Maelove Peptide Squad Review: A Top Peptide Serum Explained
As a dermatologist, I’m always searching for effective products that can improve skin texture and firmness. One product that’s getting a lot of attention is the Maelove Peptide Squad serum. Peptides are newer ingredients in skincare that are known for helping boost collagen, which keeps skin firm. In this review, we’ll see if Maelove Peptide Squad really stands out as one of the best peptide serums.
If you want to learn more about peptides, watch the video below. For the full Maelove review, keep reading!
What Are Peptides and Why Do They Matter?
Before diving into the details of Maelove Peptide Squad, it’s important to understand what peptides are and how they work. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin in the skin. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of skin firmness.
According to the people who make them, peptides work by signaling the skin to produce more collagen, which decreases wrinkles.
Headlines can be deceiving—remember, not all peptides are created equal! Companies are going to create new peptides and report THIS PEPTIDE IS EVEN BETTER THAN THE LAST. Is it really? 🤷🏼♀️
I’ll be honest: I do not like peptides. I think it’s BS. Why? When people talk about "peptides," they’re using a vague term. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, but there are many different types. That lack of clarity makes it hard to know what a product with peptides will actually do without specifics. Compare that to retinol—when someone mentions it, we know exactly what it is: a form of Vitamin A that’s been proven to help with wrinkles and improve skin texture. Retinol is specific. Peptides, on the other hand, are like an umbrella term that needs more definition.
“But the studies show peptides decrease wrinkles by 1,000% in 1 week!!” Many studies on peptides are funded by the companies that make the peptides, which skews the results. Also, a lot of the research is done in labs (in vitro) or on animals, not actual people. So, we don’t always know how well these peptides will work on human skin. Some of the "success" stories are self-reported, which isn’t always reliable. It’s important to be skeptical when hearing big promises about peptides—they might not always live up to the hype.
What Can Maelove Peptide Squad Treat?
According to the website, Maelove Peptide Squad can help with a range of skin concerns:
Fine Lines and Wrinkles: By boosting collagen production, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Loss of Firmness: The peptides work to improve skin’s elasticity, helping to firm up areas that may have started to sag.
Dehydration: The added hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide hydration, making it a good option for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
Dull Texture: Regular use of peptides can improve the skin’s overall texture, making it smoother and more even.
While it’s effective for mild to moderate aging concerns, more severe wrinkles or significant loss of firmness may require stronger, prescription-strength treatments.
Key Ingredients in Maelove Peptide Squad
The Maelove Peptide Squad serum contains a blend of peptides that work together to target skin aging, along with hydrating ingredients to keep the skin moisturized and plump. Here are the main peptides:
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is an older ingredient that was first developed in the 1970s. It has become popular in skincare because it may help boost collagen, reduce inflammation, and improve skin elasticity. Even though it's been used for a long time, some studies still support its use in anti-aging products today.
Matrixyl 3000 is a combination of proteins (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) that help boost collagen and reduce inflammation. It was created in the early 2000s as an improvement over the original Matrixyl. However, there are now more advanced versions of Matrixyl available today.
Often called "Botox in a bottle," Argireline is a peptide that’s said to reduce wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles, especially those caused by repeated expressions. But here’s the catch: for a molecule to penetrate the skin, it typically needs to be under 500 Daltons, and Argireline weighs around 900 Daltons. So, does it even get into the skin, let alone reach the neuron to work? 🤷🏼♀️ That’s still up for debate.
Rice peptides come from rice and are known for their calming and hydrating effects on the skin. They stop the enzymes that break down collagen. This is a good, non-specific, collagen-preserving peptide.
In addition to peptides, the Maelove Peptide Squad formula has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help to lock in moisture and keep the skin plump and hydrated.
Why I Like This Product
A Bit More Affordable Compared to Other Peptide Serums: At $55, Maelove’s Peptide Squad is not as outrageously priced as its competitors (some are over $200!) There are cheaper, better options, though. Read on!
Peptide Blend: I don’t love peptides, but the creators of this serum included peptides from all four major categories (collagen building, copper, “Botox in a Bottle,” and enzyme inhibitors). They did a nice job with the blend.
Lightweight, Hydrating Formula: The serum absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types. Plus, the added hydration helps plump the skin and enhance the benefits of the peptides.
Why I Don’t Like This Product
Just Peptides in General: Peptide serums, including Maelove Peptide Squad, don’t have decades of rigorous data behind the ingredients. Maybe this peptide serum will work wonderfully, or maybe it won’t do anything at all. Who knows?
Newer Peptides Available: The peptides included in this serum are on the older side. There are newer, more targeted peptides nowadays that have a better chance to work. The peptide serum from Geek and Gorgeous, for example, has much newer peptides for less than half the price of the Maelove Squad Serum.
Potential for Irritation: While peptides themselves are often well-tolerated, this product also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Both of these ingredients have potential for irritation if you have sensitive skin.
How to Use Maelove Peptide Squad
To get the best results from Maelove Peptide Squad, follow this simple routine:
Cleanse Your Skin: Start with a clean face to ensure the serum can penetrate effectively.
Apply a Few Drops: Dispense 2-3 drops of the Maelove Peptide Squad serum onto your fingertips and gently pat it into the skin. Focus on areas with fine lines or where you want to improve firmness.
Layer with Moisturizer: Follow with your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration and ensure the peptides can work their magic.
Sunscreen is Essential: Always wear sunscreen during the day when using any anti-aging products to protect your investment!
What to Expect with Maelove Peptide Squad
Like most peptide serums, Maelove Peptide Squad isn’t an overnight solution. With consistent use over several weeks, you may notice subtle improvements in skin texture and hydration. After a few months, you may see reductions in fine lines and increased skin firmness.
While the results may not be immediate, peptide serums like Maelove Peptide Squad are more of a long-term investment in your skin’s health. With regular use, you can expect smoother, firmer skin that looks more youthful over time. Any time you are trying to get your skin to build more collagen, it always takes months to years to see results (even if you get procedures like lasers, peels, or microneedling).
Final Thoughts
Maelove Peptide Squad is just an okay option for anyone interested in adding peptides to their skincare routine. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s also not the worst serum out there. I personally wouldn’t pay $55 for it, especially when there are more affordable AND better-researched peptide serums on the market. The peptides in this formula are older; far newer peptide technology exists nowadays. It does add a wonderful layer of hydration, but I would not pay $55 for hydration.
If you’re new to peptides and curious about trying them, this serum could be a gentle introduction. However, for those expecting dramatic results or looking for more proven ingredients like retinol, this might not be the best investment. Always weigh your skin’s needs and the science behind the ingredients before investing in products.