Key ingredients: peptides (copper tripeptide-1, acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, pentapeptide-18, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate), hyaluronic acid | Who it’s for: people who want results without breaking the bank | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Eye Cream: Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream
Why it’s worth it: Not all eye creams are created equal, especially if you’re dealing with mature-skin-relevant concerns. Dermalogica’s Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream is a supercharged formula (and not just because it has electric daisy in it—winks) that helps lift upper eyelid folds, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and tighten the undereyes. Seems like a tall order, but firming peptides, texture-refining quinoa seed extract, and a tightening complex of Coq10, astragalus, and electric daisy will dispel any uncertainties. Massage a pea-size amount in an upward motion for a brief self-care moment every morning and night.
Key ingredients: peptides (acetyl tetrapeptide-9), quinoa seed extract, astragalus, electric daisy, panthenol, squalane, CoQ10 | Who it’s for: people with eyelid folds, eye bags, or crow’s feet | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, “like glycine, arginine, histidine, et cetera,” says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “They’re designed to boost and replenish amino acids, which are the building blocks for collagen production.” You might recognize amino acids as the building blocks of protein, but peptides tend to be shorter chains than proteins. And, in their smaller stature, peptides can reduce the appearance of fine lines and leave skin firmer, according to Dr. Kim. Plus, compared to topical collagen, peptides have a small particle size that allows them to penetrate the surface level of your skin at a deeper level.
How do peptides benefit the skin?
The abundance and quality of our body’s natural collagen production decreases over time, as board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, who is based in Birmingham, Alabama, previously explained. As a result, wrinkles start to form and skin begins to sag, but peptide chains mimic the structure of amino acids to diminish the look of these concerns. Mature skin in particular can benefit from peptides for their ability to improve skin firmness. That said, not all peptides are created equal. The most common types of peptides consist of signal peptides, carrier peptides, enzyme-inhibitor peptides, and neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides, depending on how they work. For example, copper peptides activate wound healing, which, in turn, stimulates collagen production. (Keep in mind, however, that labs and brands can and often do trademark their own peptide complexes.) While you can often find “peptides” placed front and center on the actual product packaging, you can also seek out ingredients like dipeptide, tripeptide, and hexapeptide. It’s also not uncommon to see multiple peptides strung together to maximize their collagen-boosting benefits.
