Peptide This, Peptide That… But Which One Does What?
You’ve probably heard skincare brands raving about peptides lately—like “multi-peptide serum this,” or “peptide boost that.” But when you're staring at a long list of unpronounceable names like Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 or Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, it's totally fair to wonder: what does it all even mean?
Let’s break it down, friend-to-friend 💬💕
🧬 So... What Are Peptides, Really?
Despite sounding super sciencey, peptides are simply short chains of amino acids—aka the building blocks of protein. When a few amino acids come together, they form a peptide. Add even more, and voila! They become a full-blown protein, like collagen or elastin—you know, the stuff that keeps your skin plump and youthful.
So yes, peptides are a big deal in skin health, and each type has a specific job to do.
💥 We Sorted Peptides by What They Do Best
There are so many kinds of peptides, but here’s the good news: we’ve grouped them by their superpowers to make your life easier.
✨ 1. Smooth Out Those Expression Lines
Say hello to your wrinkle-fighting squad. These peptides work on softening fine lines from all that smiling, squinting, and life-ing:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 & Pentapeptide-18 – found in Medik8 Liquid Peptides
Acetyl Octapeptide-4 – in Good Molecules Peptide Serum
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 – in Nip+Fab Ceramide Fix Serum 12%
Think of these as topical alternatives to injectables. 👀💉 (without the needle!）
🛠 2. Support Skin Recovery & Wound Healing
These peptides are your skin’s repair crew, helping to heal, calm, and rebuild:
Oligopeptides 1–3 – found in Peach & Lily Original Glow Mask
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-22 are found in Mad Hippie Corrective peptide
Carnosine, Copper Tripeptide and more..
Great for sensitized, irritated, or post-acne skin that needs a little TLC 🩹💕
🌹3. Firming & Wrinkle Reduction (a.k.a. The Youthkeepers)
Looking for peptides that give a real anti-aging punch? These are your go-to:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 + Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 – in Timeless Matrixyl 3000 Serum
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 – in GOW Anti-Aging Multipeptide Serum
Plus many more fancy-sounding peptides that work together to firm up, lift, and tighten ✨💪
💇♀️4. Hair & Lash Growth
Yes, peptides don’t stop at skincare—they can help your lashes and scalp too!
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 & Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 – in The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash & Hair Serums
These target hair follicle health for stronger, fuller strands 🌱💇♀
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✨ 5. Brightening & Even Skin Tone
For dullness, dark spots, or post-acne marks, look for:
Nanopeptide-1, Tetrapeptide-30, Hexapeptide-2, Oligopeptide-68
Found in brands like Minimalist, The Inkey List, and COSRX。 They help fade pigmentation for that lit-from-within glow. ✨
🌿 6. Soothing & Anti-Redness
Got sensitive skin? These peptides work behind the scenes to calm everything down:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15 – in Dermalogica Ultracalming Serum
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 – in Neostrata Redness Neutralizing Serum
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester – in La Roche-Posay’s Ultra Dermallergo Mask
They’re like a cozy blanket for your skin. 🫶💚
👩🔬 So, Which Peptide Should You Look For?
Peptides are kind of like the unsung heroes of skincare. They don’t always get flashy marketing, but behind the scenes? They're doing the real work—firming, healing, calming, and restoring your skin day by day.
And with the right peptide for your concern, you don’t need a 10-step routine—you just need a smart one. 💁♀️💡