Different Types of Peptides & Their Skincare Benefits

Peptides might sound like the sort of ingredient you need a science degree to understand. But all you really need to know is that they encourage the skin to behave more like it did in its prime. Here, we’ll delve a little deeper, for those of you who are keen to test your science know-how.

“Peptides are incredibly clever. They are made up of short strands of 2-100 amino acids -essentially fragments of proteins - which can act as cell signallers. Essentially, they ‘speak’ to the skin, reminding it how to behave in a more youthful way. This stimulates pathways to treat the source of ageing and other problems in the skin, and not just the symptoms, meaning they are a powerful tool for skin health,” shares Aesthetic Doctor and HydroPeptide Expert Dr Lauren Jamieson.

Why Peptides Matter

The quality of our skin changes over time and if left to its own devices the change is not a positive one. Collagen (needed to keep the skin firm) production slows, elastin (which helps skin stretch and bounce back) loses its mojo, and the protective skin barrier weakens. Sun exposure, pollution and stress pile on, and before you know it, firmness and an even skin tone become just that little bit harder to maintain.

This is where peptides shine. They nudge fibroblasts to produce more collagen, help deliver trace elements that fuel repair, and defend against anything that degrades the skin’s support structure – think sun exposure, pollution, hormonal shifts and lifestyle factors.

Today skincare brands use a host of different peptides that send targeted messages so that they can rejuvenate your skin whatever your key concerns are.

The Different Types of Peptides and What They Do

Signal peptides: collagen boosters

“Signal peptides act like a reminder system for the skin. They help encourage fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, supporting the skin’s structure from within, to keep skin firm, and resilient,” says Jamieson. HydroPeptide uses Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, two well-studied peptides linked to visible improvements in firmness, bounce and skin density.

Try:

Power Serum: A targeted peptide concentrate that blends several signal peptides to firm, smooth and refine over time. Weightless but powerful, this serum visibly improves fine lines, wrinkles, and skin suppleness.

Carrier peptides: repair aids

Think of carrier peptides as the support crew. They deliver essential trace elements that help skin rebuild its strength and collagen stores. Copper Tripeptide-1, for example, is a gold standard variety, “it helps accelerate recovery, reinforce the barrier and boost the skin’s ability to repair itself,” says Jamieson.

Try:

HydroStem Serum: A rejuvenating serum packed with carrier peptides and antioxidants to help nourish skin cells and enhance skin vibrancy and luminosity to create more radiant, visibly firmed skin.

Enzyme-inhibitor peptides: firmness preservationists

“When you’re trying to maintain firmness, it’s not just about creating more collagen - it’s about defending it,” says Jamieson. Enzyme-inhibitor peptides help slow down the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin, which means your skin’s scaffolding stays intact for longer.

Try:

Firm-A-Fix Nectar: A specialised anti-ageing, firming, and brightening neck cream, packed with lifting and firming peptides that help protect collagen stores and boost collagen production.

Neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides: movement moderators

You know those fine lines that come from years of laughing, frowning, talking and generally living life? Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides are dubbed ‘Botox in a bottle’, as they can help take the edge off. HydroPeptide uses Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-30, which work by gently interrupting the messages that make facial muscles contract. “These peptides don’t freeze the face,” says Jamieson. “But they can help reduce the intensity of movement, which over time can make expression lines look less pronounced.”

Try:

Vital Eyes: A lightweight eye serum powered by neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides to soften the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and brighten tired eyes.

Multifunctional peptide blends: the most advanced approach

If you want to boost collagen and elastin, strengthen your skin barrier, increase hydration, even out skin tone and smooth lines and wrinkles without a laborious 10-step routine, then peptide blends are your best bet. Peptides can work wonders on their own, but they work even better when you team them up. HydroPeptide formulas often combine peptides to target multiple pathways at once to improve firmness, barrier support, calmness, and hydration, all in one go.

Try:

Micro-Dose Glow Booster: Featuring our patented CellRenew-16 peptide that stimulates essential structural proteins and keratinocytes for improved barrier function, plus an advanced triple retinoid complex. This unique oil-based retinol serum is as gentle as it is effective. Expect skin to glow, be more even-toned and to look and feel firmer.

How Peptides Get Where They Need to Go

Peptides need to reach the right layers of skin to do their job, and that’s where clever delivery systems come in. HydroPeptide uses encapsulation and carrier technology to keep peptides stable and guide them where collagen and elastin are actually made. It’s what makes the formulas more potent than your average skincare buy.

How To Get the Most Out of Peptides

Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, acne prone, hyperpigmented or showing signs of ageing, peptides can slot into your routine and support your goals. “Focus first on your main skin concern and use appropriate peptide-containing products that will target that concern,” advises Jamieson. To make them count, consistency is everything, as is daily SPF use. This helps protect the collagen stores your peptide products have built, and keep pigmentation at bay.

Elevate Your Skincare with HydroPeptide Peptides

At HydroPeptide, our formulas combine proven actives like palmitoyl pentapeptides, copper tripeptides and acetyl hexapeptides with smart delivery systems designed to keep them stable and effective. Instead of relying on one hero ingredient, we layer different peptide types to address firmness, resilience and radiance all at once.

Whether your goal is to smooth fine lines, restore bounce or future-proof your skin, HydroPeptide’s targeted blends give your skin the tools to do what it does best - regenerate, repair and stay strong.