Peptide, a cosmetic ingredient that we've all heard of by now but is still one of the unfamiliar and complicated ingredients. 
Nevertheless, the reason why peptide is becoming more and more popular as a skincare ingredient is because it has worth. Let's take a closer look at peptide, what benefits it can provide, and how to use it.

 

|What is peptide?

 

Peptide is a small unit of protein, one of the elements of our bodies. 
To put it simply, when peptides clump together and they get bigger than a certain level, it's not a peptide, it's a protein. Amino acids are a smaller unit than peptides which consist of proteins. 
In other words, several amino acids join together, form a peptide, and several peptides together make up a protein. Because the types of peptides vary depending on the combination of amino acids, the types and effects of peptides can vary. 

This protein, a series of peptide bonds, is a major component of cells that are constantly being created and disappeared in our bodies, and it acts as collagen and elastin that make up our skin, as well as various enzymes and hormones. 

While it plays an important role in the body, as we age, some proteins become less able to be produced by the body on their own, which means they are unable to do their job. 
Therefore, there have been studies in the past to assist this declining ability of a protein fraction, called a peptide. And now, as more research is being conducted, its benefits are becoming more and more apparent. 

 

 

|What is the effect of peptide? 

In the past, peptide has been known for its anti-aging benefit, which includes replenishing lost collagen in the skin. However, recent studies have shown that peptide defines not only anti-aging benefits but also various benefits. 
This is because the efficacy may vary depending on what type of peptide it is. 
Let's take a look at some of the more diverse benefits of peptide that makes it more than just an anti-aging ingredient. 

▶ 1. Elasticity Improvement


The most well-known effect is the ability to improve elasticity. 

This is the main benefit of many peptides used in cosmetics until now. 
It works on helping to regenerate collagen that has been reduced by aging or irritation, replenishing collagen that was not enough and making the skin look younger and firmer.
* Representative Peptides : Sh-polypeptide-121 · Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 · Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 

 

 ▶ 2. Wrinkle Reduction 

 

The effect to reduce wrinkles is also a key benefit of many peptides. 
They work on improving wrinkles by filling in the skin that is lost as components in the sagging skin. 
They also help to reduce the shape of wrinkles that can be caused by excessive muscle movement. 
*Representative Peptide : Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 · Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

 

▶ 3. Pores and Sebum Improvement

 

Pores and sebum needs to be treated, especially since they are highly influenced by the external environment and can easily change and even cause skin problems if not cared in time. 
Peptide not only helps balance sebum production in the pores, but also prevents excessive dead skin cells from building up on the surface of the pores. 
*Representative Peptides : Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate · Myristoyl Hexapeptide-23

 

▶ 4. Marks and Texture Improvement

 

Uneven skin texture and marks after skin breakouts are a major cause of unclean skin. 
Peptide helps to rapidly produce new collagen, clearing uneven skin and improving marks.
* Representative Peptide : Copper Tripeptide-1

 

▶ 5. Pigmentation Reduction and Tone Improvement

 

Peptide also has the effect to even skin tone by reducing mottled pigmentation. 
It works by interfering with the formation of melanin pigment by UV rays, reducing its pigmentation. 
* Representative Peptides : Oligopeptide-68 · Hexapeptide-2

 

▶ 6. Irritation Relief and Calming

 

Peptide prevents the skin from being sensitive caused by various irritants and reduces irritation. 
It acts to protect the skin by calming irritation response that can lead to premature aging.  
* Representative Peptides : Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 · Acetyl Hexapeptide-1

 

 

|What ingredients can we use with peptide?

Peptide can be used comfortably by all skin types and helps many skin concerns, but it take times to see noticeable changes. 
Therefore, rather than using peptide alone, we can achieve more satisfying results by combining it with another active ingredient as a complementary effect. 
For this purpose, we recommend combining peptide with several active ingredients.  

Peptide and vitamin C are a great combination for improving many aging issues and complexions in different effective ways. 

