Peptora Skin

The Science Behind the Formula

Our Key Ingredients

Every ingredient in our formulas is chosen for its clinical evidence, bioavailability, and synergy with the skin and scalp. We believe in transparency — here is the science behind what we use and why.

PeptideUp to 10%
01

GHK-Cu Copper Peptide

The gold standard in regenerative skincare

  • Stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis
  • Supports hair follicle regeneration
  • Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
  • Improves skin firmness and elasticity
  • Modulates gene expression for skin repair

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring copper peptide first isolated from human plasma. It is one of the most extensively studied bioactive peptides in dermatology, with over four decades of clinical research supporting its role in skin and hair biology.

Clinical Detail

GHK-Cu works by activating the body's own repair mechanisms. It stimulates collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promotes angiogenesis, and modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes — including those involved in anti-inflammatory pathways and antioxidant defence. In hair biology, GHK-Cu has been shown to enlarge hair follicle size, stimulate follicle proliferation, and extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. At concentrations of 10%, it delivers measurable improvements in skin firmness, elasticity and surface texture, while supporting the scalp microenvironment for healthier, denser hair.

Retinoid0.05%
02

Retinal (Retinaldehyde)

The most effective over-the-counter retinoid

  • Accelerates cell turnover
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Fades hyperpigmentation
  • Improves skin texture and tone
  • Antimicrobial — supports acne-prone skin

Retinal (retinaldehyde) is a third-generation retinoid and the direct precursor to retinoic acid — the active form of vitamin A that binds to skin cell receptors. Unlike retinol, which requires two conversion steps, retinal requires only one, making it significantly more potent and faster-acting.

Clinical Detail

Retinal works by binding to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs), directly regulating gene transcription involved in cell turnover, collagen production and melanin synthesis. Clinical studies demonstrate that retinal is up to 11 times more effective than retinol at equivalent concentrations, with a superior tolerability profile compared to prescription tretinoin. At 0.05%, it accelerates epidermal cell renewal, reduces the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation, and improves overall skin texture. Its antimicrobial properties also make it effective for acne-prone skin. When combined with GHK-Cu, the regenerative and renewal pathways work synergistically for accelerated anti-ageing results.

Hair Active3%
03

Redensyl

Clinically proven to outperform minoxidil in hair density

  • Targets hair follicle stem cells
  • Increases hair density by up to 17%
  • Reduces scalp inflammation
  • Outperforms 5% minoxidil in clinical trials
  • Extends the anagen (growth) phase

Redensyl is a patented hair growth active developed by Givaudan Active Beauty, combining DHQG (dihydroquercetin-glucoside), EGCG2 (epigallocatechin gallate-glucoside), glycine, zinc and glycerin. It is the first molecule to target hair follicle stem cells directly.

Clinical Detail

Redensyl acts on the outer root sheath (ORS) cells of the hair follicle — the stem cells responsible for initiating new hair growth. By activating the LAMIN protein pathway, it triggers ORS cells to divide and re-enter the anagen phase, effectively waking dormant follicles. In a 112-person clinical study over 84 days, Redensyl demonstrated a 17% increase in hair density and a 214% increase in the ratio of anagen to telogen hairs — outperforming 5% minoxidil in head-to-head comparisons. It also reduces scalp inflammation via its polyphenol components, creating an optimal environment for sustained follicle activity.

HumectantMulti-weight complex
04

Hyaluronic Acid

Deep, multi-layer hydration from the inside out

  • Holds up to 1,000x its weight in water
  • Reduces transepidermal water loss
  • Plumps and smooths skin surface
  • Stimulates endogenous HA production
  • Improves skin elasticity and barrier function

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found throughout the body's connective tissue, with the highest concentrations in the skin. A single molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it the most effective humectant in modern skincare.

