What Are Peptides and How Do They Work in Skincare?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. In the skin, they perform an important signaling function: They communicate with skin cells and prompt them to produce more collagen and elastin. These two proteins are precisely what are responsible for firmness, elasticity, and an even complexion.
As we age, the body’s own collagen production noticeably decreases. Peptides in cosmetics specifically target this issue: They provide the skin with the signals it needs to regenerate itself.
Chris Farrell works with one of the most extensively researched peptide complexes available: Matrixyl 3000, consisting of Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. This combination supports the skin’s structure, promotes collagen synthesis, and can have a visibly smoothing effect. The portfolio is complemented by Dipeptide-2, which is specifically used in the eye area to combat puffiness and dark circles.
What can peptides do for your skin?
Peptides are versatile and stand out for their excellent tolerability. An overview of the key benefits:
- Support collagen formation: As signaling molecules, peptides can stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Elastins are important structural proteins that provide the skin with firmness and elasticity.
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles: Through their role as signaling molecules, peptides can support skin regeneration and visibly improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- Strengthen the skin barrier: Certain peptides can help stabilize the skin’s barrier function, reduce moisture loss, and promote a more balanced complexion.
- Improve structure and elasticity: By supporting the synthesis of structural proteins, peptides help maintain a firmer, smoother-looking complexion.
- Very well tolerated: Peptides are considered particularly gentle on the skin and are also suitable for sensitive skin. They can be easily combined with other active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or retinol.
Who are peptide products suitable for?
Peptides are suitable for nearly every skin type. They do not irritate, do not weigh the skin down, and can be flexibly integrated into any routine. Peptides are particularly popular for:
- Mature skin with reduced firmness, wrinkles, or loss of elasticity
- Tired, dull skin that needs a boost to regenerate
- Sensitive skin looking for gentle anti-aging ingredients
- Skin with fine lines around the eyes that needs targeted eye care with peptides
- All skin types looking to take preventive measures against premature aging
Not sure which peptide product is right for you? Our skin analysis provides personalized recommendations.
An overview of our peptide products
Chris Farrell offers six verified peptide products in two categories: facial care and eye care.
Chris Farrell facial care with peptides
- Soft Regeneration 2 – The intensive regenerating cream with Matrixyl 3000 (Palmitoyl Oligopeptide + Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) and avocado oil. It activates cellular respiration, improves skin texture, and makes the complexion appear visibly fresher and more youthful. Ideal for mature, wrinkled, or tired skin.
- Gentle Rebalancing Cream – The rich day-and-night cream with Matrixyl 3000, evening primrose oil, and avocado oil. It provides dry, mature skin with intensive moisture, promotes a supple skin feel, and combines the effects of peptides with nourishing oils. Ideal for dehydrated or dry skin.
- Youth Control – The multi-active high-performance cream with Tetrapeptide-7, shea butter, and argan oil. It stimulates skin cell metabolism, firms the tissue, and visibly refines the skin’s micro-relief. For all skin types, day and night.
- Daily Spa – The highly concentrated re-moisturizer with Tetrapeptide-7, hydroxyproline, and seaweed extract. It firms the skin’s appearance, soothes irritation, and provides deep rehydration. The most intensive care option for demanding, mature skin.
Eye Care with Peptides
- CPR 2 Eye Cream – The highly emollient water-in-oil emulsion for the eyelid area with Matrixyl 3000. It activates cell renewal in wrinkled, degenerated skin around the eyes and is particularly suitable for pronounced wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
- Eyelid Firming Treatment – The exclusive 2-in-1 eye care with Matrixyl 3000 (Palmitoyl Oligopeptide + Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7), shea butter, and silk tree extract. Can be used as daily eyelid care or as an intensive leave-on mask. Can be used for crow’s feet, sagging eyelids, and dark circles under the eyes.
- Eyelid Firmer Concentrate – The highly concentrated anti-aging eye serum with Dipeptide-2 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. Dipeptide-2 targets the eye area and can help reduce puffiness and firm tired eyelids.
Our skincare tips for using peptides
Tip 1: Apply peptides after cleansing
Peptides work best on cleansed skin. Apply your peptide serum or peptide cream after cleansing and toning, but before your final day cream, so the active ingredients can absorb into the skin unimpeded.
Tip 2: Consistency is key
Peptides are not instant-acting ingredients like hyaluronic acid. They unfold their full effect with consistent, daily use over several weeks. Allow at least four to six weeks before evaluating the results.
Tip 3: Peptides combine well
Peptides work exceptionally well with other active ingredients. A particularly effective combination is peptides + hyaluronic acid: The Concentrate Seristim Super as a hyaluronic acid serum under the Soft Regeneration 2 as a peptide cream combines intensive hydration with targeted regeneration.
Tip 4: Don’t forget eye care
The eye area is often the first to show signs of aging. The Eyelid Firmer Concentrate is ideal as a serum layer under the CPR 2 or the Eyelid Firming Treatment—for maximum peptide effectiveness around the eyes.
