare routine is like a breath of fresh air for your complexion, rejuvenating it from within and gifting you with fresh radiant skin.

Some Products Formulated with Oligopeptide-1

9. Reduction of Eye Puffiness: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5

Undereye bags and dark undereye circles can instantaneously age you and make you look exhausted. So looking for ways to reduce your under-eye puffiness and lighten the skin under your eyes makes sense in the quest for youthful-looking skin.

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 is the peptide for Reducing Eye Puffiness.

Derived from a segment of protease inhibitors, it excels in minimizing puffiness by acting on enzymes that relieve vascular pressure and stop proteins like collagen from building up under your eyes and making puffy bags. It helps ensure your eyes reflect the vibrancy within, free from the telltale signs of fatigue.

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5

10. Matrix Enhancer: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 is another Matrix Enhancing peptide for the skin.

It is found in collagen and laminin which are two structural proteins that occur naturally in skin. When it penetrates the skin barrier and interacts with skin cells it elevates essential skin matrix components, improving collagen levels and enhancing skin vitality. This is another peptide that helps keep skin looking youthful.

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

11. Oxidative Stress Defense: Hexapeptide-11

One of the number one things that can age your skin is free radicals.

The most common way they are generated in the skin is from UV rays. Antioxidants like vitamin C are very popular in skincare because if they are present when free radicals form they can stop them from doing damage. Due to peptide versatility, some peptides have antioxidant functions.

Enter the Oxidative Stress Defense Peptide, Hexapeptide-11.

Hexapeptide-11, derived from yeast, steps in as your shield against oxidative stress’s aging effects. It encourages cells to up-regulate antioxidant genes to make them more resilient in the presence of free radicals. Hexapeptide-11 fortifies your skin’s defense against premature aging, ensuring it remains vibrant and youthful.

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

12. Cellular Vitality: Oligopeptide-2

This is another peptide that is a growth factor. Unlike Oligopeptide-1, Oligopeptide-2 is derived from Insulin Growth Factor (IGF). Extracted from a bovine source, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular vitality. Similar to Oligopeptide-1, it encourages skin cell growth and repair, to help your complexion stay healthy and vibrant.

Some Products Formulated with Oligopeptide-2

13. Lymphatic Stimulation: Dipeptide-2

Another peptide to help with dark undereye circles and puffiness is Dipeptide-2, the Lymphatic Stimulator.

Dipeptide-2 is commonly used alongside acetyl tetrapeptide-5 and they function in similar ways.

They both work on under-eye bags and dark circles by increasing circulation in the undereye area It was derived from milk protein, and it stimulates lymphatic circulation, reducing puffiness and dark circles.

The goal of formulations with Dipeptide-2 is to help breathes new life into tired-looking eyes, ensuring you wake up to a revitalized and rejuvenated appearance.

Some Products Formulated with Dipeptide-2

14. Structural Fortification: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 is another protein that targets Structural Fortification but in a different way than some of the other proteins.

By encouraging cells to produce important proteins. This one specifically encourages the production of proteins that create strong adhesion and networks in the skin barrier.

Derived from elastin, it supports the production of the protein fibrillin-1, vital for the skin’s structural integrity. It reinforces your skin’s natural architecture, ensuring it remains resilient and captivating.

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11

15. Youthful Elixir: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2

Oxidative stress can damage your skin and repeated oxidative stress from UV and environmental stress can make skin age prematurely.

Here comes Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, your Youthful Elixir, which captures the essence of vitality.

Derived from Thymopentin, a hormone found in the thymus gland, it helps stimulate the immune system and reduces the body’s response to oxidative stress. It rejuvenates your skin’s immune function and cellular health. Like a wise friend, it preserves your skin’s timeless allure, empowering you to embrace each day with confidence.

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2

16. Melanin Regulation: Nonapeptide-1

Nonapeptide-1, the Melanin Regulation peptide, enters the scene as a regulator of melanin to ensure you have an even skin tone.

