If skincare had its own underground superstars, peptides would top the list.

These short chains of amino acids may sound like chemistry class, but trust us, they’re skin-reviving powerhouses. Whether you're chasing fewer wrinkles, a stronger barrier, or that elusive glow, peptides can help.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of peptides for skin, how they work, and which ones are actually worth your time (and money). Let’s make peptides simple and powerful.

What Are Peptides And Why Are They In Skincare?

If you’ve ever used a skincare product that actually made your skin look and feel better, peptides were likely involved. These short chains of amino acids (think mini-proteins) stimulate collagen, elastin, and keratin production for firmer, smoother skin.

What makes peptides special is their ability to send signals.

Unlike moisturizers that sit on the surface, peptides communicate with skin cells to boost repair, calm inflammation, and trigger collagen production.

Best of all? Peptides deliver results without irritation. No peeling or purging, just stronger, healthier skin, even for the most sensitive types.

What Peptides Do For Your Skin

Peptides are some of the most multitasking molecules I’ve worked with. Here’s what they bring to the table:

• Rebuild Collagen and Elastin: Signal peptides like Matrixyl 3000 encourage fibroblasts (your skin’s builder cells) to produce more collagen and elastin, both of which naturally decline with age. This translates into firmer, smoother skin over time.

• Improve Texture and Firmness: Peptides can refine rough or crepey skin and improve elasticity. They don’t just moisturize the surface, they strengthen your skin’s deeper structure.

• Calm Inflammation and Support Healing: Carrier peptides, especially those that deliver copper, help accelerate healing and soothe inflammation. I often recommend these for post-treatment recovery or stressed skin in need of extra TLC.

• Strengthen the Skin Barrier: A compromised barrier is the root of so many issues, including sensitivity, dehydration, breakouts. Peptides paired with hydrators (like hyaluronic acid or ceramides) help repair and reinforce this barrier, keeping your skin calm, strong, and radiant.

When I formulated the peptide products for Maria Kane, I chose clinically-proven actives that could support all of the above.

Because skincare shouldn’t feel like a gamble, it should feel like relief.

Peptides offer that rare balance of gentleness and efficacy. They help your skin remember what it used to do effortlessly, and empower it to keep doing just that.

The 4 Major Types Of Peptides In Skincare

Not all peptides play the same role, and knowing the difference can completely change the way you approach your routine.

The key is choosing the right ones for your skin needs. Let’s break down the four main types of peptides used in skincare, and one bonus innovation that’s worth knowing.

1. Signal Peptides (The Collagen Communicators)

Examples: Matrixyl 3000, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Signal peptides act like your skin’s personal trainer, telling fibroblasts to boost collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for firmness and elasticity. As collagen production slows with age, these peptides help restore what your skin once did naturally.

Ingredients like Matrixyl and Palmitoyl Tripeptide are clinically proven to firm skin and reduce fine lines over time. If you’ve noticed smoother texture from using them, it’s no coincidence, just smart, consistent skincare at work.

Q: Are signal peptides better than retinol for collagen?

That depends on your skin. Retinol is like boot camp; it forces cell turnover and collagen production, but it can be irritating.

Signal peptides are like gentle coaching: no irritation, no purging, and completely safe for sensitive skin or during pregnancy. For clients who can’t tolerate retinol or want to support collagen without the drama, signal peptides are my go-to.

2. Neurotransmitter Peptides (Botox Without The Needle)

Examples: Argireline, SNAP-8

If signal peptides are the motivators, neurotransmitter peptides are the relaxers. They reduce muscle contractions that cause expression lines, especially around the eyes and forehead, acting like “topical Botox,” without the needle.

Argireline is the best-known, blocking the signals that trigger muscle movement. SNAP-8 offers similar wrinkle-softening benefits in a newer form.

Do they really work, or is it just hype?

They can work, but don’t expect them to replace injectables. These peptides soften wrinkles gradually and work best for early-stage lines or as a maintenance step between Botox appointments.

Worried about all the confusing names?

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Matrixyl = collagen builder

• Argireline = wrinkle softener

• Copper = healer

Once you decode the names, the benefits are much easier to understand, and much less intimidating.

3. Carrier Peptides (The Mineral Delivery Experts)

Example: Copper peptides (GHK-Cu)

Carrier peptides are the delivery system, transporting minerals like copper deep into the skin. Copper supports healing, enzyme function, and collagen production, making these peptides ideal for post-treatment recovery, sun damage, or stressed, over-exfoliated skin.

