Peptides have been present in the cosmetics market for almost 50 years. During this time, some peptides have established themselves as effective active ingredients for a wide range of skin problems. Peptides are composed of up to 100 amino acids linked together by a peptide bond. Some peptides are unable to cross the stratum corneum and are therefore excellent film formers, occlusive agents and humectants. Hydrolysed proteins also fall under this category. However, some peptides penetrate deeper and improve skin condition through different mechanisms of action. The latter are divided into three groups, namely signal peptides, carrier peptides and inhibitory peptides. In our thesis we investigated cosmetic products containing peptides that are available on the Slovenian market. We focused on products sold online. In total, we collected 107 products, and for each of them we wrote down the brand, line, name, technological type, place of use, price, quantity, ingredients and advertising of the peptides. We also collected ingredient lists and labelled all peptides on them. After consideration, we eliminated 2 products that did not meet the criteria. We focused our research on several different aspects. The products we found were most often intended for use on the face. The products were mainly in the form of creams and serums. In addition to skincare products, we also found decorative cosmetics. Almost half of the products belong to the high price range according to the criteria we set. The products mostly contain a combination of 2 to 3 peptides. The most represented peptides were palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl hexapeptide-8, carnosine and hydrolysed proteins. We have described these peptides in more detail and summarised the studies that have confirmed their efficiency. Finally, we have focused on some of the non-compliances that have arisen during the course of our research.
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