Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

Peptide Categories: [Types] Comparison

Signal Peptides Mimic ECM fragments; activate fibroblast collagen/elastin synthesis Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 3–10 μM Multiple RCTs; moderate-quality evidence Proven collagen upregulation in vitro; clinical results variable due to formul

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  • Signal Peptides
  • Mimic ECM fragments; activate fibroblast collagen/elastin synthesis
  • Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tripeptide-1
  • 3–10 μM
  • Multiple RCTs; moderate-quality evidence
  • Proven collagen upregulation in vitro; clinical results variable due to formulation inconsistency
  • Carrier Peptides
  • Deliver trace metals (copper, manganese) for enzymatic cofactor roles
  • GHK-Cu, carnosine
  • 0.1–1.0 mM
  • Strong in vitro evidence; limited in vivo trials
  • High biological plausibility; requires intact copper chelation for activity
  • Neurotransmitter Inhibitors
  • Block SNARE complex; reduce muscle contraction intensity
  • Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)
  • 5–10% topical
  • Small RCTs; short-term effect documented
  • Temporary wrinkle reduction; effect localizes poorly in standard creams
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Inhibit MMPs or other proteases; reduce collagen degradation
  • Soy peptides, rice peptides
  • 1–5% topical
  • Mostly in vitro; few clinical trials
  • Mechanistically sound; lacks large-scale human efficacy data