Cosmetic Peptide

Cosmetic peptides have been extensively studied in recent years as an aid to skin rejuvenation, repair and youthful appearance. Unlike traditional skincare ingredients, peptides can interact with cellular pathways to deliver targeted results.

At Creative Enzymes we have a variety of peptides for cosmetics. Our product range includes palmitoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl heptapeptide-4, anti-aging peptide complex, and collagen anti-wrinkle peptide, and many more. These peptides are designed to target various skin concerns, such as reducing eye lines, minimizing wrinkles, and strengthening the skin barrier. All these products are safe, highly purified and non-toxic. We are GMP compliant and have stability and safety testing to ensure that the product we supply is safe and effective for cosmetic use. Meanwhile, our peptide products are adaptable, they can be added to creams, serums, masks and lotions.

Overview of Cosmetics Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids (between two and 50 amino acids) linked by peptide bonds. Peptides are central to many physiological processes in biology, from cell signaling to immune defense and tissue repair. Peptides in skincare are formulated to look like natural bioactive molecules and react with skin cells to produce specific effects, such as collagen production, inflammation reduction and hydration. By delivering targeted effects through cell signaling and interaction, cosmetic peptides have become one of the most valuable actives in modern cosmetics and a staple in anti-aging and skin repair treatments.

Classification of Cosmetic Peptides

Cosmetic peptides are broadly categorized based on their function and mechanism of action in the skin. The main classes include signaling peptides, carrier peptides, enzyme inhibitor peptides and neurotransmitter modulating peptides.

• Signal Peptides: These peptides act as messengers, sending signals to skin cells to stimulate various biological processes. For example, they can signal fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins, which helps improve skin firmness and elasticity. Examples include palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) and palmitoyl oligopeptide.
• Carrier Peptides: Carrier peptides play a role in delivering trace elements, such as copper or magnesium, to skin cells, which are essential for enzymatic activities related to skin repair and collagen synthesis. Copper peptides, for example, are widely known for their ability to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration, as well as for their antioxidant effects.
• Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides: These peptides inhibit enzymes responsible for collagen breakdown, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). By blocking these enzymes, they prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin, preserving the skin's structural integrity and reducing the signs of aging. Common examples include peptides that inhibit elastase, an enzyme that breaks down elastin in the skin.
• Neurotransmitter-Affecting Peptides: Often referred to as "botox-like" peptides, these compounds inhibit the release of neurotransmitters that cause muscle contraction. By relaxing facial muscles, they reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, making them popular in anti-wrinkle formulations. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) is one of the most well-known peptides in this category.

Fig. 1: Chemical structure of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.

Mechanisms of Peptides in Skincare

Cosmetic peptides are so effective because they work by interacting with skin cells at the molecular level. Each class of peptide works in a different way, targeting specific cellular pathways to achieve unique results. Here are some of the key mechanisms by which cosmetic peptides benefit the skin:

• Stimulation of Collagen Production: Signal peptides such as palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 activate dermal fibroblasts to produce collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. This not only improves the skin's elasticity and firmness, but also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Antioxidant Protection and Repair: Some peptides are antioxidants that fight free radicals that cause oxidative stress and skin aging. Carrier peptides (especially copper peptides) provide the metals to support enzymatic processes necessary for tissue repair and cellular stability.
• Inhibition of Enzymatic Degradation: Enzyme inhibitor peptides inhibit enzymes such as collagenase (native Clostridium histolyticum collagenase) and elastase (native Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase) from degrading structural proteins in the skin. This helps maintain the integrity of collagen and elastin fibers, slowing down the appearance of sagging and wrinkles.
• Muscle Relaxation for Wrinkle Reduction: Neurotransmitter-acting peptides reduce muscle contraction in the face, smoothing out expression lines. This works like botulinum toxin, but in a more non-invasive way using peptides. When applied topically, these peptides temporarily minimize dynamic wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.

Fig. 2: Mechanism of bioactive peptides in delaying skin aging. (A) Antioxidant peptides can increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes. (B) Bioactive peptides retard skin aging through the TGF-β/Smad pathway. (C) Active peptides inhibit inflammation and MMP activity. This figure cannot be reproduced without author permission (Wang et al., 2022).

Applications of Peptides in Skincare Products

Cosmetic peptides are used in a variety of skincare products such as serums, creams, masks and eye creams. They're also ideal for anti-aging, hydrating and firming effects, making them adaptable to a wide variety of makeup formulations.

• Anti-Aging Serums and Creams: Peptides are widely used in anti-aging formulations for their ability to promote collagen synthesis and inhibit collagen degradation. Peptides such as palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and hexapeptide-12 are commonly found in products designed to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and improve elasticity.
• Moisturizers and Hydrating Products: Certain peptides, such as aquaporins, help maintain skin hydration by regulating water channels within skin cells. These peptides help the skin retain more moisture, making them useful in formulations for dry or sensitive skin.
• Eye Care Products: The skin around the eyes is delicate and prone to wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness. Peptides such as dipeptide-2 and tetrapeptide-5 have anti-puffiness and firming properties, making them ideal for use in eye creams and gels.
• Brightening and Hyperpigmentation Treatments: Peptides that inhibit the production of melanin (e.g. oligopeptides) are included in hyperpigmentation products. By interfering with the production of pigment, these peptides reduce dark spots and create an even skin tone.

At Creative Enzymes, our peptides are characterized by high purity, stability and bioavailability, making them ideal for advanced skincare formulations. Each peptide we offer is backed by rigorous testing and clinical validation to ensure it works effectively in a variety of formulations. Whether you're targeting wrinkles, loss of elasticity, skin hydration or uneven skin tone, our peptides provide targeted benefits that work in harmony with the skin's natural processes. Contact us to explore the power of peptides and create skincare that defines beauty through science.