What Are Peptides in Korean Skincare and How to Use Them?
Posted by Skinsider Team on 11th Aug 2025
When it comes to anti-ageing and skin-repairing ingredients, peptides have earned a well-deserved place at the top of the skincare pyramid. These small but mighty molecules can help firm, smooth, and rejuvenate your skin, and the best part? They’re suitable for almost every skin type.
In this post, we’ll explore what peptides are, how they work, why your skin loves them, and how to use them effectively in your routine. We'll also highlight some K-beauty products that make the most of this powerhouse ingredient, from toners to serums, eye creams, and even sheet masks.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin. These proteins are essential for maintaining the skin's structure, strength, and elasticity.
As we age, our natural collagen production declines. That’s where peptides come in. When applied topically through skincare, peptides act as messengers, telling your skin to repair itself, boost collagen, and increase elasticity.
One of the most powerful peptides you'll often find in K-beauty products is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 – also known as “Botox in a bottle.” This peptide is known to reduce muscle movement, particularly in expression lines around the eyes and forehead, resulting in smoother, firmer-looking skin over time, and without any needles!
Types of Peptides in Skincare
While there are many different types of peptides used in skincare, some of the most effective and well-researched include:
- Signal peptides – stimulate collagen and elastin production
- Carrier peptides – deliver trace elements to the skin
- Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides – reduce muscle movement (like Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)
- Enzyme-inhibiting peptides – slow the breakdown of collagen
Each type works differently, which is why using products with a blend of peptides often delivers the best results.
How to Use Peptides in Your Skincare Routine
Peptides are most effective when used consistently, and they can be incorporated into your routine both morning and evening. Here’s how:
- Start with a peptide toner – this helps prep your skin and deliver hydration while starting to introduce active ingredients.
Try: AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Toner – a gentle daily toner that hydrates, brightens, and calms while supporting even skin tone with added peptides. - Layer a peptide serum – this is where peptides can shine the most, especially when combined with other anti-ageing activities.
Try: COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum – a glow-boosting formula with six peptides to revitalise dull skin. & APLB Azelaic Acid Peptide Ampoule Serum – combines peptides and azelaic acid to soothe and brighten. - Don’t skip the eye cream – the eye area is often the first to show signs of ageing, making it a perfect target for peptides.
Try: TIRTIR Collagen Lifting Eye Cream – enriched with collagen-boosting peptides for a firmer, more lifted eye area. - Use a peptide-infused moisturiser – lock in hydration and deliver firming benefits all day long.
Try: APLB Azelaic Acid Peptide Facial Cream – nourishes and calms with a peptide-rich, lightweight formula. - Treat your skin with a peptide mask – for weekly care or when your skin needs extra love.
Try: TIRTIR NMF Hydra Ampoule Mask – intensely hydrating with peptides to plump and refresh. - Add specialised treatments – such as bakuchiol serums enriched with peptides for firming without irritation.
Try: PURITO Timeless Bloom Bakuchiol Serum, infused with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, perfect for smoothing expression lines and promoting a youthful glow.
Final Thoughts: Are Peptides Worth It?
Absolutely. Whether you're dealing with early signs of ageing or simply want to maintain a youthful glow, peptides are a powerful, skin-friendly ingredient to include in your routine. With consistent use, you'll notice firmer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin, and in K-beauty, you’ll find plenty of affordable, effective peptide products to get you started.
