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How peptides are shaping the US cosmetics industry

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Published on:
Tuesday 7th October 2025
For more than three decades, cosmetic peptides have been at the heart of breakthrough skin care innovation. Today, these small but mighty chains of amino acids are recognised as the gold standard for performance-driven beauty formulations, delivering proven benefits that support more resilient, even, and glowy skin. In this piece, we give an overview of how peptides are shaping the future of cosmetics and what you need to know to maximise their potential.
Different textures of cosmetic products, like oil and cream

What are peptides and why do they matter? 

 
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the fundamental building blocks of proteins. In skin, key proteins such as collagens and elastin provide structure and elasticity, helping it remain firm, smooth, and youthful. 
 
What makes peptides unique is their role as cellular messengers. They signal skin cells to perform vital functions such as supporting repairing processes by stimulating skin matrix key molecules. Different peptide structures target specific concerns, which is why a wide variety of them are used in advanced skin care formulations. 
 
In cosmetic applications, peptides are valued for their ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enhance texture and resilience, and promote overall skin health. Backed by robust scientific research and clinical testing, they have earned a reputation as one of the most effective and versatile active ingredients in modern skin care. 

 

The market momentum 

 
According to Future Market Insights, the peptides market is projected to grow at a 5.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2035. 
 
This momentum is driven by two key factors: 


1. Rising skin care awareness and an ageing population: More consumers are seeking peptide-based products for slow-ageing, barrier repair, and overall skin health, with demand accelerating as the senior population of older people grows. 

 
 
2. Viral consumer interest: On TikTok, #peptide has surpassed 233 million views, and #peptideskincareskin care has over 8 million, reflecting the ingredient’s mainstream appeal. 
 
Together, these trends position peptides as one of skin care’s most dynamic and future-ready categories, meeting the demand for high-efficacy, science-backed, and sustainably formulated products. 

 

Current peptide trends  

Lip care 

1. Hybrid products: Lip care and colour are merging with peptide-infused balms, glosses, lipsticks, and oils that do more than add tint. They hydrate, plump, and smooth fine lines in a single formula. Brands are leading the way with clinically tested options that fade lip lines and rejuvenate sun-exposed lips. 
 
2. Notox trend: Consumers want plumping and smoothing effects without injections. Peptides such as tripeptides mimic “tweakments,” delivering subtle volume and texture improvements without needles. 
 
3. Longevity & collagen banking: Peptides are positioned as preventive ingredients, helping maintain fullness, elasticity, and smoothness over time. This supports the growing collagen banking movement, offering a long-term slow-ageing story for lip care. 

 

Body and skin care 

1. Efficacy: Consumers now expect more than appealing textures, they want clinical proof. According to Mintel and Kantar, 77% of skin care shoppers look for products backed by efficacy data. 

2. Innovation: The skinification of body care is in full effect, as well as cross-category multi-purpose products. Consumers expect more of their body care products and actively search out familiar skin care hero ingredients. 

3. Rapid growth: The category is thriving, with the body care market projected to grow 5.23% CAGR, and body lotions leading at 11.7%, outpacing facial skin care. 

In short, efficacy, innovation, and rapid growth are transforming body care into a key beauty driver. 


Life stages 

1. Gen Z:  Gen Z is the social media generation, constantly on the search for perfect, glowy, and uniform skin without needing a filter. Peptides help Gen Z achieve their Instragram-ready looks.  

2. Adults 25–44: With more and more access to the more technical aspects of skin care, these consumers are armed with knowledge and feel comfortable using biomimetic ingredients like peptides.  

3. Menopause: This fast-growing segment is exceeding $6 billion in North America and expanding nearly 5% annually. Consumers seek proven efficacy, and retailers now feature dedicated menopause sections where many peptide-based products are displayed due to their proven efficacy for firming and elasticity.   

From breakout-prone Gen Z to midlife maintenance and menopausal care, peptides deliver targeted, science-backed solutions for every stage of skin health. 

A legacy of innovation at Croda Beauty 

From the first-generation peptides to today’s biotechnologic and carrier system advancements, peptide technology has come a long way. Croda Beauty has been at the forefront of this evolution, pioneering the iconic Matrixyl® range—a line celebrated for its anti-ageing, firming, and skin-enhancing properties backed by extensive clinical studies. 

Want to learn more? Hear from peptides experts within Croda Beauty in the latest Masterclass: How peptides are shaping cosmetics.

Sources: Future Market Insights, Mintel, Allure, Cosmetic Design, Cosmopolitan, GCI, Circana, Market Insights, Grandview Research 

Close up on a white woman's face. She has freckles and has her eyes closed as she applies a nourishing skin cream.

Masterclass: How Peptides are Shaping Cosmetics

This webinar will guide you through the strategic use of peptides in cosmetic formulations, offering insights into Croda’s rich history of innovation, current trends across body and skin care, and practical guidance to help you start your peptide journey with ingredients tailored to today’s market needs.
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND