Yes, Peptides Are Actually Worth the Skincare Hype

Peptides aren’t just taking over smoothies and supplements; they’re also having a major moment when it comes to your skin. In fact, dermatologist Hannah Kopelman, D.O., describes them as “one of the most exciting categories in modern skincare.” 

But what do peptides do for your skin, and why are dermatologists so enthusiastic about them? Simply put, they play an essential role in maintaining healthy skin. That’s why we added a clinically studied peptide to our jelly skincare line. The Milk Makeup Watermelon Jelly Hydrating Brightening Serum might have a one-of-a-kind bouncy texture, but just wait until you see how its peptide-infused formula makes your skin look equally bouncy, juicy, and plump. 

Ahead, we’ll delve deeper into the impressive skincare benefits of peptides and share valuable insights from leading dermatologists. They’ll even reveal how to find the best peptide products and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine, so you can get the most out of their skin-enhancing properties. 

What are peptides?

Often called the building blocks of proteins, peptides are short chains of amino acids that form the foundation of not only skin, but also our muscles, bones, and other tissues, explains Anna Chacon, M.D. 

Our skin is primarily composed of two proteins: elastin and collagen. According to Dr. Kopelman, peptides work as messengers to stimulate and support their production. In the process, they promote tissue repair, strengthen the skin barrier, and firm our skin. They help preserve its plumpness and elasticity, too. 

What Do Peptides Do for Your Skin?

In basic terms, peptides help defend skin from signs of aging. They are crucial for making your skin look its strongest and healthiest. Because they help boost collagen and elastin production, the key benefits of peptides include helping to improve your skin barrier, evening your skin tone, and reducing roughness for a smoother, more youthful appearance, Dr. Chacon says. 

Peptide skincare products do the same. Dr. Kopelman often recommends peptide-rich serums or moisturizers to her patients who want to improve their skin firmness, texture, and resilience, especially those with sensitive or aging skin. 

Both dermatologists emphasize that skincare peptides don’t work overnight, though. They are more of a “long-term investment” for skin health, says Dr. Kopelman. Similar to retinol, peptides require several weeks to improve skin, but the key difference is that peptides usually cause less irritation, she adds.

If you’ve recently looked at skincare ingredient labels, you might have seen a variety of peptides mentioned, such as copper peptides, collagen peptides, tripeptides, and polypeptides. While they all help strengthen the skin in similar ways, their chemical structures differ. Some contain different amounts of amino acids or interact differently at a molecular level, and some may be bonded to minerals, such as copper.

Milk Makeup’s Watermelon Jelly Hydrating Brightening Serum features a specific skincare peptide called Matrixyl. (For the star students checking the ingredient list, it appears on the as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.) Studies have shown that it can improve collagen production and increase firmness, leading to a significant reduction in fine lines over time, according to Dr. Chacon. Best of all, Matrixyl is gentle enough for sensitive skin and won’t damage your skin barrier in the process, as many glow-boosting, skin-smoothing ingredients infamously do. 

How to Use Peptides in Your Skincare Routine

Daily, consistent use is key with peptides, Dr. Chacon says. Incorporating them into your routine twice a day—in the morning and at night—is not only safe, but also effective, she adds. 

After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, Dr. Chacon suggests layering your peptide product of choice (toner, serum, lotion, etc.) with another hydrating, skin barrier-supporting product, such as a ceramide-infused moisturizer, to enhance your results. Then, “don’t forget a great sunscreen during the day to protect all those healthy new skin cells,” she adds. 

Peptides pair well with antioxidants, hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and tremella mushroom extract, and barrier boosters, such as niacinamide and ceramides. However, there are certain ingredients you should avoid when using peptides.

Ingredients with a low pH, like vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), “can degrade peptide chains,” Dr. Chacon says. With that in mind, avoiding exfoliating acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, “would be a good idea if measuring peptide use results,” she adds. 

Milk Makeup’s Watermelon Jelly Hydrating Brightening Serum checks all of these boxes with a powerhouse plumping formulation. The peptide serum stick diminishes the appearance of fine lines, amplifies skin elasticity, and improves skin texture—all while deeply hydrating with hyaluronic acid and getting your skin glowing with gentle brightening agents, Dr. Chacon says. “It really doubles down on the coveted anti-aging results,” she adds. 

Plus, Watermelon Jelly Hydrating Brightening Serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone. It’s a truly no-brainer for anyone seeking out the skincare benefits of peptides. 

How to Incorporate Jelly Skincare into Your Peptide Skincare Routine Here's how to get started with peptides using our jelly skincare products.  Your Morning Routine 1. Cleanse with your favorite gentle face wash  2. Swipe on Cooling Water Jelly Ice to calm any redness or irritation you may be experiencing.  3. Layer Watermelon Jelly Hydrating Brightening Serum on top for extra juicy glow.  4. Slather on moisturizer.  5. Apply SPF.

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Your Nighttime Routine  1. Remove your makeup.  2. Cleanse.  3. Put on Cooling Water Jelly Ice. (Its cooling sensation feels so dreamy after a long day.)  4. Follow with your Watermelon Jelly Hydrating Brightening Serum.  5. Moisturize.  Make these peptide-packed regimens a daily habit, and stick to them for at least six weeks. You’ll be well on your way to happier, healthier skin.

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Meet the Experts:  

Hannah Kopelman, D.O. (she/her) is a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery with dual clinical training in skin cancer from Boston University and in hair loss from Columbia University. When she is not contributing to dermatologic academic papers, she’s hosting a weekly podcast called  Derm Club, which features leading experts discussing techniques for treating dermatologic skin conditions.

Anna Chacon, M.D. (she/her) is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida. She is licensed to practice in all 50 states and is quickly becoming the leading teledermatologist in the nation. She is particularly interested in rural outreach and helping others in underserved areas obtain access to much-needed medical care.