When shopping for skincare serums and creams, you may have noticed products described as "containing peptides." Peptides have also become a familiar topic in Korean skincare, but what exactly are they? And how are they different from collagen and PDRN?
Peptides are molecules made of two or more amino acids joined together. A wide variety of peptides are used in cosmetics, including ingredients commonly known as copper peptides and Argireline.
Collagen is a type of protein made from amino acids, while collagen peptides are obtained by breaking collagen down into smaller fragments. PDRN, on the other hand, is derived from DNA and belongs to a different group of substances.
In this guide, we explain what peptides are, the different types used in skincare, and how they compare with collagen and PDRN. Along the way, you'll discover interesting facts about amino acids, learn how to read ingredient lists, and find practical tips for choosing skincare products.
1. What Are Peptides? Understanding Their Connection to Amino Acids
One of the easiest ways to understand peptides is to imagine a piece of jewellery made from beads.
Each individual bead represents an amino acid. When several beads are connected in a chain, they resemble a peptide. Longer chains of amino acids can fold into complex three-dimensional structures, some of which are known as proteins.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins found throughout the body, including those in our skin, hair and nails. Most proteins are made using a set of 20 common amino acids.
Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins: What's the Difference?
Amino acids: The basic building blocks of proteins.
Peptides: Molecules formed when amino acids are joined by peptide bonds.
Proteins: Chains of amino acids that form particular three-dimensional structures and carry out a wide range of functions.
The distinction between peptides and proteins is not determined by a single, universally agreed number of amino acids. Both belong to the same fascinating world of amino acid-based molecules.
What's particularly interesting is the order in which the amino acids are arranged.
Think about the letters of the alphabet. The same letters can form completely different words when arranged in another order. Similarly, the number, type and sequence of amino acids influence a peptide's structure and properties.
Peptides occur naturally in many places, and some serve as hormones in the human body. Scientists have also developed a range of cosmetic ingredients based on different molecular structures.
In other words, the word "peptide" describes a broad family of molecules rather than one specific skincare ingredient.
Beauty Fact 1 | What Do Peptides Have to Do With Insulin?
Insulin has an important place in the history of peptide and protein research.
Insulin is a hormone consisting of 51 amino acids. During the 1950s, British scientist Frederick Sanger and his colleagues determined its amino acid sequence.
Sanger received the 1958 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this work. The science behind the amino acid sequences discussed in modern skincare has a remarkable history extending back many decades.
2. What Types of Peptides Are Used in Skincare Products?
Peptides appear in a wide range of cosmetic products, including facial serums, moisturising creams and skincare products designed for the eye area.
A scientific review published in 2025 examined 102 commercially available cosmetic peptides. That's an impressive number of ingredients within one category of skincare materials.
Cosmetic peptides are sometimes grouped into categories according to the characteristics studied by researchers.
Signal peptides are a group studied in connection with molecular communication processes. Some cosmetic peptide ingredients have been designed with reference to the structures of proteins found in the skin.
Carrier peptides are known for their ability to bind with metal ions, such as copper. Copper peptides are a familiar example in cosmetic ingredient research.
Other peptides have been developed using different molecular structures as a starting point. These categories help describe the background of individual ingredients. The characteristics of a finished skincare product also depend on its overall formulation.
Peptides can be produced in several ways, too.
Some are made through chemical synthesis, in which amino acids are joined in a planned sequence. Others are obtained by breaking down proteins with enzymes or by using biotechnology.
Those long ingredient names on skincare packaging often reflect interesting differences in molecular structure and manufacturing methods.
In Section 5, we'll look more closely at three familiar names from cosmetic ingredient lists: copper peptides, Matrixyl and Argireline.
Beauty Fact 2 | Can Peptides Form During Milk Fermentation?
Peptides are found in much more than cosmetics. They are also part of the science behind familiar foods.
Milk contains a protein called casein. During the production and fermentation of foods such as cheese and yoghurt, some proteins are broken down, producing a variety of peptides.
Protein breakdown is also an interesting area of research into the flavour of aged cheeses. It is surprising to discover that a word seen on a skincare bottle also has a connection to the foods on our table.
