Best Peptides for Skin Health & Hair
Peptides that promote collagen synthesis, wound healing, and overall skin and hair health.
Top Peptides for Skin Health & Hair
| Peptide | Evidence | Use Case | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| EpigenTop Choice Epigen is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family. It plays roles in skin regeneration and has been studied for wound healing and anti-aging applications. | medium | EGF family member promoting skin regeneration | |
| Melanotan ITop Choice Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder causing severe sun sensitivity. | high | FDA-approved for photoprotection, effectively increases melanin production | |
| MatrixylTop Choice Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is a signal peptide that stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix production. It is one of the most well-studied anti-aging peptides with proven efficacy for wrinkle reduction. | high | Well-studied collagen-stimulating peptide with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy | |
| Melanotan IITop Choice Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I. It produces tanning effects and has notable effects on sexual function and appetite suppression. | high | Potent melanogenesis stimulation for tanning | |
| GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)Top Choice GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays important roles in wound healing, tissue repair, and has shown anti-aging properties in research. | high | Primary use case - collagen synthesis and wound healing | |
| SNAP-8Top Choice SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a cosmetic peptide that reduces the appearance of wrinkles by modulating muscle contraction. It is often called 'topical Botox' though it works through a different mechanism. | medium | Reduces appearance of expression wrinkles through topical application | |
| ArgirelineTop Choice Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) is a widely-used cosmetic peptide that reduces wrinkle depth by inhibiting neurotransmitter release. One of the first 'Botox-like' peptides developed for topical use. | medium | Clinically studied for wrinkle reduction with consistent topical use | |
| Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Top Choice Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is a lipopeptide that stimulates collagen production. It's one of two peptides in the Matrixyl 3000 complex, working synergistically with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. | high | Well-studied collagen-stimulating peptide for anti-aging | |
| Syn-AkeTop Choice Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate) is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the effect of Waglerin-1, a peptide found in Temple Viper venom. It's used in cosmetics for anti-wrinkle effects. | medium | Snake venom peptide mimetic for topical muscle relaxation and wrinkle reduction | |
| LeuphasylTop Choice Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is a cosmetic peptide that reduces muscle tension through a mechanism similar to enkephalins. Often combined with Syn-Ake for enhanced anti-wrinkle effects. | medium | Enkephalin-mimetic peptide for reducing expression lines | |
| Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Top Choice Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is an anti-inflammatory peptide that reduces IL-6 secretion. Combined with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, it forms Matrixyl 3000, addressing both collagen production and inflammation. | high | Anti-inflammatory peptide that reduces skin aging from chronic inflammation | |
| AHK-CuTop Choice AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3, Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is a copper peptide similar to GHK-Cu but with different properties. It's used for hair growth and skin rejuvenation applications. | medium | Copper peptide for skin rejuvenation and collagen stimulation | |
| KPV KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the parent hormone without the tanning or other melanocortin effects. | medium | Topical anti-inflammatory for skin conditions |