Globuzzskin / Glossary / Peptides
Ingredient Glossary

Peptides, explained

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin. In skincare, they act as messengers: signalling skin to produce more collagen, repair damage, or firm tissue. They are one of the few anti-aging ingredients with genuine clinical evidence behind them.

Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)powerful

Signals skin to produce more collagen.

The most researched peptide in cosmetics. Signals fibroblasts to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid. Studies show comparable results to retinol with none of the irritation. The anti-aging workhorse.

All typesSensitiveFine linesAgingLoss of firmness
Use with care: No irritation. Safe alongside all other actives including retinol and acids.

Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3)active

Relaxes expression lines — topical alternative to injections.

Known as 'topical Botox' — reduces the depth of expression lines by relaxing the muscle contractions that form them. Most effective around eyes and forehead where expression lines dominate.

All typesExpression linesAgingFine lines
Use with care: Best applied consistently — results visible at 4–8 weeks.

Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)powerful

Regenerates and firms with clinical-grade strength.

Copper-infused peptide that stimulates collagen and elastin production, reduces inflammation and accelerates wound healing. One of the most potent skin-regenerating ingredients available without a prescription.

DryNormalAgingAgingLoss of firmnessTexture
Use with care: Avoid combining with Vitamin C or strong acids — copper destabilises them.

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)powerful

Repairs skin at cellular level — K-beauty's clinical breakthrough.

Derived from salmon DNA — the active in professional skin booster injections, now available in topical form. Repairs cellular DNA, stimulates tissue regeneration and deeply hydrates. Clinical-grade K-beauty innovation.

All typesSensitiveAgingDehydrationTexture
Use with care: New to Western skincare — no safety concerns identified. Choose products with high PDRN concentration.

Signal Peptidesgentle

Encourage skin to rebuild its own structure.

Broad class of peptides that trigger skin to produce its own collagen, elastin and other structural proteins. Work gradually — noticeable results at 6–12 weeks of consistent use. Ideal layer under moisturiser.

All typesAgingFine linesFirmness
Use with care: No irritation potential. Combine freely with hydrators and ceramides.

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