3. Peptides vs Collagen: What's the Difference?
When browsing beauty and wellness products, you may encounter the terms "collagen" and "collagen peptides." Although their names are similar, they describe different forms of material.
Collagen is a type of protein, while collagen peptides are obtained by breaking collagen down into smaller peptide fragments.
Collagen is found in tissues such as skin, bones and tendons. It has a distinctive triple-helix structure made from three chains arranged together. Imagine several thin strands twisted into a rope, and you'll have an idea of its unusual structure.
When collagen is broken down through processes such as enzymatic hydrolysis, the resulting material contains shorter peptides. Collagen-derived materials are used in foods, cosmetics and other products.
Cosmetics also contain peptides that are not derived from collagen. For example, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is the name of a cosmetic peptide ingredient with a particular chemical structure.
How to Recognise Them on an Ingredient List
Hydrolysed collagen: An ingredient obtained by breaking down collagen.
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4: A peptide ingredient with a particular amino acid sequence and chemical structure.
Collagen and hydrolysed collagen are also used as moisturising ingredients in cosmetics. Once you understand the different names, reading the ingredients on your favourite skincare products becomes more interesting.
Beauty Fact 3 | What Do Jelly and Collagen Have in Common?
Gelatine, a familiar ingredient in desserts, is produced from collagen through processes that include heating and structural changes.
When gelatine is dissolved in warm water and allowed to cool, its molecules can form a network that holds water, creating the soft texture of jelly.
Collagen is often discussed in beauty products, while gelatine is familiar from the kitchen. The scientific connection between the two is a lovely example of how everyday materials are related.
4. Peptides vs PDRN: How Are These Skincare Ingredients Different?
PDRN is another ingredient that has attracted attention in Korean skincare and is sometimes discussed alongside peptides.
The main difference is what they are made from. Peptides consist of amino acids, while PDRN is a DNA-derived material.
PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. It belongs to a group of nucleic acid-derived substances made from nucleotide units, which are the building blocks of DNA.
| Comparison |
Peptides |
PDRN |
| Basic building blocks |
Amino acids |
Nucleotides |
| Type of substance |
Peptides |
Nucleic acid-derived material |
| Examples of sources or production methods |
Chemical synthesis or protein breakdown |
Materials obtained from fish-derived DNA |
| Examples of cosmetic products |
Serums and creams |
Serums and facial masks |
Two products may both be labelled as facial serums while containing ingredients with very different scientific backgrounds. Understanding the distinction between peptides and PDRN makes skincare ingredient lists easier to explore.
For more information about PDRN, salmon DNA and how these materials compare with placenta, read our related guide.
Beauty Fact 4 | Are Silkworm Cocoons Made From Amino Acids?
Silk is admired for its beautiful sheen. The fibres in silkworm cocoons contain large amounts of a protein called fibroin.
Fibroin contains amino acids such as glycine and alanine. Their particular arrangement and molecular structure help give silk its characteristic properties.
Even a beautiful silk scarf has a connection to amino acid science. It's an unexpected link between skincare ingredients and the world of fashion.
5. Copper Peptides, Matrixyl and Argireline: Popular Cosmetic Peptide Ingredients
While exploring peptide skincare products, you may come across names such as copper peptides, Matrixyl and Argireline.
These names are associated with different cosmetic ingredients. One useful thing to understand is the distinction between an ingredient's name and a trademark used by an ingredient manufacturer.
Copper peptides are compounds in which peptides are bound to copper ions. A well-known example is GHK-Cu, which is identified in cosmetic ingredient lists as Copper Tripeptide-1.
The letters GHK represent the amino acids glycine, histidine and lysine. It's fascinating that a short name can tell us something about the molecular structure of an ingredient.
Matrixyl, meanwhile, is a trademark for peptide ingredients developed by cosmetic ingredient manufacturer Croda Beauty.
The original Matrixyl uses palmitoyl pentapeptide-4. Matrixyl 3000 is a different ingredient blend containing two peptides: palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.
Although the products share a family name, their peptide compositions are different.
Argireline is another trademark associated with the cosmetic peptide ingredient acetyl hexapeptide-8.
The term "hexapeptide" means a peptide made from six amino acids. Argireline is sometimes written slightly differently in translated product descriptions, but the name acetyl hexapeptide-8 provides a useful reference when reading ingredient lists.
