TRANSDERMAL PEPTIDE DELIVERY: The skin's stratum corneum is the primary barrier to peptide absorption. Peptides >500 Da (most therapeutic peptides are 500-5000 Da) have very limited passive transdermal penetration. Enhancement strategies include: iontophoresis (electrical current drives charged peptides across skin), microneedling (creates temporary microchannels), chemical penetration enhancers (DMSO, ethanol, fatty acids), liposomal encapsulation, and nanoparticle carriers. GHK-Cu is one of the few peptides with well-documented topical efficacy — the copper tripeptide is small enough (340 Da) for reasonable skin penetration and directly stimulates dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes at the application site. For other peptides, topical is generally considered a supplementary route — injection remains the standard for systemic effects. COMPOUNDING PHARMACIES can prepare custom peptide creams (typically in PLO — pluronic lecithin organogel — or Lipoderm transdermal base) at prescribed concentrations.
injection
Topical Peptides — Creams, Patches, and Transdermal
💡 Tips
LAYERING WITH SKINCARE: When using cosmetic peptide serums, apply them to clean, slightly damp skin before heavier creams and oils. Peptide serums should be applied before retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs to avoid pH-dependent degradation. GHK-Cu should not be used simultaneously with strong acids (vitamin C at low pH, glycolic acid) — the copper complex can be disrupted. Best routine: cleanser → peptide serum → moisturizer → sunscreen.
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