Peptides for Skin: What they are, benefits, and what to look for

Written by: Radhika Sen

Updated on: 18 February 2025

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, linked together by peptide bonds. 20 individual naturally-occurring amino acids can be linked together in any order to give millions of different peptide combinations, each assisting with different skin concerns. Peptides are also the building blocks of proteins. Our skin is naturally overflowing with various kinds of proteins and peptides, including some of the most important; collagen and elastin, which are both responsible for retaining the skin’s natural strength and resilience.

What are peptides in skincare?

When applied to the skin, peptides can act as communicators, triggering a response in certain cells of the skin. They give your skin specific instructions to do ‘something’ and that ‘something’ entirely depends on what order your amino acids are in. Every peptide has a unique superpower to target different skin concerns.

7 benefits of peptides for skin

There are many different types of peptides commonly used in skincare for different purposes. However, not all peptides are created equal, and the potency of a peptide will depend upon its specific properties and the formulation of the product that it’s found in.

1. They can help to improve the skin barrier

The skin barrier is the body’s first line of defence against pollution, bacteria, ultraviolet rays and other toxins. The skin barrier is very delicate, and it can easily be damaged by environmental stressors, pollutants, too much exfoliation and even lack of sleep. Peptides help to promote a stronger skin barrier, keeping the skin feeling healthy, resilient and supported.

2. Reduce the appearance of wrinkles

Certain peptides can also help increase collagen production. Collagen works to visibly plump the skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles becoming less visible and the complexion appearing firmer and more youthful-looking.

3. Enhance skin elasticity

In addition to helping support collagen production, peptides also make up elastin fibres, another type of protein that naturally occurs in the skin. These fibres help to give the skin a firmer, more lifted appearance.

4. Help to even out skin tone

Peptides can also help to visibly even the skin tone, therefore reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

5. Help to control breakouts

Some peptide molecules also boast antimicrobial properties. This means that they may help to prevent the bacteria that leads to acne and blemishes, resulting in a visibly clarified and flawless-looking complexion.

6. Reduce the appearance of eye bags and dark circles

Peptides can also be used to help reduce the appearance of tired-looking eyes as they can visibly brighten dark circles and discolouration while diminishing puffiness with a lifting and awakening effect.

7. Calm redness and inflammation

If your skin is sensitive and inflamed, peptides can help reduce the appearance of redness by boosting the production of prostaglandins, a group of anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce visible swelling.

What ingredients do peptides pair well with?

Peptides are versatile and work harmoniously with most skincare ingredients, making them a staple for targeted results in your routine. Medik8’s advanced peptide formulas are specifically designed to complement a wide range of ingredients, enhancing their visible benefits without compromising efficacy.

For example, peptides pair beautifully with antioxidants like vitamin C to boost skin brightness and protect against free radical damage. They also work seamlessly with retinoids (vitamin A products) to address visible signs of ageing, and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration and plumping effects.

Unlike many peptide products, Medik8’s formulations are crafted to be safely layered with exfoliating AHAs and BHAs. These acids will not degrade or reduce the effectiveness of the peptide molecules, allowing you to combine these powerhouse ingredients for smoother, brighter skin.

However, it’s important to note that certain peptides, such as copper peptides, should not be used with vitamin C in the same routine, as their differing pH levels can compromise each other’s stability. For best results, use copper peptides and vitamin C in separate routines - one in the morning and the other at night.

By combining peptides with other targeted ingredients, you can create a routine tailored to your specific skin concerns, maximising visible results for brighter, firmer, and healthier-looking skin

Choosing your peptide products

Understanding your skin type is the first step in choosing the right peptide product. Whether your primary concern is fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, blemishes, or uneven skin tone, selecting a product tailored to your skin type and goals ensures the best results.

When evaluating peptide products, pay attention to their concentration and formulation. Peptide ingredients should ideally appear toward the top of the ingredient list, indicating higher potency. Different peptides target specific concerns: for example, copper peptides are known for their regenerative properties, while signal peptides help boost collagen production.

For additional benefits, look for products that combine peptides with complementary ingredients. For instance, peptides paired with ceramides enhance the skin barrier, locking in moisture and improving resilience.

Alternatively, peptides with antioxidants like vitamin C help boost brightness, while formulations with hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid deliver plumping effects. The formulation type also plays a role. Serums and moisturisers are ideal as they remain on the skin for extended periods, allowing peptides to penetrate gradually and maximise visible results.

Lastly, consider the packaging. Peptides are sensitive to light and air exposure, so choose products housed in opaque, airtight containers to ensure stability and potency over time.

How to use peptides in your skincare routine

Peptides can easily be incorporated into your existing skincare routine - you just need to know how to use them correctly.

Morning and/or evening routine:

You can choose when to incorporate peptides into your routine, but for optimum results, we recommend applying both in the morning and evening. Using a peptide product in the morning protects the skin from environmental stressors, while evening application locks in hydration.

