Peptides—short chains of amino acids—have been steadily rising in the beauty and hair-care world for several years. In 2025, we’re seeing them make even bigger leaps both in skincare and hair/scalp health. Below is a breakdown of the trend, what the research and industry say, and which specific peptides to look out for.
Why Peptides Are Trending in 2025
- According to industry reports, peptides remain a “stronghold” ingredient in beauty for 2025, especially because of their collagen-boosting and regenerative capacities.
- The “skinification” of hair care (applying skincare-style ingredients and routines to the scalp/hair) has pushed peptides into hair-care products: scalp treatments, hair serums, etc.
- Research is accelerating: for example, an article in Cosmetics (2025) outlines peptides from pharmaceuticals being repurposed or reformatted for cosmetic use (skin repair, anti-aging, etc.).
- Consumers are searching for peptides, trend-tracking data shows big upticks in interest.
So the upshot: peptides are no longer niche; they’re moving into mainstream skincare and hair-care as viable active ingredients—not just marketing fluff.
Top Peptides to Watch for Skin & Hair in 2025
Here are specific peptides already showing up and being highlighted in the research/industry, with key benefits for skin or hair health.
1. GHK‑Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)
- Frequently cited in skincare as a premium peptide for regeneration, collagen/elastin stimulation, and skin repair.
- Also referenced in hair care: by helping support the ecosystem of the follicle, matrix proteins, and anchoring. (See research on hair-care peptides and follicle health)
- Benefit summary: improved skin firmness & texture, wound/repair support; in hair, stronger shaft / better anchoring of hair fiber.
2. Biomimetic Peptides for Hair & Scalp
- A hair-care market article states that peptides are increasingly used for their signalling roles, stimulating follicle activity, enhancing scalp circulation, and reinforcing hair strength.
- Example: peptides that replicate growth‐factor signals or matrix stimulation in hair follicles.
- Benefit summary: in hair care, these target thinning, fragility, weak anchorage, or scalp health rather than purely cosmetic gloss.
3. Plant-derived or Novel Peptides (e.g., Hydrolyzed Lupin Protein, sh-Polypeptide-45)
- Trend reports highlight that natural/plant-based peptides are gaining traction, e.g., hydrolyzed lupin protein (a peptide derivative) tripled its usage in certain formulations.
- Also, the “synthetic human peptide” sh-Polypeptide-45 is cited as a newcomer for targeted skin renewal.
- Benefit summary: more “clean,” vegan-friendly peptide solutions; may appeal to sensitive skin, ethical, or regulatory-driven consumers.
4. Peptides for Hair Growth & Hair Quality
- A study showed collagen peptides (in the context of hair) improve hair growth and keratin synthesis.
- Another source: hair-care trends 2025 emphasize peptides in hair products to promote follicle support, reduce hair loss, and improve density.
- Benefit summary: stronger, thicker hair strands; better scalp environment; reduced shedding.
How to Incorporate These (What to Look For)
- Skincare formulations: Look for serums or creams with “peptide complex,” or named peptides like GHK-Cu, palmitoyl-pentapeptide, acetyl-hexapeptide, etc.
- Hair & scalp products: Scalp serums, leave-in treatments, shampoos/conditioners with peptides listed. Focus on “follicle support”, “scalp health”, and “anti-shedding”.
- Formulation & delivery matter: Because peptides are small molecules and may degrade, products with stable delivery systems (liposomal, encapsulated) may perform better. Research on cosmetic peptides highlights the importance of stability and penetration.
- Claims vs evidence: While peptides show promise, especially for skin and hair, one note of caution: hair growth results often require consistent use and may be complementary rather than dramatic overnight.
Things to Keep in Mind / Limitations
- Peptides are not miracle cures: For significant hair loss (medical conditions) or skin disease, they are part of a broader regimen, not standalone fixes.
- Cost & formulation vary: As peptide ingredients become more popular, there’s a wide range of product quality. Packaging, concentration, and additional actives matter.
- Research in hair care is still growing: While there are studies, the body of evidence for certain hair-care peptides is less mature than for skin.
- Regulatory & sourcing: As formulations increase, paying attention to ingredient sourcing, stability, and claims is important (especially in global markets) — research shows peptide cosmetics are navigating these issues.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, peptides will have firmly established themselves as key actives in both skin and hair care. For skin: we’re seeing collagen-stimulating, repair-oriented peptides (like GHK-Cu) take centre stage. For hair: peptides are moving into the scalp care domain, targeting follicle strength, density, and structural support. Additionally, plant-based and novel peptide derivatives add new options for consumers seeking more ethical or “clean” solutions.
If you’re exploring peptide products for skin or hair, focus on reputable brands with transparent ingredient lists, look for named peptides, consider pairing with other supporting actives (e.g., antioxidants, keratin/hyaluronic acid for hair), and maintain consistency.
Of course, as wonderful as peptides are, there’s more to optimizing health than hormones alone. To help put things in proper perspective, I’ve developed something I call the 6 Pillars of Health and the 5Ms of Healing. Enhancing & optimizing each of these will have a huge positive impact on your health. These are the kind of things that we look at when making hormonal balancing recommendations.
6 Pillars of Health: 1. Sound Body Structure; 2. Proper Nutrition; 3. Appropriate Exercise & Physical Activity 4. Sound Sleep & Recovery; 5. Mental Attitude/Stress; 6. Environment
The 5Ms of health & healing are: 1. Microvascular health; 2. Mitochondrial health; 3. Metabolic health; 4. Muscle/Metabolic Reserves; 5. Membranes