If you’ve ever wondered, “What are peptides in skincare products for?”, you’re not alone! Peptide creams, or Peptide moisturizers, are a staple in any anti-aging skincare routine. If you’re wondering what Peptide creams and moisturizers really do, the concise answer is this: they help visibly improve the look of expression lines and wrinkles, while helping to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier for a younger, healthier-looking complexion. Below, explore how peptides function in the body, the benefits you can expect from topical treatments and practical ways to add peptide skincare—including treatments from Peter Thomas Roth—into your daily routine. 

What Are Peptides In Skincare?

Peptides are short fragments of Proteins. The majority of naturally occurring proteins in skin are Collagen Proteins, which help provide firmness and structure. Over time, these Collagen Proteins break down, leading to greater signs of aging. Peptides can work as signaling molecules, helping to promote skin that looks and feels firmer, more supple and better balanced. Because they are smaller than full proteins, many peptides can be formulated to reach the upper layers of the skin, allowing for targeted activity without adding heaviness. When considering peptides for skin, it helps to recognize how these compact molecules deliver specific benefits without the weight of larger proteins. 

Benefits of Peptide Creams

Peptides differ from proteins in both size and function. Proteins like collagen and elastin are large, complex structures that lend strength and flexibility to the skin’s framework. Peptides, by contrast, are shorter fragments with targeted roles, valued for their ability to deliver precise messages to support the larger proteins. Collagen is a structural protein that helps keep skin appearing lifted and firm. Certain peptides are known to encourage the skin’s natural collagen pathways, reinforcing the appearance of skin’s framework.

Applying topical peptide skincare products with collagen-supporting peptides can help skin appear younger by improving the look of fine lines, wrinkles and elasticity. Many users notice a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion with continued use, especially when peptide creams are paired with a comprehensive routine that includes exfoliating treatments and a daily sunscreen.

Who Should Use Peptide Creams?

Peptide creams are suitable for a wide range of skin types and ages. If you’re beginning to see early signs of fine lines or want to take preventative measures to help support skin firmness, peptide skincare products can be a smart addition. For mature skin, peptide complexes help complement routines that address more advanced concerns, such as deep wrinkles and expression lines from repeated facial movements. Sensitive and reactive skin often tolerates peptides well, particularly when formulas are infused with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Squalane. Those using strong actives—like retinol or exfoliating acids—may find peptide creams useful for supporting comfort and reinforcing the skin’s barrier, helping to balance a more intensive anti-aging routine. 

Which Peptide Cream Should I Use?

If you’re looking for a peptide cream to add to your routine that provides the smoothing, plumping and hydrating benefits we’ve described above, look no further than Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection™ Moisture Infusion Cream. This moisturizer helps restore the look of youthful bounce, plumping the look of skin with lightweight yet intense hydration. 21 amplified Peptides and Neuropeptides help visibly smooth and reduce the appearance of these expression lines, while Gamma Proteins help improve the look of elasticity, radiance, uneven skin tone and texture. The addition of Cactus Flower, Squalane, Trehalose and Hyaluronic Acid to leave skin feeling nourished, supple and infused with moisture.

To experience even more firming and smoothing benefits, add the rest of the Peptide Skinjection™ Collection to your routine:

• Peptide Skinjection™ Exfoliating Peel Pads are saturated with a solution of an intensive 20% Exfoliating Complex of Phytic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Lactate and peptide-building Amino Acids. Used after cleansing, these powerful exfoliating pads help smooth the look of expression lines and emerging wrinkles while amplifying absorption of treatment products. 
• Peptide Skinjection™ Expression Line Hydra-Gel Eye Patches are soaked in a potent peptide solution to help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye and brow area. Plus, Niacinamide helps to brighten the look of skin, while hydrating Cactus Flower, Squalane, Trehalose and Hyaluronic Acid leave skin feeling infused with moisture. 
• Peptide Skinjection™ Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Serum is a peptide serum that helps to reduce the look of expression lines and prevent the appearance of future wrinkles. It is powered by peptide solutions of 2% Matrixyl® Morphomics™, 5% Argireline® Amplified and 2% Matrixyl® Synthe’6®, and boosted with 10% Argirelox™ to help prolong the need for your next injectable treatment by up to six months.*
• Peptide Skinjection™ Fill + Fix Under-Eye Cream is a peptide eye cream that helps to reduce the look of under-eye hollowness, darkness and fine lines with 4% Peptilift peptide technology, 3% Juveneye CLR™ and Hyaluronic Acid Filling Spheres. Users agree this product is a great alternative to filler and invasive treatments.† Enhanced with Illuminating Minerals and Caffeine to help instantly illuminate skin and reduce the appearance of darkness for a wide-awake look on all skin tones.

*Based on an in vivo study on 22 women (51 years average age) who received one-time neurotoxin (boNT-A) injections followed by application of 10% Argirelox™ peptide solution twice daily for six months. †Based on a 4-week consumer perception study on 45 women ages 29 to 65