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Peptides are having their moment in skincare. You’ll find them everywhere: in firming creams, anti-aging serums, even eye patches promising miracles overnight. They're basically short chains of amino acids—the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin. Sounds pretty harmless, right?
But here’s the thing. Even something that sounds gentle can still cause trouble for sensitive skin.
Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and if your face reacts faster than a toddler told “no,” peptides might not be your new best friend… yet.
Wait—peptides cause irritation?
Not typically. Peptides themselves aren’t known for being irritating. They’re actually often praised for their compatibility with sensitive skin skincare products. But the issue usually lies in how they're formulated—or rather, what else they’re formulated with.
Many peptide-rich serums from top cosmetic brands contain active ingredients like retinol, exfoliating acids, or essential oils. And if your skin’s already on edge, piling on too many actives can push it over the edge.
So, how do you know if it’s safe?
If you're dealing with sensitive skin, skincare routines should always err on the cautious side. That means:
Patch testing—always. Even if the product promises it’s “for sensitive skin.”
Reading the entire ingredient list—not just the marketing claims.
Choosing fragrance-free and alcohol-free options (big irritants hiding in plain sight).
Introducing peptides slowly, ideally one product at a time.
And yes, that includes the fancy anti-aging eye serum your friend swears by.
What happens if you do react to peptides?
First off, don't freak out. If you have mild redness or tingling, it could be your skin is still getting used to a new product. But you should put it on hold if your skin appears irritated, tight, or itchy.
Strip your sensitive skin skincare routine back to the basics: gentle cleanser, plain moisturizer, sunscreen. Give your skin a break for a few days, then reintroduce actives slowly. You might find peptides can work for you, just in a different formula or at a lower concentration.