Active ingredient

Peptides

INCIPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on April 28, 2026.

What it is

Peptides are short chains of amino acids used in skincare to signal fibroblasts toward collagen production, refine barrier, and visibly firm the skin. Different families act differently: signal peptides (Matrixyl), carrier peptides (copper-GHK), and neurotransmitter inhibitors (Argireline). Pair well with most actives. Apply at a different routine step from high-pH acid peels, which can cleave peptide bonds.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Safe

Considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Cosmetic peptide complexes are large polar molecules with minimal stratum corneum penetration. Mother to Baby and Trivedi et al. (2017) flag no concern for topical peptide use during pregnancy or lactation.

Mechanism in detail

What Peptides does

Short chains of amino acids that act as messengers in the skin. In anti-aging formulas they support the signals behind firmness and elasticity, softening the look of fine lines for smoother, more resilient skin.

Evidence

What the research says

12 weeksFewer fine lines than the same moisturiser without itA double-blind split-face trial in 93 women aged 35 to 55: a moisturiser with palmitoyl pentapeptide, used for 12 weeks, reduced wrinkles and fine lines versus the same moisturiser without it, by image analysis and expert grading.Read the study →Int J Cosmet Sci 2005 (Robinson et al.)

Where it helps