Vitamin C is a representative antioxidant ingredient and is effective in improving a variety of aging issues, including pigmentation, wrinkles, elasticity, and pores. 
It’s particularly effective at reducing melanin pigmentation caused by UV rays, making skin look shine. 
It can be used together with peptide to provide the effect more comfortably on the skin, as even this all-rounder vitamin C can be irritating depending on skin conditions due to the nature of vitamin C. 
* Recommended Usage: Use vitamin C after peptide has been fully absorbed.

 

Peptide and retinol are an optimal combination for reducing various wrinkles and improving elasticity. 

Retinol is a representative anti-aging ingredient and works by replenishing decreased collagen and elastin in the skin to keep it looking younger. 
Despite the benefits of retinol, as its own characteristics can cause irritation and dryness if used more than necessary and used frequently. If it is used with peptide, it will help mitigate this and provide the effect more gently on the skin. 
* Recommended Usage: Use retinol after peptide has been fully absorbed. 

 

Peptide and snail are the best combination for changing weakened skin to a healthy condition. 

Snail contains many components that are similar to components that make up our skin, working as skin-friendly and safely. 
It is particularly excellent at soothing and protecting the skin, which is effective for improving irritated and damaged skin problems, so using peptide and snail together can help firm up the skin. 
* Recommended Usage: Use snail(mucin) after peptide has been fully absorbed.  

 

Peptide and niacinamide are a recommended combination for overall care of skin problem. 

Niacinamide is effective in reducing various pigmentation marks and caring the skin problems such as acne. 
It regulates the sebum secretion in pores to prevent skin problems, as well as to help prevent from having marks of skin trouble that has already occurred. 
However, using niacinamide alone, it is difficult to care completely, using peptide and niacinamide together can reinforce each other for better results. 
* Recommended Usage: Use niacinamide after peptide has been fully absorbed. 

 

Peptide and hyaluronic acid are a great combination for reducing skin dryness. 

Hyaluronic acid is one of the natural moisture elements in the skin, which is effectively moisturizing. 
It's a mild ingredient that works well on all skin types, even sensitive skin. 
When peptide and hyaluronic acid are used together, they will provide more plentiful hydration and moisturizing. 
* Recommended Usage: Use hyaluronic acid after peptide has been fully absorbed.  

 

The method of usage can be different depending on the type of the product, including the ingredients. 
Regardless of which ingredient you use first, make sure to absorb the first product enough before using the next product. 
Having enough time for absorption also can help give optimal effect for the skin.  

 

 

|Peptide Product, What types of products are there? 

Peptide is an ingredient that can work effectively in various types of products. 
COSRX has a range of peptide products that can be used in harmony with any effective product no matter what the skin concerns are.

Clicking on a product image will take you to the purchase page. 

 

QnA

Q. When to use it? 

A. You can use it every day, day or night.  

Q. What skin types are suitable for? 

A. Peptide ingredient is safe for all skin types. However, different types of peptides can have different effects, so please look at the effect of the peptide in the product.

Q. Can it be used on acne-prone skin?

A. Many studies have shown that peptide works on supporting when skin is peeled off, leading to be the better skin. 
However, it is difficult to completely clear acne with cosmetics alone, so we recommend that those who have severe acne consult a dermatologist before using it. 
 

We would like to point out that peptide ingredient is not only just "anti-aging ingredient" for aging concerns. Peptide is an all-rounder ingredient that can solve various problems as well as anti-aging! 
Why not start using COSRX peptide products? 

 


Referencees

GENOMICS, 79 (2002) 
Arch Facial Plast Surg, 3, p28-32 (2001) 
Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 6, p1303-1306 (2012) 
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 15, p131-144 (2016) 
Pharmaceuticals, 14 (2021) 
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 24, p303-310 (2002)


by COSRX R&D CENTER.

 

December 07, 2023 — cosrx inc