Prep your skin:

Whether choosing to incorporate peptides into your skincare in the morning or evening, we recommend using a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and impurities, prepping your skin for maximum absorption of peptides.

Layering peptides:

We always recommend layering serums from thinnest to thickest consistency, to ensure that your products can absorb properly, while the thicker, cream textures can lock in all the skincare goodness. Apply peptide serums after cleansing and water-based serums, then follow with a moisturiser to lock in hydration. Alternatively, use a peptide-infused moisturiser after targeted serums like vitamin C or retinoids. Always finish your morning routine with sunscreen to protect your skin while peptides do their work to deliver results.

Monitor your skin:

Consistency is key when using peptides, but it’s important to listen to your skin. Start with a patch test and gradually introduce peptide products into your routine. If irritation occurs, reduce usage frequency or consult a skin care professional for guidance. Always monitor how your skin responds and adjust as needed for optimal results.

The Medik8 approach

Peptides might be in the skincare spotlight for their incredible collagen-boosting powers but, at Medik8, we understand that peptides are so much more than just a one-trick pony. Each peptide has a different action on the skin - not just for skin ageing concerns, but also for tackling dullness, hyperpigmentation, anti-glycation, dryness, and more!

Our peptides range has been designed with our pioneering CSA Philosophy: vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, and vitamin A by night, in mind, working to boost visible results while tailoring a Medik8 CSA routine to meet your specific skincare goals. Boost your current CSA routine with a peptide moisturiser or serum. If your skin is sensitive or cannot tolerate actives like vitamin A or C, peptides offer an effective alternative. For example, Copper PCA Peptides can replace vitamin C in your morning routine. While both ingredients offer potent anti-ageing benefits, they are not compatible and can neutralise each other when used together. Copper PCA Peptides deliver antioxidant protection and hydration without the risk of irritation.

In the evening, replace vitamin A with Bakuchiol Peptides, a gentle, plant-based alternative that’s ideal for sensitive skin. Offering similar anti-ageing benefits, like improved skin tone and texture, it’s perfect for those who experience irritation with vitamin A.

While most of our vitamin A products (except R-Retinoate Day & Night) are recommended only for nighttime use, Bakuchiol Peptides can also be a great addition to your daytime routine. For enhanced benefits at night, layer your vitamin A with Liquid Peptides or Clarity Peptides to target additional skin concerns and maximise visible results.

Whether enhancing your CSA routine or tailoring it to your skin's needs, peptides provide versatile, skin-compatible options to keep your skincare regimen effective and balanced.

Meet our peptide family

At Medik8, we wanted to harness the broad range of different peptide powers in our peptide product offering. We have developed revolutionary, results-driven peptide formulations which help to amplify the results of all CSA regimes. We use scientifically proven ingredients and advanced delivery systems alongside each carefully -selected peptide to enhance the penetration and power of the active ingredients. Cutting-edge packaging protects the integrity of our formulas, delivering consistent, high-performance results with every use. Our full range of innovative peptide formulas is expertly designed to support many different skin concerns.

Flawless-looking skin: Clarity Peptides

Boost your skin's natural luminosity with Clarity Peptides. Infused with 10% niacinamide, it works wonders for calming the look of red, inflamed or blemish-prone skin. This milky serum promotes glass-like skin and is ideal for anyone who feels like life is getting in the way of perfect skin. The formula also features next-generation Crystalide™ peptide, which helps to normalise the way skin cells renew to promote a uniform complexion.

Hyperpigmentation: Oxy-R Peptides

Oxy-R Peptides is our targeted peptide solution for visible hyperpigmentation. The click-activated formula has been expertly formulated to target the appearance of visible age spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and post-inflammatory marks. Utilising a previously-untapped high concentration of 1% oxyresveratrol (Oxy-R), the water-light formulation overcomes common stability issues with Medik8’s one-of-a-kind, patented stabilisation system - for ultimate Oxy-R potency. Also enriched with twin brightening peptides, tetrapeptide-30 and acetyl glycyl beta-alanine, this silky serum can deliver visible improvements to hyperpigmented skin in as little as 7 days.*

*Proven via an Independent consumer study conducted over 4 weeks on 50 participants with discolouration skin concerns

Retinol-alternative: Bakuchiol Peptides

In need of a vitamin A replacement in your CSA skincare routine? Look no further than Bakuchiol Peptides; the ultimate, clinically proven substitute for retinol. Perfect for expectant or nursing mothers, Bakuchiol Peptides is extremely gentle yet delivers impressive visible youth-renewing results. Elevating the effects of 1.25% pure bakuchiol with brightening peptide precursors and calming cica extract, this lightweight oil serum takes the gentle powers of bakuchiol to the next level of anti-ageing technology.

