You’ve probably seen the word peptide show up on supplement labels, skincare packaging or wellness blogs. But what exactly is a peptide, and why is it suddenly everywhere? In this article, we’ll discuss what peptides are, where they come from and how they differ from other common ingredients in modern wellness products.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please see the disclaimer below for more information.
At its core, a peptide is a short chain of amino acids — tiny molecules that occur naturally in the body. These chains are being explored for how they may interact with biological systems, and they’ve become part of a growing wellness conversation across nutrition, fitness, skincare and beyond.
What is a peptide?
According to the National Library of Medicine, peptides are made up of amino acids, the same basic components that form proteins. However, not all peptides are the same. The difference is in size and structure. Proteins are long and complex, while peptides are shorter and simpler, typically composed of just two to 50 amino acids.
Because of their size, peptides are often described as messengers. They’re being studied for how they may help support communication within the body — between cells, tissues or systems. Peptides already exist in your body naturally and can also be found in certain foods. This has led to a growing interest in what peptides are used for and how they might be utilized in supplements and functional wellness products.
Why peptides are getting attention
Peptides aren’t new, but how they’re being used is evolving. They’ve become more visible in wellness because they align with the current interest in ingredients that may support natural processes without being overly complex or synthetic.
Their structure makes them easy to work with in formulations. Because they’re smaller than full proteins, peptides are often used in products that aim to be efficient, focused and easy to absorb. You’ll find them in everything from clean-label supplements to skincare to fitness recovery blends.
Peptides are being utilized more than ever before in health and wellness, like bioactive peptides. What are bioactive peptides? It is a specific category of peptides used in modern supplements.
Types of peptides you’ll see in products
According to the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, peptides used in consumer products typically fall into three main categories. These categories are based on how they’re sourced.
Synthetic peptides
Laboratory-produced synthetic peptides are designed to replicate or enhance naturally occurring peptides. These are often found in pharmaceutical research or high-end products and can be formulated for targeted purposes.
Animal-derived peptides
Derived from protein sources like collagen or milk proteins, animal-derived peptides are often included in supplements intended to support skin, joints or recovery. These peptides may be broken down enzymatically to make them easier to absorb.
Plant-derived peptides
Extracted from plant proteins such as soy, rice or peas, plant-derived peptides go through a process called enzymatic hydrolysis. These proteins are broken into smaller chains that are more accessible to the body. They’re a growing category, particularly for those seeking plant-based or minimally processed options.
Are plant-based peptides effective? Each type of peptide has a unique structure and origin, which affects how it functions in different products.
Why peptides are worth knowing about
You don’t need to get into deep science to understand why peptides are worth paying attention to. These small chains of amino acids are involved in many of the body’s internal processes and are being explored for their potential to support communication within those systems.
Based on a Forbes article, consumers are becoming more aware of what goes into their supplements, skincare and nutrition products. Because of this, peptides will likely keep gaining momentum. Understand the basics so they can help you navigate wellness choices with more confidence, even if you’re not looking for anything advanced.
Knowing what a peptide is doesn’t mean you need to become an expert. It just gives you one more way to understand the products you’re seeing and the conversations happening in wellness today.
Trina Krug, MS, CDSP, is a holistic nutritionist, recipe creator and advocate for human health. Her passion for low-carb lifestyles, gluten-free eating and real nutrition education has led to the creation of Trina Krug. She spends her time creating recipes, hanging out with her family on her farm and actively working on her Doctor of Science in Integrative Health.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this article, made available via Food Drink Life, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The Content presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary changes. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk.