The Chemistry of Compatibility: What Should You Not Layer with Peptides?

Wondering "What should you not layer with peptides?" Avoid strong acids and low-pH Vitamin C. Discover how Rysun Biotech’s Swiss-inspired R&D stabilizes peptides for maximum efficacy.

The Chemistry of Compatibility: What Should You Not Layer with Peptides?

Introduction
Peptides are the "architects" of skincare, signaling the skin to build collagen and repair itself. However, they are chemically fragile. Unlike hardy ingredients like Niacinamide, Peptides can easily break apart if placed in the wrong environment. This leads consumers and brand owners to ask the crucial question: "What should you not layer with peptides?"

At Guangzhou Rysun Biotechnology, we view skincare formulation as precise chemistry. Founded in 2014 by Ivy Wong to solve the industry's "inconsistent quality," and specifically inspired by deep discussions with a Swiss anti-aging expert, we understand that a product is only as good as its stability.

Backed by our Research Institute and 20 leading scientists, we are here to prevent "chemical warfare" on your face. Here is the scientific guide on what to avoid mixing with Peptides to ensure they actually work.

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The Golden Rule: Watch the pH

To understand "what should you not layer with peptides," you must understand Hydrolysis.

• The Science: Peptides are chains of amino acids. They function best at a neutral pH (around 5.5 to 6.0).
• The Risk: If you mix them with ingredients that have a very low pH (highly acidic), the bond holding the amino acids together can break (hydrolyze). A broken peptide cannot send signals. It becomes useless.

1. Do Not Layer with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

• The Conflict: AHAs like Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid need a pH of 3.0–4.0 to exfoliate.
• The Result: If you apply a Peptide serum immediately after a strong AHA toner, the acidity can destabilize the peptides.
• The Rysun Solution: We advise our 700+ brand partners to create routines where acids are used at night and peptides in the morning, or to wait 15 minutes between steps to allow the skin's pH to neutralize.

2. Do Not Layer with Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

• The Conflict: Similar to AHAs, Salicylic Acid (BHA) is acidic.
• The Result: While beneficial for acne, layering it directly with expensive Signal Peptides can reduce the efficacy of the anti-aging treatment.
• The Rysun Solution: We formulate Practical Solutions—such as cleansers containing Salicylic Acid that are rinsed off before the Peptide serum is applied, preventing direct interaction.

3. Do Not Layer Copper Peptides with Pure Vitamin C

This is a specific, high-risk conflict.

• The Conflict: Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu) are metal ions. Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) is an unstable antioxidant.
• The Result: The Copper can oxidize the Vitamin C rapidly, rendering the Vitamin C useless. Conversely, the low pH of the Vitamin C can damage the Copper Peptide.
• The Rysun Solution: We use advanced derivatives. Rysun manufactures serums with THD Ascorbate (a stable, oil-soluble Vitamin C) that has a neutral pH. This allows us to create formulations where Vitamin C and Peptides can coexist safely.

The Rysun Advantage: Engineering Compatibility

Why do consumers have to worry about layering? Because many manufacturers sell unstable, single-ingredient products.

Rysun Biotechnology solves this through superior engineering (253 IPs):

• pH Balancing: Our Research Institute carefully adjusts the pH of our Peptide serums to be robust enough to handle layering.

• Encapsulation: We use encapsulation technology to protect sensitive peptides. This "shell" allows them to bypass surface acids and release deep in the dermis, avoiding the conflict entirely.

• Strict QC: Our 50 inspection procedures ensure that every batch of Peptide serum has the exact pH required for stability, ensuring your customers get results, not broken molecules.

Conclusion

So, what should you not layer with peptides?
Avoid layering them directly with strong acids (AHA/BHA) or pure L-Ascorbic Acid.

However, rules are meant to be broken by science. At Rysun Biotechnology, we combine over 10 years of manufacturing excellence with Swiss-inspired R&D to create stable, compatible formulations. We can help you manufacture products that play nice with others, making skincare routines simple and effective.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use Retinol with Peptides?
A: Yes! This is a fantastic combination. Retinol does not have the same low pH issues as AHAs. Using Peptides with Retinol helps soothe the skin while the Retinol works.

Q2: Can I use Niacinamide with Peptides?
A: Absolutely. Both work well at a neutral pH. They are highly compatible and work synergistically to repair the skin barrier and improve texture.

Q3: What if I really want to use acids and peptides together?
A: You can, but timing is key. Apply your Acid toner, wait 15-20 minutes for your skin's pH to rebalance, and then apply your Peptide serum.

Q4: Does Rysun make a serum that combines everything safely?
A: Yes. We specialize in "All-in-One" formulations. Using stable derivatives and encapsulation, we can create a single serum that offers the benefits of exfoliation, brightening, and firming without the chemical conflict.