The science, simply
Peptides,
decoded.
You’ve seen the word on every serum. Scroll, and we’ll build one together: what a peptide is, what it does, and exactly which ones are in the Two-Step System.
Drag the molecule to turn it
Two targeted patch rituals are coming soon. Early access is now open.
The science, simply
You’ve seen the word on every serum. Scroll, and we’ll build one together: what a peptide is, what it does, and exactly which ones are in the Two-Step System.
Drag the molecule to turn it
01 · Amino acids
Your body uses twenty of them to build every protein, including the collagen in your skin. Each one has a single-letter code. Here are eight.
02 · Peptides
A peptide is a short chain of amino acids.1 Three make a tripeptide. Six make a hexapeptide. Both peptides in the Two-Step System are built this way.
G–H–K: glycine, histidine, lysine. A tripeptide.
03 · Scale
Collagen is a protein, and one of its chains runs to more than a thousand amino acids. Next to it, a cosmetic peptide is a handful of beads.
04 · Jobs
Described as influencing the skin’s protein turnover, mostly toward more collagen.2
Carry a trace mineral with them. GHK carries copper.
In the system · Stage 2 gel patch
Studied for the look of expression lines. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is the best known.
In the system · Stage 1 prep patch
05 · GHK-Cu
GHK holds a single copper ion between its glycine and histidine. On ingredient lists it’s copper tripeptide-1. Copper is used by an enzyme skin needs to form collagen and elastin.2
06 · Size
Skin’s outer layer is built to keep things out. As a rough guide, molecules under about 500 daltons pass it more easily.5 GHK-Cu sits under that line. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 sits above it.
How an ingredient is delivered matters as much as what it is. See how the Two-Step System is used
What’s inside the Two-Step System
Choose the result you care about. Each ingredient says what it’s there for, and how far the evidence goes.
Copper tripeptide-1 · carrier peptide
A copper-binding peptide used for the look of firmer, smoother skin.
In the system · Stage 2 gel patch
Also sold as Argireline · neurotransmitter-affecting peptide
Used to soften the look of expression lines.
In the system · Stage 1 prep patch
A salt of hyaluronic acid · humectant
Draws in and holds water, so skin feels and looks more hydrated.
First found in microbes living in desert salt lakes
Helps skin hold on to moisture and feel comfortable.
The same molecule as in your coffee
Often used for the look of puffiness and a fresher appearance.
What to expect
Peptides are useful cosmetic ingredients. They’re also easy to oversell. Here’s where we stand.
Studies on peptide ingredients run for weeks, not days. Consistency matters more than any single evening.
These products are for the look and feel of your skin. They don’t replace advice or treatment from a doctor.
Every claim on this page links to its source. Finished-product results will be added when testing is complete.