Medi-Peel Peptide 9 Aqua Essence Lifting Ampoule

It's a water-based lifting serum targeting three concerns at once: loss of firmness, dehydration, and early signs of aging. The formula combines 9 peptides with a six-form hyaluronic acid complex, glutathione, stable vitamin C, and CoQ10 to hydrate deeply, visibly improve elasticity, and protect against oxidative aging. It suits normal, dry, combination, and dull skin types, and works well for anyone in their mid-twenties or older who wants one serum that covers both hydration and firming.

Most hyaluronic acid serums contain one or two forms of HA. This formula contains six distinct molecular forms: standard Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate (surface and mid-depth hydration), Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer (forms a moisture-retaining film on the skin surface), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (smaller molecules that penetrate more deeply), Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate (charged form that bonds more readily to the skin), and Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate (the most stable, oil-affinitive form, shown to hold moisture longer). Together they hydrate at every layer simultaneously, which is why the plumping effect is more lasting than a single-form HA product.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 signal collagen and elastin production. Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 support structural protein synthesis and skin matrix repair. Copper Tripeptide-1 and the Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Copper complex promote tissue regeneration and firmness. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Acetyl Octapeptide-3 relax tension in expression lines. Dipeptide-2 is specific to improving microcirculation and reducing fluid retention — the peptide most commonly associated with depuffing and lymphatic drainage support.

Oxidative stress — caused by UV exposure, pollution, and metabolic processes — is one of the primary drivers of visible skin aging. It degrades collagen, accelerates wrinkle formation, and contributes to uneven pigmentation. Glutathione works systemically as a master antioxidant and has a brightening effect on skin tone. Ubiquinone (CoQ10) protects the skin's cellular energy production, which declines with age. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable, non-irritating form of vitamin C that inhibits melanin formation and boosts collagen. Together they protect the results the peptides are building.

They're designed for different zones and textures, and yes, they work well together. The ampoule is a full-face lightweight serum — applied to the entire face after cleansing, before moisturiser. The eye cream is a richer, more targeted formula specifically formulated for the periorbital area, where skin is thinner and needs a more concentrated, gentler delivery. The ampoule also adds ingredients the eye cream doesn't have — the six-form HA complex, glutathione, CoQ10, stable vitamin C, and Dipeptide-2. Use the ampoule across the whole face first, then follow with the eye cream around the eye zone specifically.

After cleansing and toning, dispense 2–3 drops onto your palm, warm briefly between your hands, then press and pat across the face and neck. Avoid rubbing — patting helps the water-based formula absorb without disturbing your skin barrier. Follow immediately with moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp to lock in the hydration. Use morning and evening. Two to three drops is enough — more doesn't improve results and depletes the bottle faster than necessary.

Yes, the formula contains fragrance, listed at the end of the ingredient list. In INCI order, a lower position typically indicates a smaller concentration, but fragrance is among the most common triggers for contact sensitisation even at low levels. If your skin is prone to reactions, redness, or barrier damage, this is not the ideal first choice — look for a fragrance-free alternative. For normal, combination, or resilient skin without known fragrance sensitivity, it's generally well tolerated. When in doubt, patch test on the inner arm for 24–48 hours before full-face application.