Peptide Serum – How to Choose the Right Peptides for Your Skin

Why everyone is talking about peptides in skincare right now

If retinol took center stage on the skincare shelf last year, it is peptides' turn to shine this year. Peptides are hardly a new discovery – they have long been skincare's quiet, reliable heroes. But everyone is talking about them right now, and for good reasons! Peptides act as your skin's own building blocks and gently help support natural collagen production.

The result is firmer skin with softer lines – completely without needing to build tolerance, worrying about irritation, or becoming extra sensitive to the sun. The best part is that they suit everyone, even if you have very sensitive skin that usually has to skip stronger active ingredients.

Curious about peptides? Start with the basics in our peptide ingredient guide. Below, we focus instead on how to choose the right product and seamlessly weave it into your regular routine.

How to choose the right peptide serum – 3 important steps

Not all peptide products on the market are equally powerful. To help your skin get the most out of your product, look for these three key things:

• Which peptides does it contain? Check the ingredient list for named peptides, such as Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), copper peptides, or Matrixyl. If it just says "peptides" without specifying them, you unfortunately cannot know how effective the product actually is.
  
• The concentration of peptides: Peptides are fantastic, but they are also exclusive and rather expensive ingredients for manufacturers to produce. This means the market is full of products with a microscopic share of peptides in the formula solely for marketing purposes. 
  
• In good company: Peptides thrive best alongside gentle hydrators like hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide. However, avoid using them in the exact same routine as strong, acidic ascorbic acid (pure Vitamin C), as they can cancel each other out. Use them at different times of the day instead.

Get to know skincare's super peptides

Argireline – the peptide everyone is asking about

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline, is one of skincare's most thoroughly tested and talked-about signal peptides. It is sometimes jokingly called the "botox peptide" because it is an expert at softening expression lines – those lines that appear when you squint or raise your eyebrows. The difference is that this is safe skincare you control entirely yourself, right at home in your bathroom and completely without needles.

You can find Argireline in Volume Tension Cream from Korean brand Nu:CellCure, where it works beautifully alongside a dozen other well-documented peptides.

Peptides as a function in skincare?

As a rule, peptides perform best in skincare products that stay on the skin, such as serums, creams, and ampoules. But there is a very exciting exception thanks to modern skincare technology: Time-release.

In our 5% Glycolic Foam Cleanser, we have combined mildly exfoliating glycolic acid (AHA) with the super peptide Argireline. What makes this cleansing mousse unique is that the peptides feature a "time release" effect. This simply means they are smartly encapsulated. So even if you rinse your face after cleansing, the peptides linger and release gradually into the skin for several hours.

The result? Glycolic acid clears away dead skin cells and provides immediate radiance, paving the way for Argireline to work calmly on softening expression lines long after you dry your face. A true multitasker for your bathroom cabinet!

Copper peptides – for skin recovery

Copper peptides (Copper Tripeptide-1) are the true utility players of the peptide world. They not only help preserve skin firmness, but also give a fantastic boost to your skin's natural recovery. This makes them an exceptionally smart choice if you use a dermaroller or stronger active ingredients and want to give your skin the best possible care and rest between treatments. Read more in our in-depth copper peptide guide.

How to build peptides into your routine

One of the best things about peptides is how effortless they are to fit into your daily routine. Here is how easy it is:

• Morning: Pat your peptide serum onto clean skin, just before applying your face cream and sunscreen.
• Evening: Finish with a lovely peptide cream. It works wonderfully on top of your retinol – these two ingredients make a fantastic match that supports each other.
• After dermaroller: Peptides are a classic and safe companion after microneedling. Your skin is then extra receptive to gentle ingredients that help with building and repair.

You do not need to build tolerance! However, results require a bit of patience – expect about 4–8 weeks of regular use before you notice the real difference.

Our peptide ladder: From a simple start to an advanced routine

• Step 1 – Start simple: Collagen Peptide Serum is the perfect, uncomplicated start. Here you get peptides and collagen in a comfortable serum that gently builds up the skin. Combine with Peptide Night Light Face Cream at night – a featherlight night cream that lets the peptides do the work while you rest.
• Step 2 – Korean favorites: Perfect Peptide Bubble Essence wraps your skin in a deeply hydrating peptide layer right after cleansing. This is Korean skincare at its most fun and innovative.
• Step 3 – For the enthusiast: The Nu:CellCure series from Chamos is our most powerful peptide range. Volume Tension Ampoule gives you five concentrated peptides in a deeply nourishing ampoule. Volume Tension Cream features an entire library of fine peptides (including Argireline and copper peptides), and Magical Sting Spicule Cream combines them with spicules for an exciting microneedling sensation in a tube. Want a complete routine ready to use? Check out our Anti Aging Kit 6-Step.

Frequently asked questions about peptide serums (FAQ)

When do you see results from a peptide serum?

Give it 4–8 weeks of regular use. Because peptides work by supporting your skin's own natural processes, it takes a little time – but that is also precisely why the results are so wonderful and long-lasting.

Can you use peptides and retinol at the same time?

Yes, it is actually a fantastic combination! Many people like to use a peptide serum in the morning and retinol at night. You can also smooth a peptide cream over your retinol serum at night to soothe and cushion your skin a little extra.

Do peptides suit sensitive skin?

Yes, absolutely. Peptides are among the mildest and gentlest active ingredients we have, and they require no build-up period. This makes them a very safe first choice if you have sensitive skin and still want to work proactively on skin elasticity and fine lines.

What is the actual difference between Argireline and copper peptides?

Argireline is a star at softening expression lines on the face. Copper peptides have a slightly broader function, helping the skin with both firmness and essential recovery. They complement each other exceptionally well, and are even gathered in the same jar in the Volume Tension series.