Breadcrumbs ![The Skincare Ingredient The Beauty Team Are Obsessed With](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Xj3ppu9MwN2tW9tsZ9rAWCuRp_M=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsl-site-assets-170226-thumb-hero-peptides.jpg) Image: @skindesignlondon [Skincare](/beauty/skincare) / 17 February 2026 # The Skincare Ingredient The Beauty Team Are Obsessed With You might already be using hyaluronic acid and retinoids – both good moves if you want to improve the look of your complexion – but it’s time to pay attention to peptides. The anti-ageing ingredient beauty editors rely on, here’s everything you need to know… ByJenn George & Alex Steinherr / [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430) Image: @skindesignlondon All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. #### What Are Peptides? Short chains of amino acids, peptides are a building block of protein (a strengthener for the skin) that act as messengers to the cells within it, reminding it to repair, renew and protect itself. Small in size, when added to skincare products, they’re effective at penetrating down into the layers where it really matters. #### What Do They Do? SL beauty contributer [Alex Steinherr](https://www.instagram.com/alexsteinherr/?hl=en) explains: “Peptides tell the skin to do what it already knows how to do, just better i.e. make more collagen, repair itself more efficiently, calm inflammation and strengthen the barrier. They work with skin biology rather than trying to override it.” This shows up on the surface as reduced fine lines and wrinkles, improved firmness, reduced redness, less pigmentation and breakouts and de-sensitised skin. They’re great for use around the eyes too, especially for those who can’t easily tolerate retinol, as they’re non-irritating. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/TNd6UTjWBWxVKaMyqYv_0-yQiYA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fgrownalchemist.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/grownalchemist/) @GrownAlchemist [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Tn2m2cxigpJyNvdZMseL-mtntVg=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fnaturium-3.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/naturium/?hl=en) @Naturium #### Why Have They Become So Popular? It’s estimated that searches for ‘peptide skincare’ are up 212% in the last year, reaching almost four million on Google every month. And Alex isn’t surprised. “They are having a moment because the conversation around skin has matured. Hyaluronic acid was the gateway ingredient, easy to understand, instantly gratifying and very Instagram friendly. But people have realised hydration alone does not equal change. Peptides speak to performance rather than sensation. They fit perfectly into the shift towards barrier health, longevity and prevention rather than constant exfoliation or shock-and-awe actives. They also layer beautifully with retinoids, vitamin C and acids, which makes them slot easily into a real routine.” #### What Difference Can Peptides Really Make To Your Skin? Used consistently, peptides can make a huge difference to both the look and feel of your skin. “On my own skin, consistent peptide use shows up as resilience,” says Alex. “My skin recovers faster, holds firmness better and looks calmer even when I’m pushing actives elsewhere. The biggest difference is in texture and elasticity: that slightly crepey, tired look that can creep in even when you are well hydrated just backs off. It’s not a dramatic overnight change but it’s cumulative improvement, which is exactly what real skincare is about.” [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/SIZ-TaTOfxvqz0vA1neE4bxi2Fk=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Frhode-natrium-skindesignlondon-2.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/skindesignlondon/?hl=en) @SkinDesignLondon; @Natrium; @Rhode --- ## SHOP ALEX'S EDIT ![Liquid Peptides Advanced MP from MEdik8](https://media.sheerluxe.com/_e_WgYEkZ2LDkdtfekSLorl3M2c=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fmedik8-liquid-peptides-advanced-mp.png) [#### Liquid Peptides Advanced MP](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=99011&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medik8.com%2Fproducts%2Fliquid-peptides-advanced-mp) ##### MEdik8, £79 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") ![P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum from SkinCeuticals ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/nUH-y3D6yo4MMRkP2yg8jvJstQw=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fskinceuticals-p-tiox-anti-wrinkle-serum.png) [#### P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fskinceuticals-p-tiox-neuro-peptide-serum-30ml%2F15456548%2F) ##### SkinCeuticals, £135 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") ![Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1% from NIOD](https://media.sheerluxe.com/QXoWxHTg5YWyCPjdyBjapc2F7mY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fniod-copper-amino-isolate-lipid.png) [#### Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1%](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=22320&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fhealf.com%2Fen-uk%2Fproducts%2Fniod-copper-amino-isolate-lipid-1) ##### NIOD, £75 