Multi-Signal
Peptide System
The Multi-Signal Peptide System is Dērmyxis’ biologically informed platform, built around amino acid chains designed to interact with signalling pathways associated with the skin’s condition and function.
Modern skincare performance extends beyond replenishing moisture or forming a protective surface film. Individual peptides can be designed for distinct roles, from supporting skin structure and elasticity to addressing visible signs of ageing and reinforcing the skin barrier.
Amino Acid Chains with Biological Signalling Roles
Peptides are short chains of linked amino acids. Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of many naturally occurring proteins in the body. Arranged in different sequences, they form peptides with distinct properties and functions.
Because each peptide has a defined amino acid sequence, it can be selected for a particular role within a formula—supporting skin structure and elasticity, addressing visible signs of ageing, or helping soothe and reinforce the skin barrier.
Four Signalling Roles Defined by Molecular Structure
The fundamental building blocks linked in sequence to form a peptide chain.
The bond between amino acids that helps define the sequence and shape of the chain.
The sequence segment associated with the peptide’s specific biological role.
A conceptual illustration of the peptide’s potential involvement in skin-signalling mechanisms.
Support Skin Structure
Support mechanisms associated with skin structure, firmness and elasticity. Peptides should not be understood as directly “turning into collagen”; their role is to support signalling or conditions that favour the maintenance of skin structure.
Recovery & Antioxidant Support
Can bind trace elements or components involved in the skin’s biological processes. They are commonly used in formulations designed to support recovery and help maintain healthy-looking skin.
Soften the Appearance of Expression Lines
Target mechanisms associated with expression lines in dynamic areas such as the forehead, eye contour and lines around the mouth. They should not be presented as a “Botox alternative” without appropriate supporting evidence.
Soothing & Recovery Support
Used in formulas for sensitive, compromised or recovery-focused skin. Their roles may include soothing care, supporting the skin barrier and helping the skin adapt to environmental stressors.
Five Roles of a Peptide System Within a Formula
Support Skin Structure
Selected peptides have been studied for their role in supporting mechanisms associated with collagen, elastin and extracellular-matrix components, making them relevant to skin showing reduced firmness and elasticity.
Improve the Appearance of Wrinkles
Depending on their mechanism, peptides may help soften the appearance of fine lines, dehydration lines or expression wrinkles.
Support Skin Recovery
Suitable for formulations developed for compromised or sensitive skin, or skin requiring care after aesthetic procedures.
Enhance Formulation Versatility
Can be combined with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Panthenol, Niacinamide, antioxidants or soothing ingredients to address multiple skin concerns within one formula.
Support Long-Term Skincare Strategies
Often incorporated into maintenance routines, particularly for skin beginning to show signs of ageing, reduced elasticity or loss of firmness.
How Do Peptides Differ from Amino Acids and Collagen—and Why Does Delivery Technology Matter?
- Amino acids are building blocks and do not, by themselves, carry a specific signalling sequence.
- Collagen is a long-chain structural protein, not a “small-molecule peptide”.
- They do not perform the same specialised biological signalling roles as peptides.
- Amino acid chains with defined sequences, selected for specific signalling roles.
- May mimic or support the skin’s natural biological signals.
- These ingredient groups differ in both structure and function and should not be treated as equivalent.
Peptides can be affected by the formulation environment, enzymes, pH and their ability to interact with the skin. Product performance therefore depends not only on whether peptides are present, but also on how they are stabilised, dispersed, protected, distributed and released within the formulation design.
“”Peptide count alone does not determine product quality. An effective peptide system requires the right peptides, at the right levels, with the right complementary functions and the right protective technology.
— Dērmyxis R&D
The Peptide Platform Within the Dērmyxis Technology System
Dērmyxis does not approach peptides as a matter of adding as many ingredients as possible. Instead, peptides are selected for complementary mechanisms aligned with specific skincare objectives and combined with moisturising, recovery-supporting, antioxidant and brightening ingredients, as well as Liposome technology. The Multi-Signal Peptide System is designed for products developed for: