Peptide Serum Compatibility and Stability

Introduction to Peptides

• Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can have various beneficial effects on the skin, similar to how peptide-based formulas work in other applications 1, 2
• Peptides require specific environmental conditions to maintain their stability and efficacy, particularly regarding pH levels 2

Formulation Considerations

• The stability of peptides depends on their specific structure and the overall formulation of the product 2, 3
• Some peptides are more stable than others in varying pH environments 2
• Protein corona formation (protein adsorption onto surfaces) can affect how peptides interact with other ingredients and the skin 1, 4
• Carrier systems used in peptide serums can influence their stability when combined with other actives 3, 5

Compatibility with Active Ingredients

• Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) create a low pH environment that may potentially destabilize or deactivate certain peptides 2
• Research shows that pH significantly affects the efficiency of peptide derivatization and function 2
• When acids remain on the skin after application, they can lower the pH of subsequently applied products, potentially reducing the efficacy of peptides 2

Best Practices for Use

• Allow time between applying acid products and peptide serums (10-15 minutes) to let the skin's pH normalize 2
• Assuming all peptides behave the same way - different peptide structures have different stability profiles 3, 5
• Using products with extreme pH differences in immediate succession can affect peptide stability 2