Derived from melanocyte-stimulating hormone, it inhibits tyrosinase activation, reducing excessive melanin production. It’s important to note once melanin forms this is not going to get rid of the protein so you want to use this for prevention, not correction.

Some Products Formulated with Nonapeptide-1

17. Elastin Enhancer: Hexapeptide-9

Hexapeptide-9 is another Regeneration Conductor, derived from a fragment of elastin.

It stimulates collagen synthesis and aids epidermal regeneration. As we age our skin barrier, the epidermis thins and these peptides conduct regeneration to slow down the thinning.

Hexapeptide-9 empowers your skin’s renewal and slow aging,

Some Products Formulated with Hexapeptide-9

18. Aging Defense: Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2

Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2 is a Progerin Inhibition peptide, it serves as your skin’s guardian against premature aging.

Derived from a segment of lamin A, it curbs progerin production. Progerin is a protein that speeds up cellular aging. So inhibiting its production helps maintain your skin’s youthful appearance.

Some Products Formulated with Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2

19. Barrier Soothing: Acetyl Dipeptide-1

Acetyl Dipeptide-1, the Nerve Soothing peptide, is derived from endorphins. It stimulates skin nerve cells to release an opioid messenger molecule. This helps soothe the skin when you agitate your barrier or maybe spend a little too much time in the sun and you burn your skin.

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Dipeptide-1

20. Rejuvenation Mastermind: Polypeptide-1

Our journey concludes with Polypeptide-1, which is another one of the growth factor peptides. Polypeptide-1 is derived from Fibroblast Growth Factor. Just like the other growth factor peptides, it orchestrates cellular renewal and vitality.

Some Products Formulated with Polypeptide-1

Choosing Wisely: Your Journey with Peptides For Skin Care

In the realm of skincare, peptides stand as testaments to the wonders of science.

As you journey through the maze of products and ingredients, armed with the knowledge of these remarkable molecules, you’re empowered to choose wisely. There are so many peptides for skin and choosing the right one is essential. Whenever you are buying products you want to make sure they are addressing your skincare needs.

So, here’s to radiant skin, smart choices, and the beauty of understanding. Stay tuned for more science, more insight, and more empowerment – because when it comes to skincare, knowledge truly is your greatest asset. In the weeks to come I will be breaking down each of these peptides and the science behind them.

20 Most Popular Peptides For Skin + Products

1. Collagen Enhancement: Tripeptide-1

Some Products Formulated with Tripeptide-1

2. Inflammation Control: Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

3. Wrinkle Management: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

4. Elasticity Preservation: Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

5. Collagen Creator: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

6. Collagen Production: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

7. Muscular Relaxation: Acetyl Octapeptide-3

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Octapeptide-3

8. Skin Regeneration: Oligopeptide-1

Some Products Formulated with Oligopeptide-1

9. Reduction of Eye Puffiness: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5

10. Matrix Enhancer: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

11. Oxidative Stress Defense: Hexapeptide-11

Some Products Formulated with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

12. Cellular Vitality: Oligopeptide-2

Some Products Formulated with Oligopeptide-2

13. Lymphatic Stimulation: Dipeptide-2

Some Products Formulated with Dipeptide-2

14. Structural Fortification: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11

15. Youthful Elixir: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2

16. Melanin Regulation: Nonapeptide-1

Some Products Formulated with Nonapeptide-1

17. Elastin Enhancer: Hexapeptide-9

Some Products Formulated with Hexapeptide-9

18. Aging Defense: Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2

Some Products Formulated with Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2

19. Barrier Soothing: Acetyl Dipeptide-1

Some Products Formulated with Acetyl Dipeptide-1

20. Rejuvenation Mastermind: Polypeptide-1

Some Products Formulated with Polypeptide-1

Choosing Wisely: Your Journey with Peptides For Skin Care

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The Science of Peptides in Skincare Explained