What Do Peptides Do for Skin?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the same building blocks that make up the proteins in your skin. In skincare, each peptide is chosen for a specific job. Some target the look of expression lines. Others help skin look firmer and smoother over time. That is why the best peptides for skin depend on your goal, and why many of our formulas combine several peptides instead of relying on one.
We also pair our peptides with seaweed. Our founder, Lydia Sarfati, built Repêchage around marine botanicals in 1980, and our Laminaria Digitata seaweed extract is rich in 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 42 trace elements. Peptides and seaweed work side by side in our formulas to hydrate, nourish and help skin look firmer. For a deeper look at the science, read our guide to what peptides are in skincare.
The Peptides in Our Formulas
You will see these names on our ingredient lists. Here is what each one is there to do:
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Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: helps reduce the appearance of expression lines. You will find it in our Triple Action Lift Peptide formulas.
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Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: help firm and visibly smooth the skin. We combine all three with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in our four-peptide Triple Action formulas.
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Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4: works with Marine Biopeptide in our Vita Cura® Triple Firming Cream to help skin look softer, smoother and more firm.
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Ulva Lactuca: a sea lettuce seaweed extract that serves as a marine bio-peptide in formulas like our Opti-Firm® Eye Contour Cream.
Our Best Peptide Products by Goal
Best Peptide Serum: Triple Action Lift Peptide Serum
Our Triple Action Lift Peptide Serum is the most concentrated way to add peptides to your routine. It combines Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 for the look of expression lines with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 to help firm and visibly smooth. Laminaria Digitata seaweed and Mirabilis Jalapa extract help hydrate and calm the look of redness. Apply it after cleansing and before your moisturizer.
Best Peptide Cream: Triple Action Lift Peptide Cream
If you want your peptides in a moisturizer, our Triple Action Lift Peptide Cream carries the same four-peptide complex in a rich, cushioning texture. Laminaria Digitata and Ulva Lactuca seaweeds add minerals and antioxidants, and Bisabolol helps calm. Layer it over the serum for the full Triple Action Lift Peptide routine.
Best Peptide Face Cream for Firming: Vita Cura® Triple Firming Cream
Named 2022 Best Firming Cream by New Beauty, our Vita Cura® Triple Firming Cream pairs Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 and Marine Biopeptide with Red Clover Flower extract. Hyaluronic Acid and Shea, Cocoa and Mango Butters deeply moisturize and soften, so skin looks firmer and fine lines look less noticeable. Choose it if your skin is on the drier side.
Best Peptide Eye Cream: Opti-Firm® Eye Contour Cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner and needs a lighter touch. Our Opti-Firm® Eye Contour Cream uses our exclusive seaweed extracts, including Ulva Lactuca, to help diminish the appearance of fine lines, while Aloe, Cucumber and Chamomile help soothe. It comes with a mini Silver Ball Massager for a gentle massage around the eyes.
Best Peptide Face Mask: Triple Action Peptide Mask
For professional-style results at home, our Triple Action Peptide Mask combines Laminaria Digitata seaweed with four firming peptides in a cooling sheet mask. In as little as 10 minutes, skin looks glowing, lifted and drenched in moisture. Use it weekly, before special events or after travel.
Best Peptide Neck Serum: Vita Cura® CelluSea Firm™ Neck and Body Serum
Peptides are not just for your face. Our Vita Cura® CelluSea Firm™ Neck and Body Serum brings Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 to the neck and body to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and crepey skin, with seaweed extracts to help support the skin's moisture barrier.
How to Choose the Right Peptide Product
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Start with your goal. For the look of expression lines, choose a formula with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. For firmness and smoothness, look for the Palmitoyl peptides or Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4.
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Match the texture to your skin. Serums are lightweight and layer easily under anything. Creams add moisture, which helps if your skin feels dry or tight.
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Give each area its own formula. Use a dedicated eye cream around the eyes and a neck formula below the jawline. These areas have different needs than the rest of your face.
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Layer from thin to thick. Apply serum first, then cream. Add a peptide mask once a week for an extra boost of hydration.
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Be consistent. As Lydia Sarfati says, skincare is never a miracle in a jar. Peptides do their best work with daily use, morning and night.
Peptide Skincare FAQ
What are the best peptides for skin?
It depends on your goal. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 helps reduce the appearance of expression lines. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 help skin look firmer and smoother. Formulas that combine several peptides, like our Triple Action Lift Peptide Serum and Cream, address more than one concern at once.
What do peptides do for your face?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. In skincare, different peptides are used to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and expression lines and to help skin look firmer and smoother. We pair them with seaweed extracts to hydrate and nourish at the same time.
Should I use a peptide serum or a peptide cream?
Many people use both. A serum is lightweight and concentrated, so it goes on first after cleansing. A cream adds moisture on top. If you only want one step, choose a cream for drier skin and a serum if you prefer a lighter feel under your own moisturizer.
Can I use peptides around my eyes?
Yes, but choose a formula made for the eye area. The skin there is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face. Our Opti-Firm® Eye Contour Cream is designed for this area and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines while soothing the skin.
How often should I use peptide products?
Peptide serums and creams can be used every day, morning and night. Use a peptide sheet mask like our Triple Action Peptide Mask weekly, or before special events and after travel. Consistent daily use gives you the best results.
