Peptides: Types, Uses, and Benefits for Skin

Peptides are chains of amino acids that act as your body's protein building blocks. In skin, they keep your complexion smooth and line-free. They also give it a spongy, humectant quality that absorbs moisture. When your body slows down collagen and elastin production during your older years, though, you'll need a new way to boost them.

When you were a baby, your skin's protein was abundant, so you had a smooth, line-free complexion. As you age, the ratios change and production slows down. And since peptides are the building blocks of your skin, you'll see the results on your face in the form of wrinkles and sagging. With fewer proteins, your skin's repair process is also disrupted, so it can no longer sustain its plump, elastic structure. Peptides have many jobs, and one of them is to help your skin stay hydrated. For that reason, you might also notice dryness as you grow older.

Signal peptides work by stimulating the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin. By encouraging these key structural proteins, they help improve skin texture, firmness, and resilience. These peptides are often found in anti-aging creams designed to smooth wrinkles and restore a youthful appearance.

Carrier peptides play a vital role in transporting trace elements—such as copper or manganese—deep into the skin. These minerals support essential enzymatic processes involved in wound healing, skin regeneration, and overall repair. As a result, carrier peptides contribute to a healthier, more revitalized complexion.

Enzyme-inhibitor peptides help preserve the skin’s structure by slowing down the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin. By limiting these degradative processes, they help maintain skin firmness, elasticity, and a smoother surface over time.but it produces less of them as you age. Fortunately, you can boost your levels artificially through the right skincare products.

Also known as “Botox-like” peptides, neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides work by relaxing facial muscle contractions that lead to expression lines and wrinkles. They provide a non-invasive, safe alternative to injectables, helping the skin appear smoother and more relaxed.

Peptides help stimulate collagen and elastin production—two essential proteins that keep skin supple and firm. With consistent use, they reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin smoother and more lifted over time.

By reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier, peptides help lock in moisture and protect against environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV damage. A stronger barrier also means less irritation and greater resilience for sensitive or aging skin.

Certain peptides improve the skin’s ability to retain water by boosting the production of natural moisturizing factors. This results in a more hydrated, plump, and comfortable complexion with a dewy, healthy glow.

Peptides can help regulate melanin production and promote cell renewal, reducing dullness and uneven tone. The result is a brighter, more radiant complexion that looks refreshed and balanced.

While retinols have been one of the treatment options of choice in recent years, Caudalie created the Resveratrol-Lift Collection with Resveratrol — a natural alternative to retinol. It offers similar firming and anti-wrinkle benefits without irritation. Over time, skin feels firmer, more elastic, and radiantly revitalized.

Our anti-wrinkle eye contour cream includes peptide booster that smooths and revives the delicate eye area. It contains moisturising hyaluronic acid and healing resveratrol to deliver powerful youth-giving results. Results: 84% saw puffiness reduced*. For more sustainable results, pair your eye contour cream with:

Anti-Wrinkle Serum: Prepare your skin for moisture with this serum. It corrects fine lines and reduces sagging for visibly firmer skin.

Anti-Wrinkle Cream: Nourish your skin with this vegan-collagen and resveratrol-infused formula that firms, smooths fine lines, and leaves the complexion visibly plumped and nourished. . 98% of users experienced smoother skin**.

Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream: Resveratrol Lift night cream relies on the anti-ageing powers of collagen and hyaluronic acid to visibly smooth wrinkles overnight.