Peptides are small chains of amino acids that serve as messengers to trigger various skin functions, including collagen production, wound healing, firming, brightening, and lash stimulation. In the context of modern skincare, peptides are prized for their targeted benefits and compatibility with sensitive skin. This guide also explains how to formulate with peptides and use them as part of lash growth serums, firming treatments, and brightening systems.
In this guide from Flychem, we highlight 10 high-performance cosmetic peptides, their biological functions, and the best co-actives to formulate with for optimal synergy and efficacy.
Anti-Aging Peptides (Best Peptides for Firming Skin)
1. Tripeptide Complex (Collagen-Boosting Peptides)
- Function: Stimulates collagen I, III, and IV synthesis; improves skin elasticity and firmness.
- Synergistic Co-Actives: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
- Dosage: 2–5% in serums or cream
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Regulatory: Globally compliant (EU, India, USA)
- Formulation Tip: Best used in pH 5.0–6.5 emulsions
Benefits:
- Reduces wrinkle depth within 4–6 weeks
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Enhances dermal density and elasticity
2. Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu)
- Function: Promotes angiogenesis, skin remodeling, and fibroblast activation.
- Synergistic Co-Actives: Panthenol, vitamin C derivatives, amino acids
- Dosage: 0.05–0.2%
- Formulation Tip: Stable in aqueous, pH 5.5–6.5 systems; avoid strong acids
Benefits:
- Accelerates post-acne and post-procedure healing
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Improves skin tone, elasticity, and barrier strength
3. Hexapeptide (Expression Line Softening)
- Function: Inhibits neurotransmitter release to reduce muscle tension
- Synergistic Co-Actives: GABA, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- Dosage: 3–10%
- Regulatory: Approved for dermocosmetic use in EU, India, USA
- Formulation Tip: Use in water phase; combine with anti-photoaging actives
Benefits:
- Smooths forehead and crow’s feet wrinkles
- Visible lifting effect within 15–30 days
Brightening Peptides
4. Oligopeptide (Melanin-Suppressing Peptide)
- Function: Inhibits tyrosinase and reduces melanin synthesis
- Synergistic Co-Actives: Alpha arbutin, niacinamide, vitamin C, tranexamic acid
- Dosage: 1–5%
- Formulation Tip: Use in serums, sheet masks, or ampoules with pH 5.0–6.0
Benefits:
- Reduces dark spots and pigmentation
- Promotes even skin tone without exfoliation
Lash & Brow Peptides (Peptides for Lash Growth Serum)
5. Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
- Function: Boosts keratin gene expression in follicles for longer, denser lashes and brows
- Synergistic Co-Actives: Biotin, panthenol, amino acids, castor oil
- Dosage: 2–5%
- Regulatory: Safe for ophthalmic use in India, EU, USA (when preservative-stabilized)
- Formulation Tip: Use in water-based, pH 6–7 serums with airless packaging
Benefits:
- Increases lash length by 17–25% in 6–8 weeks
- Strengthens roots, reduces fall-out
Hair & Scalp Peptides
6. Copper Peptide (for Scalp Renewal)
- Function: Increases follicle vascularization and reduces hair miniaturization
- Synergistic Co-Actives: Caffeine, salicylic acid, centella extract, peptides
- Dosage: 0.1–0.3%
- Formulation Tip: Combine with scalp exfoliants or niacinamide for improved penetration
Benefits:
- Strengthens scalp barrier
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Stimulates hair regrowth in androgenic zones
Also Read: The Science Behind Encapsulation: Why It’s Revolutionizing Active Delivery in Cosmetics
Multi-Functional Peptides
7. Hexapeptide-9
- Function: Accelerates dermal repair and smooths texture
- Synergistic Co-Actives: Centella asiatica, retinoids (encapsulated), peptides
- Dosage: 0.5–2%
- Formulation Tip: Works well in overnight creams and blemish healing systems
Benefits:
- Enhances scar healing post-acne
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Firms skin and evens texture
8. Tetrapeptide (Periorbital Use)
- Function: Drains excess fluid and improves lymphatic flow under the eyes
- Synergistic Co-Actives: Caffeine, niacinamide, peptides, HA
- Dosage: 1–4%
- Regulatory: Ophthalmologically tested in multiple markets
Benefits:
- Reduces eye puffiness within 2 weeks
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Supports vascular tone and under-eye brightness
9. Matrix-Stimulating Tetrapeptide
- Function: Promotes ECM protein synthesis for firmness and anti-sagging
- Synergistic Co-Actives: Squalane, vitamin E, collagen, amino acids
- Dosage: 2–4%
- Formulation Tip: Ideal for mature skin day/night creams
Benefits:
- Restores skin tone and density
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Prevents dermal thinning
10. Dipeptide (Muscle Relaxation Support)
- Function: Provides Botox-like relaxation for expression lines
- Synergistic Co-Actives: Anti-aging neuropeptides, hydrating emollients
- Dosage: 1–3%
- Formulation Tip: Use in primer creams and anti-aging foundations
Benefits:
- Instant skin smoothing
- Long-term wrinkle minimization
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Flychem peptides available in encapsulated forms?
Yes, we offer encapsulated peptides for enhanced penetration, controlled release, and formula stability.
What is the shelf life of your peptides?
Typically 24–36 months under recommended storage (2–8°C, light-protected).
Do you support formulation matching or reverse engineering?
Yes. Our R&D team can help optimize or recreate peptide-based formulations with full tech support.
Can I order custom peptide blends?
Absolutely. Custom blends and proprietary ratios can be developed upon request with NDAs.
Are your peptides compliant for export to EU, US, and GCC?
Yes. All peptides are supported with COA, MSDS, and meet REACH, MoCRA, and BIS standards.
Regulatory Support and Technical Files
- REACH-compliant for EU markets
- BIS-certified for India distribution
- INCI-verified and MoCRA-compliant for US launches
- Available with stability data, microbial testing, and efficacy dossiers
Conclusion: Build with Bio-Logic Precision
Peptides are more than just trend-driven actives, they’re targeted, biocompatible agents that deliver precise effects in anti-aging, hair care, lash enhancement, and skin brightening. Whether in bulk sourcing, OEM development, or product innovation, Flychem’s portfolio helps brands formulate with science-backed reliability.
