Peptides in natural cosmetics

Peptides? What are they? What does this have to do with natural cosmetics? In this article, we not only explain what peptides are, but also reveal the secret of their transformative power in skincare. The natural and targeted effect of peptides on the skin's aging processes doesn't promise anti-aging, but rather beautiful aging—sustainably beautiful, smooth, and radiant skin.

The benefits of peptides for the skin in brief

• Skin regeneration and anti-aging: Peptides can stimulate collagen production, help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and embody a youthful appearance.
• Moisture retention and protection: Peptides help the skin retain moisture while strengthening the skin barrier to protect it from external influences.
• Targeted treatments: A variety of peptide formulas can address a wide range of skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation to sensitive skin.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids (up to approximately 50 amino acids), while proteins form long chains of amino acids. They play a crucial role in many biological processes in our body: they can be signaling molecules such as hormones, transporters, structural elements such as collagen, motors, or catalysts (enzymes). However, their capabilities extend far beyond known systems. In the world of cosmetics, peptides are now enjoying success and great popularity due to their effectiveness in promoting radiant skin and beautiful aging.

What types of peptides are there?

Different types of peptides are used in cosmetics due to their diverse functions and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of peptides in cosmetics, along with examples of their applications:

• Signal peptides: These peptides send signals to skin cells to regulate specific functions. One example is hexapeptide-11, which stimulates collagen production and improves skin firmness.
• Carrier peptides: These peptides act as "transporters" for other active ingredients to transport them into the target tissues. One example is palmitoyl tripeptide-1, which promotes skin regeneration and improves the absorption of other ingredients.
• Mimetic Peptides: This very special class of peptides mimics the functions of natural skin molecules to achieve specific results. For example, the mimetic peptide Crystalide stimulates the molecule α-A-crystallin, the so-called "highlighter protein." It ensures the softness, elegant radiance, and transparency of so-called "glass skin." More details on the Crystalide peptide follow below.
• Enzyme inhibitor peptides: These peptides inhibit the activity of certain enzymes in the skin that are responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin. One example is tripeptide-1, which reduces the activity of enzymes that break down collagen to slow skin aging.
• Growth Factor Peptides: These peptides mimic the action of natural growth factors in the skin to promote cell regeneration and healing. One example is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to improve skin texture and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

These types of peptides are used in a variety of skin care products such as creams, serums, masks and treatments to treat various skin problems and to feel maximally comfortable and beautiful in your own skin.

Excursus: Skin like a piece of crystal - Crystalide Peptide, a special mimetic peptide

Cystalide peptide is a bioharmonic peptide that promotes the formation of the body's own protein α-A-crystallin . Approximately 50% of α-A-crystallin is found in the lens of the eye, and the remaining portion is distributed throughout other tissue layers, including the skin. α-A-crystallin is a chaperone protein, a kind of "chaperone." It ensures that other newly formed proteins fold correctly and safely, thus taking on the correct shape. It also appears to play an important role in oxidation protection, meaning it protects other molecules and structures from oxidative stress.

Stimulates the formation of α-A-crystallin

In skincare, increased production of α-A-crystallin is synonymous with transparency and radiance of the skin. It delivers a crystal-clear, pure complexion, full of natural highlighting effects, thus ensuring a skin appearance of lightness and refinement, as is currently the case with "glass skin." The active peptide is palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10 (sequence Pal-Lys-Thr-Phe-Lys; KTFK). It maintains the proteostasis of alpha-crystallin and thus mechanisms that control protein synthesis, conformation, degradation, and aggregation. It thus maintains the skin's radiance using the body's own means and powers.

Collagen-forming and promoting keratinocyte formation

In addition, Crystalide peptides promote the skin's natural exfoliation and exfoliation processes, regulate the rate of skin cell renewal, and the pace of keratinocyte (keratin-producing) maturation. They thus ensure clear skin with a harmoniously even tone and healthy, clear skin—like a piece of crystal. This class of peptides is therefore the best choice when it comes to collagen formation, highlighting, and cell renewal at a natural level. The skin appears naturally radiant and youthful.

Ideal in combination - peptides, plant extracts and activated minerals

Peptides are unique and extremely effective in skincare, as we have now learned. The effect of peptides in a good skincare product can be even more pronounced when combined with other highly effective ingredients such as green tea extract, magnolia extract, and SAM (Surface Activated Minerals) silicon. Peptides and silicon support collagen formation, while green tea extract, with EGCG (epigallocatechin), provides one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, protecting against environmental influences, UV radiation, and oxidative stress. Magnolia bark extract is traditionally believed to possess antimicrobial protection, making it a supportive component for skin imperfections and redness.

Peptide-based formula with green tea, magnolia and SAM silicon

Natural beauty draws its strength from nature – so good cosmetic products also draw on the powerful active ingredients from the vast world of plants. Combined with modern science, technology, and biochemistry, finely tuned formulations of natural cosmetics can provide an elegant boost that pays off. Feeling good in your own skin means soft, pure, and delicate skin, a healthy, smooth complexion that ideally comes from within – but can be well supported and activated from the outside. https://tigogreen.de/produkt/tigoderm-lifting-serum/

Natural cosmetics with peptides, green tea and SAM silicon

Crystalline peptides: As mentioned, they stimulate collagen production, creating a radiantly soft complexion and natural highlights like the well-known "glass skin." This peptide is not named for nothing: it promotes the production of the body's own protein α-A-crystallin, which, as a "highlighter protein," reveals a soft, youthful complexion and enhances radiance.

Green tea: The young leaves of the green tea plant Camellia sinensis are packed with valuable plant compounds such as chlorophyll, polyphenols, and tannins. The most important representatives are catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It is nature's most powerful antioxidant and helps protect the skin from environmental influences such as UV radiation, stress, and premature aging processes—which often lead to unwanted wrinkles. EGCG provides an antioxidant foundation to counteract these processes and ensure beautiful aging across the board.

Silicon / Surface Activated Minerals (SAM): Silicon is clearly one of the top skin minerals. Silicon helps the skin retain moisture – it can absorb 300 times its own weight in water. It firms the skin by promoting collagen production. Elastin production is also dependent on silicon. However, silicon is inherently poorly bioavailable, which is why it's important to consider the source of the silicon when purchasing cosmetics. Technologies such as SAM technology – short for "surface activated minerals" – are ideal. The silicon is broken down and the surface activated, which demonstrably increases bioavailability. https://www.rilling-healthcare.de/silizium-in-der-wissenschaft/

Magnolia Bark Extract : Magnolia officinalis, known for its fragrance, beauty, and elegance, not only enchants with its blossoms, but also delivers high-quality, powerful antioxidants and antimicrobial molecules from its bark. One discovered substance is honokiol, which has been known and valued in Japanese botanical tradition for centuries.

Conclusion: Nature and science combined - The secret of beauty & care

The key to natural beauty and eternal youth lies neither in pure plant-based traditions nor in the industrial production of cosmetics. Rather, it is a finely tuned blend of bioharmonic molecules such as peptides, especially Crystalide Peptides. They stimulate collagen production and natural crystalline proteins to harness the body's own resources for a youthful, radiant complexion. Peptides are molecules naturally produced by the body that, when applied externally, can stimulate and promote other supporting processes in the skin. Peptides are a simple and effective addition to skincare serums and creams, helping you feel as comfortable and beautiful as possible in your own skin—no matter your age.

Peptide-based formulations with antioxidant-rich plant extracts such as green tea extract and magnolia extract as well as an activated form of the No. 1 skin mineral silicon are recommended.