MARY & MAY 6 Peptide Complex Serum for dry skin
Copper Tripeptide-1
Hexapeptide-11
Hexapeptide-9
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Average
- SuperiorDry Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for dry skin; other serums fit it better.
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate benefits for your dry skin, as glycerin and butylene glycol provide hydration, while multiple peptides like copper tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 support skin barrier repair and collagen synthesis.
- The serum is safe for your dry skin, with no harsh ingredients that could cause irritation.
- While it offers general skincare benefits, the formulation does not specifically target dryness or flakiness beyond basic hydration.
How to apply
- Apply this serum PM, starting 3×/week and working up to daily use as your skin adjusts.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 2.4k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users with diverse skin types consistently praise this serum for its lightweight hydration and ability to plump the skin without irritation. While it is not a miracle cure for deep wrinkles, the majority of users report smoother skin texture, improved elasticity, and a reduction in fine lines after consistent use.
Highlights
Lightweight & fast-absorbing Mostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly without stickiness”
- “watery texture sinks right in”
- “perfect for layering”
- “leaves no greasy residue”
Gentle & non-irritating Often Mentioned
- “great for my sensitive skin”
- “no stinging or redness”
- “fragrance-free and soothing”
- “didn't break me out”
Hydrating & plumping Often Mentioned
- “skin feels bouncy and soft”
- “plumps up fine lines”
- “provides a nice glow”
- “keeps skin moist all day”
Good value Sometimes Noted
- “better than expensive brands”
- “great price point”
- “affordable peptide option”
- “high quality for the cost”
Subtle or slow results Sometimes Noted
- “didn't see drastic changes”
- “takes months to notice difference”
- “good for maintenance but not a facelift”
- “no miracle for deep wrinkles”
Consumed quickly Rarely Noted
- “bottle finished in 3 weeks”
- “skin drinks it up so I use a lot”
- “small bottle for the amount needed”
Rare skin reactions Rarely Noted
- “caused tiny red bumps”
- “broke me out on forehead”
- “slight itching after application”
- “triggered fungal acne”
Texture too watery Rarely Noted
- “runs down my face quickly”
- “hard to control the dropper”
- “wish it was slightly thicker”
- “feels like water”
Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, yesstyle.com, skinsort.com, reddit.com, youtube.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Mary & May 6 Peptide Complex Serum work for dry skin?
Mary & May 6 Peptide Complex Serum works moderately well for dry skin, offering basic hydration and support for your skin barrier through ingredients like glycerin and various peptides, though it lacks targeted ingredients for severe dryness or flakiness. A treatment for dry skin needs rich, highly effective soothing ingredients like ceramides, propolis, or niacinamide to deliver significant hydration, nourishment, and a healthy glow without irritation.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry skin?
Glycerin and butylene glycol help by providing basic hydration, while peptides like copper tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 support skin barrier repair. To work best for dry skin, a product of this type needs rich ingredients that specifically target dryness and flakiness with soothing hydration, ceramides, and vitamins.
What does Copper Tripeptide-1 do for dry skin?
Copper Tripeptide-1 helps soothe dry skin and improves your skin barrier and wrinkles. This ingredient supports skin regeneration and helps protect your skin from damage.
Skin Research and Technology, 2026BioMed Research International, 2015
What does Hexapeptide-11 do for dry skin?
Hexapeptide-11 is unlikely to provide direct moisture for dry skin, as its primary benefits focus on protecting cells and improving skin elasticity rather than relieving dryness. To properly care for dry skin, this type of product needs hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin along with nourishing plant oils.
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry skin?
This serum goes in your evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. To better fit dry skin, a product of this type needs richer hydrators and ingredients that target dryness and flakiness.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to give your dry skin a boost of hydration, followed by your retinol. The serum is unlikely to cause irritation, but a product for dry skin also needs richer moisturizers or oils to lock in hydration and smooth flakiness.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this treatment in your evening routine. A dry skin type of average fit needs a product that also brings richer moisturizing ingredients and oils to tackle dryness and flakiness effectively.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?
This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on dry skin, as it has a lightweight, water-like feel and lacks heavy oils. It features glycerin and multiple peptides that help keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide (pal-KTTKS) provided significant improvement versus placebo control in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines in Caucasian female subjects.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin caused no significant reduction in erythema or objective improvement in wrinkles compared to controls, but significantly increased patient satisfaction regarding overall skin quality.
Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, 2006The combination of Thermus thermophilus and Bacillus subtilis mixed-culture ferment extract and copper tripeptide-1 GHK-Cu reduced inflammatory cytokines, protected skin explants from UV-induced damage, and improved wrinkles and skin barrier conditions compared to individual components or controls.
Skin Research and Technology, 2026Copper applied transdermally as a tripeptide on human skin ex vivo permeated the tissue and was retained in amounts potentially effective for treating inflammatory diseases.
Inflammation Research, 2010Hexapeptide-11 activated proteasome, autophagy, chaperones, and antioxidant response genes, protected fibroblasts against oxidative-stress-mediated premature cellular senescence, and improved skin elasticity in human subjects.
Redox Biology, 2015Hexapeptide-11 reversibly downregulated ATM and p53 protein expression in intrinsically aged fibroblasts, extrinsically aged fibroblasts, and extrinsically aged dermal papillae cells at concentrations between 0.1% and 1.0% in vitro, thereby influencing the onset of cellular senescence.
Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013Topical treatment with cyclized hexapeptide-9 significantly reduced wrinkles and roughness in crow's feet and forehead compared to vehicle, and generally outperformed retinol in healthy volunteers with aging skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025A chemically synthesized homotrimeric collagen peptide exhibited high purity, a stable triple-helical conformation, and excellent thermal stability, while safely enhancing collagen and elastin synthesis in fibroblasts in vitro and increasing skin collagen content, improving skin structure, and enhancing microvessel density in BALB/c mice in vivo.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2025The addition of soybean peptide and collagen peptide to normal human dermal fibroblasts increased collagen synthesis and gene expression related to collagen formation, with the highest collagen levels observed when both peptides were added together compared to individual additions.
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 2012A multi-modal methodology combining MALDI-MSI, in vivo RCM, echography, and histology revealed age-related decreases in extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction proteins and undulation depth, while a blend of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 improved subepidermal low-echogenic band thickness, density, and extracellular matrix structure compared to placebo.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015Chronomodulated daytime application of baicalin and nighttime application of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 synergistically improved skin luminance by 16.29%, nasolabial fold depth by -36.35%, and firmness by 24.35% in 30 female participants.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10 significantly increased type III collagen levels in human dermal fibroblasts following UV exposure, with their combination demonstrating a greater effect in vitro and enhancing type I, III, and IV collagen levels in ex vivo skin tissues compared to individual components.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026
Why other serums fit dry skin better
A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Treatment with cross-linked hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patches combined with acetyl hexapeptide-8 or epidermal growth factor significantly improved wrinkles and skin hydration compared to the patch alone in Korean females over 29 days.
Annals of Dermatology, 2019
Ingredients
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
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
-
Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-
Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-
Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-
Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-
Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-
Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-
Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.