If you have spent even five minutes looking at skincare recently, chances are you have seen the word peptides everywhere. They are one of the biggest buzzwords in beauty right now, appearing in everything from serums and moisturisers to sheet masks and supplements.
But unlike some skincare trends that come and go, peptides are backed by genuine science and there is a reason so many brands are focusing on them, particularly in products aimed at mature skin.
Put simply, peptides are short chains of amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin. These proteins are responsible for keeping skin firm, smooth and resilient. As we age, collagen production naturally slows down which can lead to fine lines, sagging, thinning skin and loss of elasticity.
Peptides work by acting like little messengers for the skin. Certain peptides can signal the skin to produce more collagen, support barrier repair, improve hydration and help strengthen the skin over time. While they are not an overnight miracle, consistent use can help skin look firmer, smoother and more hydrated.
One of the reasons peptides have become so popular is because they tend to be far gentler than stronger actives like retinol or acids, making them a good option for mature or sensitive skin. They also layer well with many other skincare ingredients which makes them easy to incorporate into existing routines.
This week’s Beauty Shelf looks at some peptide packed products currently making waves in the beauty world.
Essano Future Skin Peptide Lifting Gel Cream
Price: $29.99
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Essano has created an affordable peptide moisturiser that focuses heavily on hydration and skin firmness. The lightweight gel cream texture makes it particularly appealing for people who dislike heavy creams but still want nourishing ingredients. Peptides work best when paired with hydrating ingredients and this formula combines peptide technology with moisture supporting ingredients designed to help plump the appearance of the skin. Gel cream textures can also work well for mature skin that feels dehydrated but still wants something breathable and comfortable during the day.
Skin for Me Peptide Power
Price: $222.50
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This high performance serum takes a more intensive approach to peptides, combining multiple peptide technologies aimed at supporting collagen production and improving skin elasticity. Multi peptide formulas are increasingly popular because different peptides target different concerns. Some help support firmness while others focus on hydration, barrier repair or smoothing the appearance of fine lines. Products like this are designed for people wanting a more advanced anti ageing routine with a stronger focus on long term skin support.
Adorn Cosmetics Peptide Radiance Day Primer Moisturiser
Price: $82
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Hybrid beauty products continue to grow in popularity and this formula combines skincare with makeup prep in one step. Alongside peptides, the moisturiser works as a primer designed to create a smoother more radiant finish under makeup. Peptides in daytime products are particularly useful because they support hydration and help reinforce the skin barrier throughout the day. Mature skin often struggles with makeup settling into fine lines or dry patches and combining skincare ingredients into makeup prep products can help create a more even finish.
Mukti Organics Age Defiance Day Serum
Price: $130
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Mukti Organics has built a loyal following around active botanical skincare and this serum combines peptides with antioxidants and plant based ingredients aimed at supporting ageing skin. Peptides are often most effective when paired with ingredients that help reduce oxidative stress on the skin. Environmental damage from UV exposure and pollution contributes significantly to collagen breakdown over time and antioxidant rich formulas help support the skin alongside collagen boosting ingredients. The lightweight serum texture also makes it easy to layer underneath moisturiser and sunscreen without feeling heavy.
Ella Baché Collagen Peptide Eye Serum
Price: $109
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The eye area is often one of the first places people notice visible ageing because the skin is thinner and naturally contains less oil. Peptides are particularly popular in eye products because they help support firmness without the irritation stronger actives can sometimes cause around delicate skin. This serum combines collagen supporting peptides with hydrating ingredients designed to smooth and refresh the under eye area. Lightweight eye serums can also help improve how concealer and makeup sit on mature skin by reducing dryness and dehydration around the eyes.
X50 Australian Finger Lime + X50 Pure Collagen Marine Collagen Peptides
Price: $49.95
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Beauty supplements continue to boom and collagen powders remain one of the most talked about categories. This formula combines marine collagen peptides with Australian finger lime, creating a product that supports beauty from the inside out. One of the standout features is simply how enjoyable it is to drink. Many collagen powders can feel chalky or unpleasant but this formula has a genuinely delicious flavour which makes it much easier to use consistently. Collagen peptides are broken down into smaller amino acid chains designed for easier absorption and are commonly used to support skin hydration, elasticity and overall skin appearance.
Maisin SKN Peptide Boost Sheet Mask
Price: $19
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Sheet masks remain one of the easiest ways to give skin an instant hydration boost and this peptide version impressed immediately during trialling. Unlike many cheaper masks that slide around or fail to properly cover the face, this one stayed in place well and provided excellent coverage across the entire face.
The serum soaked mask left skin feeling noticeably firmer and brighter the following morning and delivered that plump hydrated look people often chase with peptide products. It is the kind of mask that feels genuinely luxurious while still delivering visible results.
Peptides may be the current beauty buzzword but the reason they have gained such popularity is because they target one of the biggest concerns in ageing skin which is collagen decline. While no skincare ingredient can completely stop ageing, peptides offer a gentle science backed way to support firmer healthier looking skin over time and they are likely to remain a major part of skincare routines for years to come.