Peptide Complexes: Unlocking the Power of Skin Signalling

Peptide complexes are blends of short chains of amino acids designed to interact with the skin. Found in serums, creams and treatments, they are often positioned as “active” ingredients targeting firmness, wrinkles, pigmentation and repair.

Unlike traditional ingredients that mainly hydrate or protect at the surface, peptides work by influencing how skin behaves. They help guide key processes within the skin, offering a more targeted and considered approach to skincare.

What we know

• Peptides are short amino acid chains that can mimic fragments of natural skin proteins, triggering biological responses linked to repair and regeneration 1.

• Different peptide types perform distinct roles. Signal peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production, carrier peptides deliver trace elements such as copper, and neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides can soften expression lines 1, 2.

• Peptides also influence inflammation, pigmentation and barrier function, linking them to a wide range of skin concerns beyond ageing 3, 4.

• When combined into complexes, peptides can act across multiple pathways, supporting more comprehensive and targeted skin responses 1, 2, 3.

Industry impact and potential

Peptide complexes are shifting skincare towards more targeted, mechanism-led innovation:

• Mechanism-driven design: Building peptide combinations around defined biological pathways rather than marketing-led blends.

• From single actives to systems: Using complementary peptides to influence multiple processes, from collagen synthesis to inflammation.

• Advanced delivery strategies: Improving stability and penetration to ensure peptides reach viable skin layers.

  
  

Our position 

At Sequential, we provide insight into how peptide complexes shape skin biology by integrating peptide research with multi-omic and microbiome analysis, supporting the development of formulations designed for real-world impact.

Using our global database of 50,000+ samples, we help brands see how peptide-based products work in the skin, supporting the development of formulations that lead to real, long-term skin health improvements.

References

1. Pintea, A, et al. (2025). Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Senescence: A Review. Biomolecules, 15, (1), 88.

2. Ngoc, L, et al. (2023). Insights into Bioactive Peptides in Cosmetics. Cosmetics, 10, (4), 111.

3. Mao, Z. (2025). Frontiers in Skin Rejuvenation: Recent Advances in Anti-Aging Skincare Technologies Based on Proteins, Peptides, and Peptide Derivatives. Modern Health Science, 8 (1), 69.

4. Zhao, X, et al. (2021). Collagen peptides and the related synthetic peptides: A review on improving skin health. Journal of Functional Foods, 86, 104680.