Mary&May 6 Peptide Complex Serum

Mary&May

6 Peptide Complex Serum

face serum

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
56%
Combination (dry)
56%
Balanced
86%
Combination (oily)
84%
Oily
84%

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18
Ingredients
4
Benefits
3
Actives
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The Mary&May 6 Peptide Complex Serum is a firming and anti-aging treatment designed to improve skin elasticity, smooth fine lines, and support overall skin renewal. Formulated with a blend of six types of peptides, this lightweight serum helps stimulate collagen production while strengthening the skin barrier. Its fast-absorbing, non-sticky texture delivers targeted care without heaviness, making it ideal for daily use.

Key Insights

Benefits

4
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

3
Carrier peptides Neuropeptides Signal peptides

Risks

1
Synthetic polymer

Full Ingredients

18 total
WATER GLYCERETH-26 1,2-HEXANEDIOL BUTYLENE GLYCOL GLYCERIN ARGININE CARBOMER ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE ADENOSINE CAPRYLYL GLYCOL COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1 Carrier peptides HEXAPEPTIDE-11 Neuropeptides HEXAPEPTIDE-9 PALMITOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4 Signal peptides PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1 Signal peptides TRIPEPTIDE-1 Signal peptides TOCOPHEROL

About 6 Peptide Complex Serum

Overview

6 Peptide Complex Serum is a lightweight serum from Mary&May, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 18 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Glycerin and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin and Water.

Firmness signalling: Moderate. Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support, and here that comes from Adenosine, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-11 and Hexapeptide-9.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • One ingredient could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Anti-Aging 7 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Hydration 7 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Soothing 2 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

Water

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
Glycereth-26

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris[.omega.-hydroxy-

Hydration
Butylene Glycol

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
Glycerin

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Arginine

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging
Ethylhexylglycerin

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
Adenosine

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine

Soothing
Copper Tripeptide-1 Carrier peptides

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Copper Tripeptide-1 is a copper complex of Tripeptide-1

Hexapeptide-11 Neuropeptides

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hexapeptide-11 is a synthetic peptide containing Alanine, Phenylalanine, Proline and Valine residues

Anti-Aging Hydration
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Signal peptides

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Lysine, synthetic pentapeptide with serine, and threonine, hexadecanoyl derivatives

Anti-Aging
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Signal peptides

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Lysine, N-(1-oxohexadecyl)glycyl-L-histidyl-

Anti-Aging
Tripeptide-1 Signal peptides

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide containing glycine, histidine, and lysine

Anti-Aging

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling Moderate

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (5)

Supporting ingredients (13)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Glycereth-26 1,2-hexanediol Butylene Glycol Glycerin Arginine Carbomer Ethylhexylglycerin Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Adenosine Caprylyl Glycol Hexapeptide-9 Tocopherol

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Treat" step.

  • Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
  • Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
1 ingredient could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks
Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 18 ingredients on the label.

6
Peptide

Amino-acid chains that signal for repair or firmness

5
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

4
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
2 Glycereth-26 Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris[.omega.-hydroxy-

Hydration
2 scientific references
  • Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine, February 2020, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2019, pages 1-11
3 1,2-hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

4 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
  • Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
5 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
6 Arginine
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Biobased Surfactants (Second Edition), 2019, pages 413-445
  • Scientific Reports, February 2016, pages 1-10
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2012, pages 1-35
  • Journal of Advanced Research, July 2010, pages 169–177
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2005, page 139
  • Wound Repair and Regeneration, November-December 2003, pages 419-423
7 Carbomer Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether

Synthetic polymer
8 Ethylhexylglycerin
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
9 Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, dodecanoates (1:1) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)

10 Adenosine
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • PubChem, Accessed May 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, September 2020, pages 1-38
  • Experimental Dermatology, August 2014, pages 553-554
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, August 2011, pages 526-546
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2006, pages 447-451
  • British Journal of Pharmacology, October 2008, issue 4, pages 475-486
  • PloS One, May 2008 (ePublication)
  • >International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2006, pages 447-451
11 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Octane-1,2-diol

12 Copper Tripeptide-1 Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Peptide

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Copper Tripeptide-1 is a copper complex of Tripeptide-1

13 Hexapeptide-11 Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Peptide

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hexapeptide-11 is a synthetic peptide containing Alanine, Phenylalanine, Proline and Valine residues

Anti-Aging Hydration
14 Hexapeptide-9 Peptide
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Peptide

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hexapeptide-9 is a synthetic peptide containing Glutamine, Glycine and Proline residues

15 Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Peptide

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Lysine, synthetic pentapeptide with serine, and threonine, hexadecanoyl derivatives

Anti-Aging
16 Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Peptide

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Lysine, N-(1-oxohexadecyl)glycyl-L-histidyl-

Anti-Aging
4 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November 2018, pages 90S-102S
  • Cosmetics, May 2017, pages 1-14
  • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, August 2016, pages 1, 171-1, 176
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, June 2000, pages 207-218
17 Tripeptide-1 Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Active, Peptide

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide containing glycine, histidine, and lysine

Anti-Aging
18 Tocopherol Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing
4 scientific references
  • Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
  • Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
  • Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in 6 Peptide Complex Serum?

WATER, GLYCERETH-26, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, ARGININE, CARBOMER, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE, ADENOSINE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1, HEXAPEPTIDE-11, HEXAPEPTIDE-9, PALMITOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4, PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1, TRIPEPTIDE-1, TOCOPHEROL.

What are the active ingredients in 6 Peptide Complex Serum?

COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1, HEXAPEPTIDE-11, PALMITOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4, PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1, TRIPEPTIDE-1.

How do I use 6 Peptide Complex Serum?

After cleansing and toning, apply 2–3 drops evenly to the face. Gently pat until fully absorbed, then follow with moisturizer. Use morning and evening.

What skin types is 6 Peptide Complex Serum good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is 6 Peptide Complex Serum good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is 6 Peptide Complex Serum fungal acne safe?

One ingredient could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.

Can I use 6 Peptide Complex Serum while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is 6 Peptide Complex Serum fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does 6 Peptide Complex Serum contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is 6 Peptide Complex Serum silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does 6 Peptide Complex Serum contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is 6 Peptide Complex Serum paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with 6 Peptide Complex Serum?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Azelaic acid. Take more care combining it with Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply 6 Peptide Complex Serum?

Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does 6 Peptide Complex Serum have?

It lists 18 ingredients, of which 5 are recorded as actives.

Who makes 6 Peptide Complex Serum?

Mary&May, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
Mary&May
Country
Korea
Visit website

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