Ultraceuticals Expert Advocate Corinna Tolan breaks down one of skincare’s most powerful anti-ageing ingredients—and shares her go-to peptide-rich product picks.

If you take a closer look at the ingredients list on your favourite hydrating or anti-ageing skincare products, chances are you’ll spot one common powerhouse ingredient: Peptides.

But what exactly are peptides? What do they do for your skin? And who should be using them?

To demystify the ingredient and explore the visible benefits it brings to skin at every age, we spoke to multi award-winning facialist and Ultraceuticals Expert Advocate Corinna Tolan, who shares her professional insights and the Ultraceuticals formulas she turns to time and again

What Are Peptides?

“Peptides are short chains of amino acids—the building blocks of essential proteins like collagen and elastin,” explains Corinna. “Applied topically, they act as messengers, encouraging the skin to produce more collagen and improving elasticity, tone, and hydration over time.”
“In short? They’re one of the most important ingredients in skincare when it comes to keeping skin looking plump, smooth and youthful.”

Who Should Use Peptides?

“Peptides can benefit every skin type, but they’re particularly valuable for anyone experiencing signs of premature ageing or collagen decline,” says Corinna. “Think fine lines, dehydration, dullness, and loss of firmness.”
“As we age, our natural collagen production begins to slow—but peptides help to stimulate the skin to rebuild what’s been lost, restoring bounce, firmness, and radiance.”

Corinna’s Peptide Picks from Ultraceuticals

    • Ultra A Perfecting Serum RRP: €85.50 / £76.00
      This is one of the brand’s most-loved formulas for a reason. It combines powerful retinol with science back peptides to target multiple signs of ageing and boost skin resilience.
    • Ultra A Perfecting Eye Cream RRP: €81.00 / £72.00
      The same peptide complex, but specially formulated for the delicate eye area. It helps soften fine lines, firm the skin, and improve overall eye contour.
    • Ultra B² Hydrating Eye Mask RRP: €75.00 / £66.00
      A real skincare SOS for tired, puffy under-eyes. Each hydrogel mask is infused with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide to instantly hydrate, smooth and refresh.
Throughout May, when you buy any two Ultraceuticals products, you’ll receive a free Mesh Tote Bag (worth €30/£27). Available exclusively at Ultraceuticals.ie and in Ultraceuticals partner clinics and salons nationwide.