What Are Peptides? - Ultimate Guide to Skincare's Innovative New Peptides

You’ll have for sure seen it by now – peptides are sneaking their way into a variety of skincare products (as well as being branded in other industries too!) But what exactly are they? Peptides is actually a very vague term – which can include everything from a specialist skincare treatment to ground up tuna. Peptides are a molecular version of ‘protein’ which is the same as the proteins we eat, that makes up our muscles and is part of everybody’s favourite ‘high-protein’ diet. 

So, what’s it doing in our skincare? The cells in our body actually use ‘peptides’ to communicate to each other, allowing them to grow in harmony, change shape or change activity. Specialized skincare peptides are mimics of these, allowing the skincare product to ‘talk’ to your skincare cells and give them an instruction.  

Sounds cool? It’s probably the reason why ‘peptides’ have become a buzz word in 2026 (not just in skincare), as there is a really great potential for being able to communicate to cells and change what they’re doing. The potential has been the highest in skincare so far, as application is generally pretty easy! Compared to trying to apply treatment to other ‘inner’ parts of the body, you can easily target spots on your skin. 

As mentioned before, don’t get fooled by the marketing – peptides should be specific and have a purpose. Otherwise it really might be ground up tuna in your skincare that is not doing as much as it should be. So, what should you be looking for in the ingredient list? Let’s go through some of the most popular peptides in skincare right now and what they actually do!

This stimulating peptide actually mimics ‘botox’ - the skincare treatment used to prevent facial muscle contraction. This prevents your face from tensing up and forming wrinkles, helping reduce wrinkle depth by 30% and creating a smooth visage.

This molecule is a carrier that delivers copper to sites of damage, helping stimulate skin cells for healing and wound repair. It’s a well-known peptide that’s been used in skincare for some time and has been shown to reduce fine lines, reduce depth of wrinkles and help clear uneven skin textures.

This funky little peptide is added to dark spot treatments due to its ability to stop melanocytes from producing pigment. Melanocytes are the skin cells responsible for producing dark colour (pigment) for our skin and when they are inflamed can cause hyperpigmentation. This is where nonapeptide-1 can help prevent formation of new pigment and help even skin textures.

Also known in K-Beauty as ‘Matrixyl’, it gets that name due to its ability to stimulate ‘regrowth’ of your skin cell matrix. It triggers collagen production, elastic production and hyaluronic acid to immediately firm, plump and strengthen skin texture. 

Palmitoyl peptides come in a variety of other forms (i.e. Palmitoyl-Pentapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5) which all contribute to collagen production from inside skin cells, but have less studies published about them. They are believed to have other functions (such as Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7's ability to reduce redness and inflammation (especially after sun damage)). They do have skin benefits but require further studies to confirm their activity. 

Another ‘Palmitoyl’ peptide, this one is famous for its ability to inhibit inflammatory molecules in your skin to immediately reduce redness and inflammation. Along with its boost to collagen and elastin, it’s a favourite to help firm and lift your skin.

This new peptide is a fun addition to skincare, also great at reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s modelled after Temple Viper venom (a little green-and-yellow snake), which helps inhibit facial muscles to relax wrinkles and smooth out fine lines. It has been used successfully in peptide combinations, but has no studies yet on its solo efficacy and benefits.

There are more peptides being added all the time (i.e. SH-Decapeptide-7, SH-Octapeptide-4, SH-Oligopeptide-9, SH-Pentapeptide-19, Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-65), but the data is not in yet on these and whether they have much effect on the skin. There’s likely more studies ongoing – so we’ll keep an eye out for when the verdict is in. 

Otherwise, be thoughtful about your peptide use in skincare – not all peptides are equal at all.  

This brand new serum by Beauty of Joseon brings balance to their Hanbang serum set. This refreshing red-bean serum is infused with healing PDRN as well as hydrating ceramides, fig extract and soothing centella. Along with the innovative addition of Waglerin-1 to firm fine lines, its an exciting (yet incredibly gentle) addition to oily skin and large pores.

If you are after peptides, you’ll never get more than this! Numbuzin’s famous gummy serum holds 50 different peptides. Not all of them have been proven in clinical trials, but Numbuzin themselves managed to create a highly innovative formula that provides a lifting to fine lines. It is rich, melds gently with your skin texture to help bring new life and radiance to your skin.

This revitalizing mask is the perfect addition to fine lines that require treatment to dark spots too. Infused with vitamin C, niacinamide as well as a variety of plumping peptides – this soothing wrapping mask helps firm skin so fast you can literally see the difference in just one use. For an all-round improvement in skin texture and improvement to fine lines, this is a great addition to your routine.

This classic, glassy serum is the ultimate boost to fine lines and provides deep hydration. If you feel like your skin is drying and fine lines are forming, this deep and glossy serum has a base of low molecular weight collagen and mixed carefully with peptides that improve collagen production from within. This combination leads to a change to your skin texture that you can feel. Biodance has also expanded this skincare line recently with brand new under-eye patches (for really targeted care).

This rich serum contains the highest concentration of peptides we’ve come across in K-Beauty and delivers rich treatment to fine lines. It’s thick, but absorbs easily and has a soft, creamy texture. Balanced with healing PDRN gives your skin a healthy, rosy glow and is the perfect addition to any routine looking to vanish fine lines and improve skin texture. This serum is a great addition to dry skin, mature skin and wrinkles – giving your face the boost it’s always wanted. Be careful, however, as once you start using it you’ll find it difficult to live without it.

Enhance your glow with the power of peptides, now that you are armed with the knowledge of which peptide will get your skincare routine on track. Check out our range of innovative K-beauty now available on Arktastic!

Get your skin glowing with all your favourite K-Beauty shipped directly from Seoul. Looking for more skincare knowledge straight from scientific studies? Check out our guide to the power of kojic acid or our review on the favourite HYAAH Licorice First Essence.

What are Skincare Peptides?
Peptides broadly are smaller forms of large proteins. But in our body, peptides are commonly ‘signalling molecules’ that help signal to a cell what to do. Peptides in skincare are typically used to help ‘talk’ to your skin cells, to help improve collagen, reduce dark spots or advance healing. Different peptides have different functions - so picking the right ones can have a great benefit for your skin.

How to Use Skincare Peptides?
Peptides are gentle skincare ingredients and can be used in a variety of skin routines. It's best to try using them fairly early in your skincare routine (but after toners and lighter serums). Get good contact with your skin barrier and massage well to maximise absorption. Follow with a hydrating moisturizer to keep the skin barrier sealed.

Are Skincare Peptides Safe to Use?
Yes, peptides that have been tested using scientific study (like those mentioned in this blog) are considered safe for use. They have very low risk of irritation and only have temporary effect, so there is no risk of long-term complications or side effects.

Can Peptides be Used with Other Active Ingredients?
Yes, peptides work well with most ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. For stronger actives like retinol or Vitamin C, introduce slowly if you have sensitive skin.
 

Are Peptides Better than Retinol?
Peptides are gentler and focus on skin repair and hydration, while retinol targets cell turnover. Many routines combine both for balanced results.