A quick look through the ingredient list of your anti-ageing serum or lotion, and you might notice the word “peptides’’.
Sometimes, it comes with prefixes like tri-, hexa- or tetra-, but don’t let that confuse you, because peptides, in any form, are essential active ingredients, particularly if you’re looking to keep skin looking youthful.
According to Dr Kong Yan Ling, dermatologist at DS Skin & Wellness Clinic, “Peptides are compounds made up of short chains of amino acids, and they are the building blocks of proteins, like collagen and elastin, that are important components of the skin.”
Paula Begoun, known as “The Cosmetics Cop” and founder of Paula’s Choice Skincare, states on her website that “proteins are the fundamental building blocks of skin.
Without peptides, skin doesn’t remain intact, and the result is loss of firmness, appearance of wrinkles, texture changes, and skin that doesn’t bounce back as it once did”.
Herein lies the problem: Proteins are often unfragmented, which means they can be too large to be absorbed by skin. Fortunately, here’s where peptides come in handy. “Peptides are smaller and hence more likely to penetrate deeper into the skin when applied topically,” says Dr Kong.
“Once absorbed, they act as messengers capable of performing certain functions, for example, sending signals to cells to produce important collagen, which can, in turn, improve the appearance of skin.”
Other benefits include reducing skin inflammation and improving the skin barrier for a healthier complexion.
“While different peptides may have their own unique benefits for the skin, nearly all work to improve moisture levels in skin, as well as having antioxidant and soothing, anti-redness benefits,” says Drunk Elephant founder, Tiffany Masterson.
ALSO READ: How to balance your skin microbiome to manage acne and ageing
Here’s what you need to know about the peptides in your skincare
What to look for
Reading ingredient labels can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for. “Look for words like ‘peptide’ or ‘palmitoyl’. Palmitoyl is a lipophilic derivative that is often incorporated with peptides as it stabilises the latter and enhances their absorption,” says Dr Kong.
The types of peptides
There are hundreds of different types of peptides available, each with a different benefit for the skin.
According to Dr Kong, there are four classes: signal peptides (carnosine, palmitoyl peptides and some hexapeptides) to stimulate the production of proteins like collagen and elastin, enzyme peptides (rice silk and soybean peptides) to decrease enzyme activity that causes skin to age, neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides (pentapeptide-3 and -18, acetyl hexapeptide-3 and tripeptide-3) to lessen wrinkles by inhibiting muscle contraction, and carrier peptides (copper tripeptide and manganese tripeptide-1) to transport essential trace elements for proper cellular function.
Boosting their efficacy
Peptide Power Play: Slay Skincare Alone or Team Up?
Peptides aren’t the lone wolves of the skincare jungle; they thrive in a squad. Dr Kong’s top tip? Bring them in with some solid side‑kicks like:
- Antioxidants – the battle buffs that protect & soothe.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – the bright‑up wizard for dull skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid – the moisture magnet that keeps you feeling fresh.
Keep it simple: a peptide + these three goodies = instant glow‑up. Just one foe to watch out for—Alpha‑Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). They tend to play spoiler and can dampen a peptide’s performance.
So, when you’re building your nightly routine, think of peptides as a star player—needing the right teammates to win the game of radiant skin!
Enhance your skincare routine with these peptide-infused products
Moisturiser: Laneige Perfect Renew Youth Retinol Pro, $60
This anti-ageing cream combines the powers of pure retinol, French tripeptide and 5D hyaluronic acid to refine skin’s texture and plump it from within to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and even sagging. Available at Laneige stores and counters
Filorga Age-Purify Double Correction Fluid, $112
A anti-ageing moisturiser that protects against daily pollutants and keeps skin blemish- free.