Clinical Detail

Our formulas use a multi-molecular-weight HA complex. High-molecular-weight HA (1,000–1,800 kDa) forms a moisture-retaining film on the skin surface, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and providing immediate plumping. Low-molecular-weight HA (10–50 kDa) penetrates deeper into the epidermis, delivering hydration to the stratum spinosum and stimulating endogenous HA synthesis. Sodium hyaluronate, the salt form, offers superior skin penetration and stability. Clinical studies confirm that multi-weight HA complexes provide significantly greater and longer-lasting hydration than single-weight formulations, with measurable improvements in skin elasticity and barrier function after 8 weeks of use.

Vitamin B35%
05

Niacinamide

The multi-tasking vitamin that transforms skin tone and texture

  • Reduces hyperpigmentation and uneven tone
  • Strengthens the skin barrier
  • Regulates sebum production
  • Minimises pore appearance
  • Anti-inflammatory — calms redness and irritation

Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is the amide form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin with a broad and well-documented range of skin benefits. It is one of the most clinically validated cosmetic actives, with a strong safety profile across all skin types including sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.

Clinical Detail

Niacinamide works through multiple mechanisms simultaneously. It inhibits the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes, reducing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It upregulates the synthesis of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol — the three key lipids of the skin barrier — improving barrier integrity and reducing TEWL. It also reduces sebum production by up to 20%, making it effective for oily and acne-prone skin. At 5%, niacinamide has been shown to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines and sallowness, while its anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and irritation. It also supports the scalp by regulating sebum and reducing follicular inflammation.

Lipid5 ceramide types
06

Ceramides (5-Ceramide Complex)

Rebuilding the skin barrier from the ground up

  • Restores the skin's natural lipid barrier
  • Reduces transepidermal water loss by up to 40%
  • Improves hydration within 2 weeks
  • Protects against environmental aggressors
  • Suitable for sensitive and compromised skin

Ceramides are a family of lipid molecules that make up approximately 50% of the skin's stratum corneum. They are the primary structural component of the skin barrier, forming the 'mortar' between skin cells that prevents moisture loss and protects against environmental aggressors.

Clinical Detail

Our formula incorporates five distinct ceramide types — Ceramide NP, AP, EOP, NS and AS — mirroring the natural ceramide profile of healthy skin. As we age, ceramide levels decline significantly, compromising barrier function and leading to dryness, sensitivity and accelerated ageing. Topical ceramide supplementation has been clinically shown to restore barrier integrity, reduce TEWL by up to 40%, and improve skin hydration within 2 weeks of use. The five-ceramide complex works synergistically with cholesterol and fatty acids to rebuild the lamellar bilayer structure of the stratum corneum, providing long-term barrier repair rather than temporary surface hydration. This makes it particularly effective for compromised, sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Vitamin B52%
07

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

Soothing, healing, and deeply conditioning

  • Penetrates hair cortex to strengthen and condition
  • Reduces breakage and split ends
  • Accelerates wound healing and skin repair
  • Soothes irritation and inflammation
  • Improves skin smoothness and hydration

Panthenol is the provitamin form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Upon skin or scalp absorption, it is converted to pantothenic acid, which plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, tissue repair and the synthesis of coenzyme A — essential for fatty acid metabolism and energy production in skin cells.

Clinical Detail

Panthenol is a bifunctional active: it acts as both a humectant and an emollient, attracting and retaining moisture while softening the skin and hair shaft. In the scalp and hair, panthenol penetrates the hair cortex, increasing hair diameter, improving tensile strength and reducing breakage. It has been shown to reduce split ends and improve hair manageability after a single application. On the skin, panthenol accelerates wound healing by stimulating fibroblast proliferation and epidermal re-epithelialisation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly effective for soothing irritated, post-procedure or sensitised skin. At 2%, it provides measurable improvements in skin smoothness, hydration and barrier recovery.

Formulated With Purpose

Every Peptora Skin product is built around a core of clinically validated actives, chosen for their synergy and efficacy. No fillers. No compromises.