Skincare loves a hyped ingredient, but in the case of the latest focus on peptide moisturisers, there’s good reason to be excited.
Research and development advances around peptides in skincare have been significant in recent years as scientists isolate the specific peptide combinations – and there are hundreds with different purposes and benefits – that can assist with beneficial change in our skin. There are numerous peptides and combinations now available, with more being discovered every day as well as research that proves they do what is claimed they will.
What are peptides in skincare?
Peptides are made up of chains of amino acids, sometimes referred to as the ‘building blocks’ of certain proteins needed by the skin, such as collagen and elastin. The main focus in recent developments is that they can be useful in boosting these proteins, improving skin’s texture, strength and resilience. Sounds good to us!
All the touting of anti-aging benefits are because peptides are naturally-occurring and can help support your skin’s natural processes to keep skin feeling firm and plump, and minimise fine lines.
How do peptides work?
When applied topically, it’s thought that some peptides also help work as little biological messengers, signaling to skin to build more collagen and elastin, improving firmness, elasticity and texture. Given this production declines with age, the peptides’ ‘wake up’-reminder, or trigger, to make more, can definitely be of use to mature skin.
Like many skin care ingredients, peptides in skin care are usually found in nature or created synthetically. Some peptides are derived from plant sources like rice, yeast and oat kernels as well as avocado, seaweed and more.
While they work in a different way to retinol, another skincare hero with age-defying benefits, one of the upsides is that peptides are rarely ever irritating. They are also generally added to nourishing formulas with other hydrating and smoothing ingredients so they are easy to work into your routine no matter your skin type.
Best peptide moisturisers
Peptides can be incorporated in every stage of your skincare routine, from cleansers and serums to eye creams. One popular way to use them is to combine with richly hydrating ingredients in a moisturiser so you’re getting a number of benefits beyond simple hydration without having to use numerous products.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Perhaps the most famous of all peptide moisturisers, Drunk Elephant’s Protini Polypeptide Cream is a lush, whipped delight makes a stunning daily moisturiser for all skin types. It’s that Goldilocks mix of not too heavy, not too light, meaning it works well in winter as well as when the weather is warmer without leaving skin feeling sticky or greasy. It’s packed with advanced ingredients including signal peptides, supportive amino acids, and pygmy waterlily stem cell extract, a source of antioxidants and nutrients. It’s designed to strengthen and give skin a lovely bounce and glow.
Environ Focus Care Youth+ Tri-Peptide Avance Moisturiser
If you want serious results, Environ’s range is science-led, using the latest research to deliver impressive products across the entire line-up. It has led the way in the use of Vitamin A and peptides for skin and this moisturiser was ahead of the pack as a result of that development. It contains three key peptides as well as moisturising ingredients and protective antioxidant vitamin E.
Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N 300-Peptide Cream
Boasting a whopping 300 peptides in an advanced formula, Lancôme’s Rénergie H.P.N 300-Peptide Cream is one of the latest dream creams on shelves. It makes the most of parent company L’Oreal’s intensive research over many years into skin-boosting ingredients and also contains hyaluronic acid, and pure niacinamide. The formula is rich and deeply nourishing without feeling heavy on skin at all. It’s said to target wrinkles, dark spots and a lack of firmness in skin.
Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Another product with a serious fan club on social media, Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment offers a number of skin benefits wrapped up in one tube. That includes some of the latest ingredients with 7 peptides including Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, as well as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin c and more. It works well under makeup which makes it a multi-benefit boost for skin morning and night after cleansing.
Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Moisturiser
A luxe-feel moisturiser that contains collagen peptide and niacinamide. The fact that it is fragrance free will be a key drawcard for many, as well as its deeply nourishing formula, so it’s a good option for more reactive skin types. The 24 labe refers to the fact it promises to keep skin well hydrated for 24 hours.