Here is a simple guide to the names you may encounter.
| Common name |
Representative cosmetic ingredient name |
| Copper peptides |
Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Matrixyl |
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 |
| Matrixyl 3000 |
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 |
| Argireline |
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 |
For example, if a serum description mentions Argireline, you can look for acetyl hexapeptide-8 in its ingredient list.
Once you understand the relationship between ingredient names and trademarks, even a complicated-looking skincare label becomes easier to read.
Beauty Fact 5 | Did Peptide Synthesis Win a Nobel Prize?
Scientists can now build peptides by joining amino acids together in a planned sequence, a technique used across many areas of research.
American chemist Robert Bruce Merrifield played an important role in developing this field. He received the 1984 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on solid-phase peptide synthesis.
This method uses a solid support to help connect amino acids in sequence. Behind the scientific study of peptides lies an impressive history of chemical innovation.
6. Are Peptide Serums Suitable for Skincare in Your 40s and 50s?
As we reach our 40s and 50s, we may begin to notice changes in how our skin feels.
Perhaps your skin feels drier than it used to, or you notice a feeling of tightness when the seasons change. These experiences can encourage us to take a fresh look at our daily skincare routine.
Skin condition is influenced by many factors, including age, humidity, seasonal changes, sun exposure and everyday surroundings.
For women, the 40s and 50s can also be a time of various physical changes. Everyone's skin is different, so paying attention to how your skin currently feels is a useful starting point when choosing skincare products.
Peptide-containing serums and creams are among the many cosmetic products available for everyday skincare in your 40s and 50s.
When reviewing your routine, consider your skin's moisture needs and how they may change throughout the year. Becoming familiar with your own preferences makes exploring new skincare products more enjoyable.
You may also see the term "ageing care" or "age-related skincare" in cosmetic descriptions. In this context, it generally refers to skincare that takes changing moisture needs and personal preferences into account as we grow older.
Learning about ingredients is another enjoyable part of developing a skincare routine that feels right for you at every stage of life.
Beauty Fact 6 | Are Amino Acids Connected to Skin Moisture?
The outermost layer of the skin contains a group of substances known as natural moisturising factors, or NMFs, which help retain water.
These include amino acids and related compounds. Some are produced during the breakdown of a skin protein called filaggrin.
Amino acids, the building blocks of peptides, are therefore also familiar components of the science of skin moisture. There is an intriguing amount of chemistry taking place in the skin's outermost layer.
7. How to Choose and Use Peptide Skincare Products
Now that peptides are a little more familiar, how can you use this knowledge when choosing skincare products?
Four useful things to consider are the ingredient list, moisturising ingredients, texture and directions for use.
Start with the full ingredient list. Even when two serums are described as containing peptides, they may use different ingredients. If a particular peptide interests you, the table in Section 5 can help you recognise its name.
Next, consider the other ingredients in the formula. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides are familiar ingredients in many skincare products. Looking at the complete formula helps you understand what distinguishes one product from another.
Texture matters, too. Some people prefer a lightweight serum, while others enjoy a gel or a richer cream. Your preferred texture can be an important part of making daily skincare enjoyable.
A Simple Guide to Choosing Peptide Skincare
If you enjoy lightweight textures: Explore fluid serums and gel-based products.
If moisture is a priority: Look for serums or creams containing moisturising ingredients.
If you use skincare before makeup: Consider products with a texture that suits your morning routine.
If you enjoy researching ingredients: Look for products that clearly identify their peptide ingredients.
There is also a useful detail to understand about ingredient lists.
Under Japanese cosmetic labelling rules, ingredients are generally listed in descending order of quantity. However, ingredients present at 1% or less may be listed in any order. This means the position of an ingredient does not necessarily reveal its exact concentration.
As a general skincare routine, many people use a cleanser first, followed by toner, serum, and then a moisturising lotion or cream. Sunscreen is an important final step in a morning routine.
The ideal order may vary depending on the type of product. For example, an introductory serum may have different directions from a cream, so follow the manufacturer's instructions for each item.
When trying a new cosmetic product, pay attention to how your skin responds. If you experience redness, itching or other unusual reactions, discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional when appropriate.
