What are peptides in skin care?
Think of peptides as tiny skin messengers. They're made from amino acids, the same material your skin uses to build firmness-supporting proteins like collagen and elastin, and each type carries its own instruction, whether that's helping support collagen, soothing the look of redness, or boosting hydration. Their small size is what makes them so useful: it helps them absorb easily and get to work where your skin needs it.
What do peptides do for your skin?
Depending on the peptide, they help support the look of firmness and resilience, help smooth the appearance of fine lines, and help reinforce a healthy-looking moisture barrier, for visibly smoother, healthier-looking skin over time.
What skin concerns do peptide products help with?
Peptides are most associated with the look of firmness, fine lines and loss of bounce, and many also help support hydration and a resilient-looking barrier. The right peptide product depends on your skin and your goal, from an eye treatment for the look of puffiness and fine lines to a daily moisturiser that helps support firmness.
How do I add peptides to my routine?
Peptides work best in a serum or treatment applied to clean skin before your moisturiser, morning and/or evening. They layer well with most ingredients, so they slot neatly into a routine you already love. Always finish your morning routine with broad-spectrum SPF.
Can I use peptides with retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acids?
In most well-formulated routines, yes. dermalogica's biomimetic peptide formulas are designed to fit easily into a complete regimen alongside other actives. If your skin is sensitive, introduce one new active at a time and patch test first.
Are peptides suitable for sensitive skin?
Peptides are generally well tolerated, and some help support a calmer-looking, more resilient barrier. As with any new product, patch test first and introduce gradually. Not sure where to start? A Face Mapping skin analysis can help match peptides to your skin's needs.
How long does it take to see results from peptides?
Skin care works gradually. With consistent use you can expect to see the look of skin improve over several weeks, and ongoing use helps maintain those results. Hydration benefits can feel more immediate.
Do higher peptide concentrations work better?
Not necessarily. With peptides, the type of peptide, how it's paired with other ingredients, and how stable and well-delivered it is in the formula matter more than a single number on the label. A thoughtfully formulated product is what makes the difference.
Which dermalogica products contain peptides?
Peptide-powered favourites include Awaken Peptide Depuffing Eye Gel, Pro-Collagen Banking Water Cream, Phyto-Nature Firming Serum, Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50, Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream and NeuroTouch Symmetry Serum.
Biomimetic vs. copper peptides (the trending question)
What's the difference between biomimetic peptides and copper peptides?
Biomimetic peptides are engineered to mimic the skin's own signaling molecules, giving them a targeted job such as supporting collagen or calming the look of irritation. Copper peptides (most studied as GHK-Cu) are carrier peptides that pair amino acids with copper and are discussed for repair and renewal; the research is promising but still mostly small-scale. dermalogica formulas are built on biomimetic peptides chosen for their targeted signaling and proven, professional-grade results.
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the best-known copper peptide, a naturally occurring compound studied for its role in skin repair and renewal. In skin care it's produced in the lab for consistency and stability. The science is promising but still mostly small-scale rather than from large clinical trials.
Does dermalogica have a copper peptide product?
Our peptide range is built on biomimetic peptides rather than copper peptides. These are engineered for targeted signaling and chosen for their stability and professional-grade results, delivering the firming, smoothing and barrier-supporting benefits many people look to peptides for.