Ingredient School: Peptides

What it is?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids — the same building blocks your skin uses to make collagen and elastin. Think of them as fragments of a protein, small enough to work on the skin's surface.

What it actually does:

Applied topically, certain peptides act like a signal to your skin cells, essentially telling them to keep producing collagen and keep repairing. They don't exfoliate or resurface the way an acid or a retinoid does — they're a "build" ingredient, not a "strip back" one, which is why they layer easily under makeup and alongside actives without much fuss.

Who it's for:

Peptides are considered one of the more universally tolerated actives — no purging period, no gradual build-up, no sun-sensitivity warning. Which makes them a good starting point for reactive skin, and an easy add-on for anyone already running a full routine of acids and retinoids.

Products to try:

• Peptide Power Toner ($44.99) — the first step, preps and hydrates
• Peptide Power Ampoule ($44.99) — the concentrated dose, worn under moisturiser
• Peptide Power Cream ($47.99) — daily moisturiser to lock it in
• Peptide Power Eye Cream ($39.99) — for the area that shows fatigue first

New to the ingredient? The Peptide Power 3-Piece Gift Set ($129.99) is the easiest way to trial the system without committing to the full five-step range.

Shop the full Beauty of Majesty range at BEAUTE KNOWS.