Combining ingredient knowledge with your personal preferences can make choosing skincare products a more enjoyable experience.
Beauty Fact 7 | What Does "Palmitoyl" Mean in an Ingredient Name?
The name "palmitoyl pentapeptide-4" may look complicated, but breaking it into parts reveals clues about its chemical structure.
"Palmitoyl" refers to a chemical group derived from palmitic acid, while "pentapeptide" indicates a chain of five amino acids.
Once you learn what some of these scientific terms mean, even the longest ingredient names become a little more approachable.
8. Discover New Zealand Skincare: NB Revitox and Moisturising Essentials
Once you become familiar with peptide ingredients, reading skincare product descriptions can be a whole new experience.
At Brilliant Life Products NZ, we offer the NB Revitox skincare range as part of our collection of everyday beauty products.
The range includes a facial serum and a face cream, giving you different options to explore as part of your skincare routine.
NB Revitox Ageing Care Serum 30ml is a gel-textured facial serum. It can be used as part of your facial skincare routine and is also suitable for application to the neck and décolletage according to the product directions.
If you enjoy gel-based beauty products or would like to explore another serum for your daily routine, it is an option worth discovering.
NB Revitox Ageing Care Cream 30g is a face cream with a smooth, lightweight texture. It can be incorporated into your morning or evening moisturising routine.
If you would like to use the serum and cream together, refer to the instructions for each product and choose a routine that suits your preferences.
Explore Skincare at Brilliant Life Products NZ
NB Revitox Ageing Care Serum 30ml
A gel-textured facial serum that can also be included in your neck and décolletage skincare routine.
Explore NB Revitox Serum
NB Revitox Ageing Care Cream 30g
A smooth-textured face cream for everyday morning or evening moisturising care.
Explore the NB Revitox Cream 3-Pack
For those who enjoy discovering moisturising skincare, we also offer products from LANOCREME and Ninety Nature.
LANOCREME is known for skincare products containing lanolin, an ingredient derived from sheep's wool. Ninety Nature offers skincare collections that include products inspired by lavender.
Explore LANOCREME Skincare
Explore Ninety Nature Skincare
From facial serums to moisturising creams, discovering products that suit your everyday beauty routine can be part of the pleasure of skincare.
Beauty Fact 8 | Does Royal Jelly Contain Peptides?
Royal jelly, a substance produced by honeybees, contains water, sugars, lipids, proteins and peptides.
Researchers studying royal jelly have identified a group of proteins known as major royal jelly proteins, or MRJPs.
Peptides and proteins can be found throughout nature. Even a substance produced by honeybees has a fascinating connection to the science of amino acids.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peptide Skincare
Q1. Can peptide skincare products be plant-based or vegan?
Some peptides are produced from plant-derived proteins, while others are made through chemical synthesis. If you prefer vegan skincare, check the manufacturer's product information or relevant certification, as the finished formula may contain other ingredients.
Q2. Can I use a peptide serum and a vitamin C serum on the same day?
Some products can be included in the same daily skincare routine. Vitamin C products come in different formulations, so follow the directions provided by each manufacturer when planning how to use them.
Q3. Is a serum with more types of peptides always the better choice?
Different products use different combinations of ingredients. When choosing a serum, consider its overall formulation, texture and how comfortably it fits into your existing skincare routine rather than focusing only on the number of peptides listed.
Q4. Should peptide serums be kept in the refrigerator?
Storage requirements depend on the product. In general, cosmetics should be stored according to the manufacturer's directions, away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. If refrigeration is recommended, follow the instructions on the packaging.
Conclusion: Understanding Peptides Makes Skincare Shopping More Interesting
Peptides are a broad family of molecules made from connected amino acids. Many types are used in cosmetics, including ingredients associated with names such as copper peptides, Matrixyl and Argireline.
Peptides and collagen share amino acids as their basic building blocks, while PDRN is a DNA-derived material made from different components. Understanding these distinctions can make skincare ingredient lists much easier to navigate.
When choosing a facial serum, consider the complete ingredient list, moisturising ingredients, product texture and how the product fits into your daily routine.
At Brilliant Life Products NZ, you can explore the NB Revitox range alongside other skincare collections. Enjoy discovering beauty products that complement your individual skincare preferences.
