Cosmeceutical Peptides in the Framework of Sustainable Wellness Economy

Abstract

Among the many aspects that contribute to the wellness of each individual, healthy and younger-looking skin play a relevant role, as clearly shown by the important growth of the skin-care products market observed in recent years. In this scenario, the field of cosmeceuticals appears particularly promising, being based on cosmetic products containing active ingredients. Among these, several peptides were proposed for cosmeceutical applications, thanks to their specific interaction with biological targets. In this mini-review, we report some of the most investigated and used peptides for cosmetic formulations, taking into account that cosmeceutical peptides are basically divided into three main categories (i.e., neurotransmitter inhibitors, carriers, and signal peptides). Special attention was payed to the scientific studies supporting the claimed biological activity of these peptides, as a fundamental aspect that should underpin the growth of this field in the framework of a sustainable wellness economy.

A Global Review on Short Peptides: Frontiers and Perspectives

“…Moreover, several natural peptides, such as carnosine, keratin, soybean, silk fibroin, and black rice peptides cannot be neglected [ 383 ]. These natural peptides as cosmeceutical ingredients fit perfectly into the rules of sustainability due to their high biodegadibility, low toxicity, moderate manufacturing costs, and convenient scale-up production ability [ 382 ]. More specifically, the United Nation defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals for the better future of the world, in relation to either people or the environment.…”

Neurocosmetics in Skincare—The Fascinating World of Skin–Brain Connection: A Review to Explore Ingredients, Commercial Products for Skin Aging, and Cosmetic Regulation

“…In fact, carrier peptides can be considered a subcategory of signal oligopeptides [336,344]. As an example of this class of topical peptides, it is worth mentioning that Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-3) is the first peptide to be formulated in skincare products [301,303,331,332,336,344,345,348,349].…”

Peptides and Peptidomimetics as Inhibitors of Enzymes Involved in Fibrillar Collagen Degradation

“…Fibrillar collagen is responsible for skin elasticity, firmness, and overall wellness and good appearance. In the field of cosmeceuticals, being on the border between traditional cosmetics and drug-like products, the claimed effect of a given cosmetic product should be connected with proven efficacy and activity of its active ingredient(s) [49]. Therefore, collagen degradation inhibitors and collagen biosynthesis enhancers are highly requested and broadly investigated in the recent years.…”