I often recommend them for rebuilding resilience after lasers or breakouts.

Q: If I’m already using acids or antioxidants, do I still need copper peptides?

Not necessarily. While copper peptides are powerful, they don’t always play well with acids or strong antioxidants, they can cancel each other out. That’s why I often suggest signal peptides instead for clients on more aggressive routines. They offer similar collagen support without compatibility issues.

4. Growth Factor Peptides (The Regenerators)

Often labeled as: oligopeptides, epidermal growth factors (EGF)

Growth factor peptides mimic the proteins your body makes to heal and renew skin, boosting regeneration and repair. They’re especially helpful for thinning, aging, or sun-damaged skin needing deeper support.

Look for terms like “EGF” or “human fibroblast conditioned media” on ingredient lists.

Are growth factors safe or ethical?

Yes, when sourced responsibly. Many professional-grade brands (like ours) use synthetically derived peptides that match human proteins but are entirely lab-made.

This ensures safety, consistency, and zero ethical concerns. I always vet ingredient sourcing personally for every product in the Maria Kane collection.

Bonus: Fatty Acid-Bound Peptides

Here’s a new generation of peptides worth knowing: fatty acid-bound peptides.

These are signal or carrier peptides that are modified by attaching a lipid (fat) chain to improve skin penetration. It’s like giving them a VIP pass through your skin barrier, especially important for sensitive or mature skin, where absorption can be limited.

Where Do You Find Peptides In Skincare?

Peptides are quietly powerful, no burning, no tingling, no instant "wow" moment, but when they’re formulated and used correctly, the long-term transformation is undeniable. That’s why how and where you use them matters: placement and pairing are everything.

The Most Effective Forms To Look For

If you want results, peptides need time to work. That’s why their delivery vehicle matters.

Go For: Serums, Creams, And Eye Treatments

Peptides shine in products that stay on your skin.

Serums, moisturizers, and eye creams are ideal because they allow these short-chain proteins enough time to absorb and get to work.

Look for them high on the ingredient list, often labeled as “palmitoyl tripeptide,” “acetyl hexapeptide,” or “copper tripeptide-1”.

Skip: Rinse-Off Products

While peptide cleansers can be beneficial, especially when combined with other skin-repairing ingredients, they’re not your main source of peptide benefits. Since they’re washed off too quickly, the absorption is minimal.

This is why, in my line, our Soothing Peptide Cleanser is designed more for calming and protecting the barrier than deep peptide delivery. It complements, not replaces, leave-on formulas.

How to Layer Peptides for Maximum Results

One of the most common questions I get is: “What’s the best way to layer peptides in my routine?” Here's a simple formula I recommend:

1. Cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping product.
   → Try: Maria Kane Soothing Peptide Cleanser
   
   

2. Use eye peptide treatments, with gentle tapping motions.
   → Try: Dynamic Eye Renewal Cream
   
   

3. Apply peptide serum to slightly damp skin.
   → Try: Nourishing HA Peptide Serum (Bonus: it has hyaluronic acid built in!)
   
   

4. Follow with moisturizer to lock it in.
   → Try: Barrier Replenishing Cream
   
   

5. Seal with SPF in the morning or a nourishing cream at night.
   → Try: Illuminating Beauty Balm SPF 44
   
   

Layer from thinnest to thickest, always. That ensures lighter, active-rich serums (like peptides) actually absorb before heavier occlusives seal them in.

Also Read: How to Layer Skincare Products

Top Benefits Of Peptides For Your Skin

Peptides may not be as buzzy as retinol or vitamin C, but they’re quietly transforming skin routines, and the results speak for themselves.

If you’re looking for visible change without the irritation, peptides are where you start. Or in many cases, where you come back to after your skin has had enough of aggressive actives.

Here’s why peptides are a cornerstone in every smart skincare routine I build:

Firmer, Plumper Skin Over Time

Peptides boost collagen and elastin, gradually firming and lifting skin from within. It’s a natural glow-up, restoring what age and stress have worn down.

Reduced Fine Lines Without Irritation

Peptides offer a gentler alternative to retinol. Signal peptides smooth wrinkles at the structural level, while neurotransmitter peptides like Argireline relax expression lines, all without redness, flaking, or purging.

Barrier Strengthening And Hydration

One of peptides’ most overlooked benefits is barrier repair. When your skin barrier is compromised, it needs support, not more exfoliation. Paired with ceramides and hyaluronic acid (like in our Nourishing HA Peptide Serum), peptides help restore and strengthen your skin’s natural defense.

