Anti-aging peptides are applied to the skin to obtain a local effect, acting on the factors that cause changes in the structure, appearance, functionality, and homeostasis of the skin. According to their mechanism of action, anti-aging peptides can be categorized as bioactive peptides, which act on the skin repair and renewal systems, stimulate collagen synthesis, cell proliferation, and reduce melanogenesis; antioxidant peptides, capable of eliminating ROS from the body and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are involved in the maintenance of a healthy skin microbiome.
Despite its beneficial effects, these peptides are hydrophilic substances, thus may have difficulty crossing the epidermal barrier, so conjugation with fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, is frequently used to increase protection of the peptides against enzymatic action, and their lipophilic character improve delivery through the skin.
Anti-aging peptides are therefore appealing ingredients for the cosmetic industry because of their wide applicability and also owing to their higher safety profile.

Source: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology - Anti-aging peptides for advanced skincare: Focus on nanodelivery systems

‍