GHK-Cu and Copper PeptidesA natural copper-binding tripeptide used in skin and hair-care products. As a cosmetic cream it's an ordinary…Topical cosmetic: sold legally · Injectable: not authorized
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)A cosmetic signal peptide designed for creams and serums. One 12-week split-face trial found modest wrinkle…Cosmetic / food ingredient
Argireline and Other Cosmetic PeptidesArgireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8) is a cosmetic peptide marketed for expression lines. Studies are small and usually…Cosmetic / food ingredient
Collagen PeptidesHydrolyzed collagen powders and capsules taken by mouth. Meta-analyses find modest improvements in skin hydration and…Sold legally as food / natural health productEvidence at a glance
Status and evidence table
| Peptide | Canada status | Human evidence |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu and Copper Peptides | Topical cosmetic: sold legally · Injectable: not authorized | Topical: limited (cosmetic studies); injectable: very limited |
| Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) | Cosmetic / food ingredient | Limited: one key industry-run RCT |
| Argireline and Other Cosmetic Peptides | Cosmetic / food ingredient | Limited: small product studies |
| Collagen Peptides | Sold legally as food / natural health product | Moderate: some randomized human trials, specific uses (skin hydration and elasticity, with bias concerns) |
Status reflects Health Canada's peptide pages, its April 2026 advisory and the Drug Product Database as checked on November 10, 2026. Authorized products carry an 8-digit DIN (drugs) or NPN (natural health products).