Improved Skin Texture And Tone

Peptides refine texture, fade uneven tone, and smooth roughness, especially growth factor peptides, which boost renewal gently over time. Paired with antioxidants, they help reveal brighter, more even skin.

No Tingling, No Peeling, Safe For Sensitive Types

Peptides support the skin without irritation, no stinging, no barrier damage, no adjustment period. They’re safe for all skin types, including rosacea, post-procedure, and hormonally sensitive skin.

Q: Do Peptides Need To Be Used Every Day?

Yes. Peptides aren’t a one-and-done miracle, they work by consistency.

You may not see overnight changes, but give it 4–6 weeks of daily use, and you’ll notice firmer skin, fewer lines, and that healthy, hydrated bounce that tells you: this is working.

How Maria Kane Simplifies The Peptide Game

Skincare today is overloaded with confusing labels and exaggerated claims. I created Maria Kane to offer something simpler, smart, and effective skincare without the noise.

When it comes to peptides, that means proven ingredients in a minimal, purposeful routine that actually works.

Clinical-Grade Peptides Without The Fluff

Maria Kane doesn’t follow trends, we only focus on what works here. Our peptides target real concerns like dark circles, loss of firmness, and sensitivity, without fillers or hype. No 10-step routines, just a few powerful essentials that deliver results without the overwhelm.

Featured Peptide Products & How to Use Them

Let’s break down our core peptide heroes and how to seamlessly add them into your routine.

1. Dynamic Eye Renewal

Our targeted eye treatment blends neurotransmitter peptides with caffeine to address puffiness, crow’s feet, and expression lines around the delicate eye area.

If you’re noticing smile lines or “11s” between your brows, this formula gently softens tension without irritation.

Why it works:

• Argireline (aka “Botox in a bottle”) helps relax dynamic wrinkles

• Caffeine reduces under-eye swelling and boosts circulation

• Lightweight texture sinks in quickly and layers effortlessly

How to use it:
Apply a small amount under the eyes and around crow’s feet AM and PM, right after cleansing and before your moisturizer or SPF. Gently tap, don’t rub, into the skin using your ring finger for optimal absorption.

2. Nourishing HA Peptide Serum

This is our multitasking hydration and repair serum, featuring signal peptides and hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize and stimulate collagen production. It’s a client favorite because it pairs beautifully with more active routines or stands strong on its own.

Why it works:

• Peptides support firming and elasticity

• Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates

• Niacinamide soothes and strengthens the skin barrier

Pro tip: It’s a perfect buffer under retinol or after microneedling sessions to accelerate recovery without compromising results.

How to use it:
Apply 1-2 pumps daily, directly after cleansing. Use it under moisturizers, SPF, or as your base under a treatment like retinol or vitamin C. For extra hydration, follow with the Barrier Replenishing Cream.

3. Soothing Peptide Cleanser

Our gentlest cleanse yet. This creamy formula uses barrier-repairing peptides and anti-inflammatory botanicals to calm irritation and prep the skin without stripping. It’s ideal for reactive, sensitive, or post-treatment skin.

Why it works:

• Peptides help rebuild the skin’s outermost layer

• Botanical extracts soothe and balance

• Fragrance-free and non-foaming to preserve hydration

How to use it: Use morning and night. Massage into damp skin for 30–60 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry and follow with the Nourishing HA Peptide Serum for a smooth, supported start to your regimen.

So, Should You Add Peptides To Your Skincare Routine?

Absolutely. If you’re looking for a long-term strategy that rebuilds, supports, and enhances your skin, without irritation or overcomplication, peptides are a no-brainer.

Whether you’re building your first routine or refining a more advanced one, peptides slide in seamlessly and elevate what you’re already doing.

They’re also incredibly versatile. You can pair them with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and even layer them under retinol if your skin’s already conditioned.

If you’re ready to simplify your skincare and finally use products that actually support your skin instead of stressing it out, start here. Our clinically-formulated peptide collection is designed to restore, hydrate, and protect, without filler, fluff, or unnecessary steps.

From the collagen-boosting Nourishing HA Peptide Serum, to the Soothing Peptide Cleanser, to the expression-softening Dynamic Eye Renewal, everything is created with your real-life skin concerns in mind.

✨ Ready to glow smarter? Explore the Maria Kane Peptide Collection and let your skin do the talking.

Because you don’t need more products, you need better ones. And your skin deserves nothing less.