Updated On: 09 Sep 2026
Peptides have become a popular ingredient in serums, creams and eye products, while the broader peptide trend has expanded into clinics through injectable treatments and therapies. But their benefits depend on the specific peptide, formulation and use, with some claims still running ahead of the evidence.
Why peptides are gaining attention
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins such as collagen and elastin. Certain peptides used in skincare may signal processes involved in collagen production and skin repair. However, different peptides have different functions, so the presence of “peptides” alone does not guarantee a particular result.
Interest in peptide skincare has grown as collagen production changes with age, while sun exposure and other environmental factors contribute to wrinkles, loss of firmness and uneven texture.
A 2024 review of cosmetic ingredients used for photoaged skin found that peptides have a relatively strong evidence base compared with several other ingredients. However, it noted that earlier research relied significantly on laboratory and animal studies, meaning not all claims have been established in humans.
Do peptide serums really work?
Some clinical studies have shown promising results. A 2023 study involving 32 participants found that a multi-peptide eye serum improved the appearance of wrinkles, as well as hydration, elasticity and firmness, after 28 days. The small sample size, however, means the findings are encouraging rather than conclusive.
A 2025 randomised clinical trial compared a specially formulated hexapeptide-9 serum with retinol in people showing signs of skin ageing. After eight weeks, the peptide formulation improved several measures of forehead and crow’s-feet wrinkles and performed better than retinol for most outcomes measured.
However, the findings apply to that particular formulation and cannot be taken as evidence that all peptide products outperform retinol.
Not all peptides are the same
Consumers should look beyond the word “peptides” on a product label. Signal peptides are designed to support processes associated with collagen and the extracellular matrix, while carrier peptides and peptides targeting enzyme or muscle-related signalling work differently.
Peptides can also face stability and skin-penetration challenges, making the overall formulation important. A product containing peptides is therefore not automatically an anti-ageing powerhouse.
The rise of peptide therapy
The growing use of peptides in clinics is a separate issue. Injectable peptides are increasingly promoted for recovery, muscle-related goals, anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation.
Some are being studied medically, but many products sold online lack the human evidence and regulatory approval associated with established medicines.
The US Food and Drug Administration has raised safety concerns about several compounded injectable peptides, including BPC-157, CJC-1295 and injectable GHK-Cu, citing limited human safety data, impurities and potential immune reactions.
What about peptide injections for skin?
Early research into injectable peptide-based skin treatments is continuing, but these products should not be confused with topical skincare.
Because injections enter the body directly, sterility, product quality, medical supervision and regulatory approval become particularly important. Anyone considering a clinic-based “peptide therapy” should ask which peptide is being used, whether it is approved for the intended purpose and what clinical evidence supports its use.
Are peptides worth adding to your routine?
For consumers, a well-formulated peptide serum can be a reasonable addition to an anti-ageing routine, but it should not replace basics such as sunscreen and moisturiser.
People concerned about wrinkles, pigmentation or acne may also benefit from treatments and ingredients with stronger evidence.
Peptide skincare has a legitimate scientific basis, but the evidence varies widely between products. Injectable peptide therapies, meanwhile, require much greater caution, particularly when marketed with broad anti-ageing, healing or longevity claims.