It’s formulated with a tripeptide and glycopeptide to smooth and firm skin, as well as five acids and rourou seed extract to slough off dead skin cells and stave off breakouts. Available at the official Filorga store on Lazada.sg
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Two Halves Better Balance Nutrients Networking Water Cream, $75
A silicone-free moisturiser infused with ingredients like phytosphingosine, peptides, ceramides and vitamin E to strengthen skin barrier and lock in moisture for a smoother and healthier complexion.
Available at Twohalves- skincare.com and Novela stores at IMM, Singpost Centre, Northpoint and Yue Hwa
Serum: MT Metatron MT Stem Serum, $220
Enriched with the brand’s iconic DMAE active ingredient, stem cell culture extracts – apple fruit, argan tree and heart-leaf globe daisy – along with a HGF-like synthetic peptide, this helps to get skin smoother, firmer and brighter over time. Available at Isetan Scotts
Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, $116
Power-packed with a blend of 11 peptides plus an exfoliating 10 per cent lactic acid, antioxidant-rich plant oils and vitamins, as well as skin-loving hydrators, this serum gently sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal a smooth, supple and glowing complexion.
Available at Sephora stores and Sephora.sg
Origins Plantscription Multi-Powered Youth Serum, from $110
Glow Up Made Easy with the New Origin Serum
If you’re tired of fighting fine lines, stubborn wrinkles, and a dull complexion, this is the serum you’ve been waiting for. Packed with the power of an anogeissus extract, a splash of hyaluronic acid, and a squad of six dynamic peptides, it’s like having a personal skincare army on your side.
What Makes It Awesome
- Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Blanks the cracks that age has left behind.
- Lifts & Firms: Gives your skin the “tense” it needs to stay perked up.
- Texture Refinement: Smooths out bumps and creates a naturally radiant glow.
- Hydration Boost: Hyaluronic acid adds that plump, moisturized feel everyone loves.
Available Where You Shop
Grab it straight from the Origins stores and counters, or pop by your favorite Sephora location—including the online portal Sephora.sg—to get your hands on this skin-saving miracle.
Treatment: Est.Lab Vitalift A+ Intensive Youth Restoring Capsules, $89 (30 capsules per jar)
Each capsule contains a cocktail of antioxidant- rich fullerene, a trio of anti-wrinkle and collagen-boosting peptides (hexapeptide-8, pentapeptide-3 and tripeptide-1) and moisturising oils to help improve skin’s health. Available at Estetica Beauty studios and Estlab.shop
I Woke Up Like This Boosting Face Up & Eye Patch, $58 (box of four sheets)
Get a V‑Shape & Radiant Eyes with the Lifting Mask & Eye Patch Duo
Why This Set is the New Must‑Have
Ever wanted a face that’s unmistakably V‑shaped and eyes that gleam like a fresh pair of almond‑green ice crystals? This mask‑&‑patch combo delivers just that – and it’s softer than a hug from your grandma.
Ingredients That Work Their Magic
- Acetyl Hexapeptide‑8 – borrowed from the tiny protein that makes Botox work.
- Hyaluronic Acid – the hydration wizard that keeps your skin plump.
- Birch Spa Extract – a natural spa experience right in your skincare routine.
- Centella Asiatica Extract – soothing, restorative, feels like a gentle lullaby for your skin.
How It Feels on Your Skin
The mask wraps your face in a cool, relief‑boosting touch. The eye patch sits snugly behind your lids, gently lifting without feeling like a tight helmet.
Results After Regular Use
Consistent application turns a simple face into a V‑shaped masterpiece, while those once‑dull eyes gain a bright, “just‑woke‑up” glow.
Where to Grab It
Grab this little miracle over at Ksisters.sg – just a click and you’re ready to shine.
Chantecaille Gold Recovery Intense Concentrate P.M., $500
Infused with a blend of peptides (gold hexapeptide, hexapeptide amplified, refining lipopeptide and bionymph peptide stem cell extract), this potent booster promotes collagen and elastin production, helps with DNA repair, and renews skin for a smoother and more youthful-looking visage.
Available at Chantecaille counters.
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This article was first published in Her World Online.
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