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") ![Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2% from Nip+Fab ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Isfcg8nY2_VfHs0M62QUTbdmfM0=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fnip-fab-peptide-fix-finishing-oil.png) [#### Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2% ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fnipandfab-peptide-fix-finishing-oil-2-30ml-10343436) ##### Nip+Fab, £29.95 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") --- ## SHOP THE PEPTIDE PRODUCTS WE RATE ![Regenerating Night Cream from Grown Alchemist ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/fEWWeQvxUY5zqugFf5IXzq7pf40=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fgrown-alchemist-regenerating-night-cream.png) [#### Regenerating Night Cream](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=37558&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fgrownalchemist.com%2Fen-gb%2Fproducts%2Fregenerating-night-cream-40ml-new) ##### Grown Alchemist, £83 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") ![Peptide Eye Prep Depuffing Eye Patches from rhode](https://media.sheerluxe.com/rBIS78NNSUiBMizignh3EHMXB80=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Frhode-peptide-eye-prep_0.png) [#### Peptide Eye Prep Depuffing Eye Patches](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Frhode-peptide-eye-prep-depuffing-eye-patches) ##### rhode, £28 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") ![Multi Peptides & Growth Factors Advanced Lifting Serum from Allies of Skin ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/sER0Qgkrfc6UPAl4OPyPoGrO-NM=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fallies-of-skin-multi-peptides-gf-growth-factor-advanced-lifting-serum.png) [#### Multi Peptides & Growth Factors Advanced Lifting Serum](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fskincare%2Ftreatment%2Fserums%2Fmulti-peptides-growth-factors-advanced-lifting-serum-MUK200039174.html) ##### Allies of Skin, £176 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") ![Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream from Lancôme](https://media.sheerluxe.com/zUftRetHuSdHvRr-Ks2CinNLQe4=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Flancome-renergie-hpn-300-peptide-cream.png) [#### Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=15734&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lancome.co.uk%2Fskincare%2Fby-range%2Frenergie%2Frenergie-h.p.n.-300-peptide-cream%2F00769-LAC.html) ##### Lancôme, £71.20 *(was £89)* [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") ![Multi-Peptide Moisturizer from NATURIUM ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/mU-bGEtgcPIFJuL7U-7hP6exNNc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fnaturium-multi-peptide-moiturizer.png) [#### Multi-Peptide Moisturizer](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fskincare%2Fmoisturisers%2Fday-moisturiser%2Fmulti-peptide-moisturizer-MUK200036501.html) ##### NATURIUM, £21 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") ![Youthbomb Biologic Collagen Peptide Cream from Beauty Pie](https://media.sheerluxe.com/IpXYKgPfQQDVS6Rc6EKiL-tldcw=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fbeauty-pie-youthbomb-biologic-collagen-peptide-cream.png) [#### Youthbomb Biologic Collagen Peptide Cream](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=12780&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautypie.com%2Fproducts%2Fyouthbomb-biologic-collagen-peptide-cream%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOorhi9SB_lXWse9x5XPOUnIVijv94yU6cHErbT4RKzmibrj1P_Ti) ##### Beauty Pie, £75 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") ![Eyetight Hydrogel Mask from SKIN DESIGN LONDON ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/HNcgw1CiRj3t9u1dIExYbCW1QKc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Feyetight1.png) [#### Eyetight Hydrogel Mask](https://selfridges.prf.hn/click/camref:1100loTp9/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.selfridges.com%2FGB%2Fen%2Fproduct%2Fskin-design-london-eyetight-hydrogel-mask_R04589026%2F) ##### SKIN DESIGN LONDON, £25 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") ![Protini Polypeptide Cream from Drunk Elephant ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/nqRaXhfcyUdfWHkUFkETXA0tiUA=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fprotini-polypeptide-cream-drunk-elephant.png) [#### Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fskincare%2Fmoisturisers%2Fday-moisturiser%2Fprotini-polypeptide-cream-MUK200021928.html) ##### Drunk Elephant, £89 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50430 "Add product to my favourites") *more from* Beauty [View All Beauty](/beauty) ![What’s On Our Cyber Monday Wish List At Space NK](https://media.sheerluxe.com/gzgKvLvdgsXwZC8uUmWkMFHeVZY=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F12%2Fspace-nk-cybermon-hero.jpg) [Beauty](/beauty) / 01 December 2025 [## What’s On Our Cyber Monday Wish List At Space NK ](/beauty/whats-on-our-cyber-monday-wish-list-at-space-nk) ![Meet Our Party-Season Make-Up MVP 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