Peptides: Key Anti-Aging Ingredients for Boosting Skin Elasticity and Reducing Wrinkles
Which Atomy Products Contain Peptides?
Peptides are small protein fragments composed of two or more amino acids linked together and are naturally present in our bodies. They are naturally produced in our skin and various other bodily tissues. Compared to proteins, which consist of hundreds of amino acids, peptides are much smaller units, allowing them to be absorbed more easily into the skin. These small molecules send signals to skin cells, promoting the production of proteins such as collagen and elastin.
However, their levels decrease with age or due to external environmental factors such as UV exposure and stress, leading to reduced skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles. Therefore, supplementing peptides externally through cosmetics can provide various benefits, such as improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Consequently, peptides are gaining prominence as anti-aging, regenerative, and moisturizing ingredients in cosmetics, establishing themselves as key components in high-performance skincare products.
Peptides used in cosmetics are not simply extracted from natural sources and added to products. Instead, they are created through chemical and biotechnological processes, including peptide design, synthesis, purification, stabilization, and raw material blending, before being manufactured into high-purity raw materials ready for cosmetic use.
Chemically synthesized peptides tailored for cosmetic functions are applied to final products
Design peptides to target functions such as wrinkle improvement and antioxidant activity
Chemically synthesize amino acid sequences designed for desired functions including wrinkle improvement and elasticity enhancement
Remove impurities and stabilize the peptide
Supply as high-purity powder or liquid raw materials
Incorporate raw materials into serums, creams, eye creams, and ampoules to complete the products
Not all peptides work the same way—their effects depend on their amino acid sequences and structures. In cosmetics, most peptides fall into five main functional groups.
Helps reduce wrinkles by boosting collagen synthesis in skin cells and inhibiting muscle contractions.
Improves skin elasticity by restoring elastin and the extracellular matrix (ECM) in skin tissue that has loosened due to aging.
Protects the skin from external irritants and aids in repairing damaged skin.
Carrier peptides support faster cellular recovery
Some peptides help calm inflammation, making them suitable even for sensitive skin.
Peptides each have their own functions, and in cosmetics, different types are often combined to provide multiple benefits at once. This gives your skin a full boost—reducing wrinkles, improving elasticity, supporting regeneration, and adding hydration. Broadly, these peptides can be grouped into five main types.
First, signaling peptides send signals to skin cells to increase collagen and elastin production, helping improve wrinkles and restore elasticity. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl), included in all six products of the Atomy Absolute Selective Skincare Set, is a representative anti-aging peptide. Second, neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides relax muscle contractions to reduce expression lines and are often referred to as 'Botox-like peptides.' Third, carrier peptides deliver minerals such as copper and manganese into the skin, supporting regeneration and antioxidant activity. Fourth, enzyme-inhibiting peptides block collagen-degrading enzymes, helping slow visible aging and protect the skin. Lastly, structural peptides mimic or support the skin’s natural protein structure, signaling the skin to promote its own protein synthesis and improve hydration and elasticity.
| Types of Peptides | Primary Role | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Signaling Peptides | Promote collagen and elastin synthesis | Promote wrinkle reduction and restore elasticity |
| Neurotransmitter-Inhibitory Peptides | Inhibit muscle contraction | Reduce expression wrinkles
*Botox-like effect |
| Carrier Peptides | Deliver minerals and active ingredients | Promote skin regeneration and antioxidant activity |
| Enzyme-Inhibitory Peptides | Inhibit collagenase | Delay skin aging and protect the skin barrier |
| Structural Peptides | Mimic or complement the skin’s protein structure | Enhance hydration and elasticity |
Peptides are a small but powerful innovation born from advances in skin science. Even a single signal from these chains of linked amino acids can help slow visible signs of aging. By combining peptides with different structures and mechanisms—like a tailored prescription—they can target a variety of skin concerns, including wrinkles, loss of elasticity, regeneration, and hydration.
These innovative peptides are already featured in many Atomy products and are set to become essential components in personalized skincare, going beyond just anti-aging, regeneration, and hydration.