Line-smoothing: Liquid Peptides

If targeting the first signs of ageing is your main focus, Liquid Peptides is the perfect option for you. The 30% peptide-packed formula helps slow and prevent fine line formation. Boosted with a pioneering drone-targeted delivery system, the formula ensures every peptide is activated within the layer of skin where it’s needed the most, for maximum visible results. This collagen-boosting copper peptide is encapsulated in a polymer shell, with external peptides which fit into receptors on the outside of collagen-making fibroblast cells. The encapsulation swoops down (like a drone) to the fibroblast cell, releasing the copper peptide exactly where it’s needed most. The skin is left visibly smoother, deeply hydrated, and ultimately more youthful-looking. Say 'no' to fine lines and 'yes' to a visibly smooth, plump and hydrated complexion.

Targeted, deep-wrinkle reduction: Liquid Peptides Advanced MP

A world-first biotechnology breakthrough in skincare, Liquid Peptides Advanced MP is designed to target wrinkles with the precision of science. Clinically proven to diminish the appearance of expression lines in 10 minutes & deep-set wrinkle reduction in 8 weeks,* this pioneering serum combines pharmaceutical-grade precision with powerful peptide science. In a breakthrough application of world-first technology: Dual MiniProteins™, redefines wrinkle reduction. Expression Line MiniProtein™ helps to relax & smooth dynamic expression lines for visibly reduced wrinkle depth, while Growth Factor MiniProtein™ directly acts on skin cells to help support collagen & elastin production for visibly smoother, firmer-looking skin.

*Proven via independent clinical study on Liquid Peptides Advanced MP tested on 34 participants at 10 minutes & 8 weeks

Liquid Peptides Advanced MP vs Liquid Peptides

Liquid Peptides Advanced MP is optimised for clinically proven results on visible expression lines & deep-set wrinkles over time.

Liquid Peptides work to smooth and plump the first signs of ageing and help to prevent new wrinkles from forming.

Peptides for the eyes: Eyelift Peptides

Finally, our peptide family has Eyelift Peptides; the ultimate lifting and firming eye treatment. With a complex of 5 collagen-boosting peptides, this multi-action eye serum helps to visibly lift and shape the look of eye contours for an immediate well-rested, bright-eyed appearance. This optimised formula also harnesses the powers of hesperidin to minimise the appearance of dark circles, plus glycerin to hydrate the delicate eye area.

FAQ's

Are peptides safe to use on all skin types?

Yes, peptides are gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. In a recent consumer study, 96% agreed Liquid Peptides Advanced MP was gentle and compatible with their skin.*

*Proven via independent consumer study on Liquid Peptides Advanced MP conducted over 8 weeks on 91 participants.

Can I use peptides with vitamin C?

It depends on the type of peptide. Copper peptides, for example, should not be used with vitamin C as their benefits can cancel each other out. However, other types of peptides can pair well with vitamin C, helping to enhance skin brightness and repair when used in separate routines, like vitamin C in the morning and peptides in the evening.

Is niacinamide or peptides better for the skin?

Both niacinamide and peptides provide unique benefits. Niacinamide excels at improving skin tone, texture, and minimising pores, while peptides focus on boosting collagen production, improving elasticity, and reducing signs of ageing. The best approach? Use them together in a routine to address multiple skin concerns effectively.

At what age should you use peptides?

Peptides can be a great addition to your skincare routine as early as your 20s. Starting early helps support collagen production, maintain skin elasticity, and prevent the first signs of ageing, making it an excellent long-term investment in skin health.

Can I use peptides every day?

Absolutely! Peptides are gentle and safe for daily use, both morning and evening. For best results, incorporate them consistently into your skincare routine to support hydration, repair, and anti-ageing benefits.

Can you use too many peptides?

While peptides are generally non-irritating and safe, overloading your routine with multiple peptide products could overwhelm your skin, potentially reducing effectiveness. Stick to a few well-formulated products and monitor how your skin responds for the best results.

Do peptides reduce wrinkles?

Yes, peptides can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. By supporting collagen production and improving skin elasticity, peptides work to smooth fine lines and wrinkles over time. Medik8’s breakthrough peptide innovation, Liquid Peptides Advanced MP, is clinically proven to diminish the appearance of expression lines in just 10 minutes and deep-set wrinkles in 8 weeks*. Bringing pharmaceutical-grade precision to skincare, this groundbreaking serum is powered by a first-of-its-kind peptide innovation: Dual MiniProteins™ in every drop.

*Proven via independent clinical study on Liquid Peptides Advanced MP tested on 34 participants at 10 minutes & 8 weeks

Radhika Sen

Radhika Sen

Radhika Sen is a skincare enthusiast and beauty writer. She's always on the lookout for a stellar serum and moisturiser combination, topped by a sunscreen that protects and primes. Her idea of self care is to pop on a face mask, light a scented candle and call it an early night.