Biopeptide Complex — what is it?
Biopeptide Complex is a WellU-patented (patent numbers PL206813 and US7285638) complex of bioactive fish collagen peptides. It's created through a cold extraction process — without high temperature or aggressive chemistry — which breaks down large-molecule collagen into much smaller peptide fractions that the skin can absorb far more readily.
In practice, Biopeptide Complex isn't a single substance but an entire family of short peptide chains (7–29 amino acids) and the building-block amino acids that accompany them, sourced from several different collagen proteins. Its role is to signal fibroblasts — the skin cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin — that intensified regeneration is needed.
The technology is the core of Larens' peptide line, most fully expressed in Biopeptide Serum Spray, and was recognised with a silver medal at the international Brussels Eureka invention fair in 2006.
Biopeptide Complex — the patented core of Larens formulas
Biopeptide Complex is a complex of bioactive fish collagen peptides patented by WellU — this patent information consistently appears on the product pages of nearly every Larens product that contains it. It's created through a cold extraction process (around 16°C, without aggressive chemistry — the full method is described on the Science page), which breaks large-molecule collagen down into much smaller, more bioavailable fractions.
What exactly is Biopeptide Complex made of?
Research into its composition has shown that among the smaller peptides, the most common are chains of 7 to 29 amino acids. The complex contains a full family of building-block amino acids — including arginine, threonine, alanine, proline, tyrosine, valine, methionine, cysteine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, glycine and histidine.
The peptides come from several different collagen proteins and related structures: collagen I (chains α1, α2, α3), collagen IV (α1), collagen VI (α3), collagen VII, procollagen VIII (α2), as well as decorin, lumican and histones (H2A, H2B, H4) — proteins involved in repairing and rebuilding skin structures. An independent scientific publication, "Identification of Small Peptides of Acidic Collagen Extracts from Silver Carp Skin and Their Therapeutic Relevance" (Wrocław Medical University, 2016), analysed peptide extracts of this kind, obtained from silver carp skin.
Activating collagen production
The peptides stimulate fibroblasts — the cells responsible for synthesising the skin's own collagen and elastin.
Protection from stress
They activate chaperone HSP proteins (Heat Shock Proteins), which help skin cells regenerate after contact with stress-inducing factors.
A base for collagen synthesis
The procollagen supplied is synthesised directly into the skin's structural collagen.
A practical example: Biopeptide Serum Spray
The most concentrated carrier of Biopeptide Complex is Biopeptide Serum Spray — a multifunctional peptide serum for the face, body and hair. In it, the complex works synergistically with colloidal silver, Hydromanil™ and biotin, resulting in: increased collagen and elastin production (shallower wrinkles, greater skin elasticity), soothed irritation and eczema symptoms, long-lasting hydration, faster healing of minor wounds, and strengthened, shinier hair.
Biopeptide Complex — INCI
Unlike single, standardised cosmetic peptides (such as Matrixyl or Argireline, which each have one specific INCI name), Biopeptide Complex is a compound complex — a family of a dozen or so peptides and amino acids derived from fish collagen hydrolysate, not a single, clearly named substance. That's why you won't find "Biopeptide Complex" written directly on a product's INCI list — it's the name of a technology/brand, not an INCI term.
What actually appears on the INCI list depends on the full formulation of the specific product (e.g. Biopeptide Serum Spray) and may include, among other things, hydrolysed fish collagen and the individual amino acids that make up the complex. Always check the full, current INCI composition on the packaging or the product page in the official shop — formulas are sometimes updated.
Liposomal Collagen Complex — the newer generation of peptide delivery
Liposomal Collagen Complex is a market-unique combination of natural fish collagen, peptides, amino acids, decorin, lumican and histones — enclosed in a liposomal carrier. It's precisely this carrier that sets it apart from the classic Biopeptide Complex, allowing active ingredients to reach much deeper.
What are liposomes, and why does this work?
Liposomes are microscopic (0.01–10 µm) spherical structures built from a phospholipid shell — identical to the skin's own lipid bilayer. Thanks to this similarity, they're widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries for local or systemic delivery of active substances. Under an electron microscope (100–200 nm magnification), their varied structure is clearly visible:
Small unilamellar liposomes
Small Unilamellar Vesicles — the smallest fraction, a single lipid layer.
Large liposomes
Large Unilamellar Vesicles — a greater capacity for carrying active ingredients.
Multivesicular liposomes
Multivesicular Vesicles — a complex, multi-layered structure with the longest release time.
The multi-layered nature of the liposome's lipid walls has key practical significance — they break down gradually, releasing their contents slowly and extending the complex's action over time. In addition, the phospholipids that build the shell bind water and form a biofilm on its surface, which prevents excessive moisture loss — hence the long-lasting hydration effect.
A two-track mechanism of action
Reaching deeper skin layers triggers two parallel processes: filling and reconstructing already-damaged skin structures using the collagen delivered, and simultaneously initiating the formation of new collagen by skin cells. The effect is felt quickly — an immediate smoothing of wrinkles and a noticeable thickening of skin structure — but the complex also kicks off long-term repair processes, whose results build up with regular use.
Where will you find Liposomal Collagen Complex?
It's one of the few Larens technology ingredients that goes beyond facial skincare alone — you'll find it across several different product categories:
wellu.euLipoColl HA Hydro Serum
The most concentrated carrier of the complex in the Larens range.
wellu.euRich Cream Hands&Feet
A rich cream with 10% urea — the complex strengthens the elasticity of the stratum corneum.
wellu.euLiquid Foundation Matt (Larens Colour)
Even in foundation — the complex provides anti-ageing action while you wear your makeup.
Biopeptide Complex or Liposomal Collagen Complex — what's the difference?
Both complexes are based on the same raw material — fish collagen peptides — but they differ in delivery form, composition and range of application. The table below compares both technologies point by point.
| Feature | Biopeptide Complex | Liposomal Collagen Complex |
|---|---|---|
| Source / raw material | Bioactive fish collagen peptides, cold extraction | The same fish collagen peptides + decorin, lumican, histones |
| Delivery form | Pure peptide-and-amino-acid complex | Complex enclosed in a liposomal carrier (SUV/LUV/MVV) |
| Technology | Cold extraction (~16°C, no aggressive chemistry) | Cold extraction + liposomal encapsulation |
| Composition | Peptide chains of 7–29 amino acids + building-block amino acids | Collagen peptides + decorin, lumican, histones in a phospholipid shell |
| Mechanism of action | Signals fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin | Two-track: filling damaged fibres + initiating new collagen |
| Penetration depth | Standard for peptides of this size | Increased — liposomal carrier structurally similar to the skin's own cell membrane |
| Patent protection | Yes (PL206813, US7285638) | Builds on the patented Biopeptide Complex |
| Typical products | Biopeptide Serum Spray, Peptide Basic Beauty Set | LipoColl HA Hydro Serum, Larens Dental toothpaste, hand and foot cream, Larens Colour foundation |
In practice, the two complexes often work together within a single skincare routine — Biopeptide Complex as an everyday base (e.g. in Biopeptide Serum Spray), Liposomal Collagen Complex as intensive support at specific points in your routine (serum, hand cream, toothpaste, or even foundation).
Cosmetics with Biopeptide Complex
The Biopeptide Complex technology is used mainly in products from Larens' peptide line:
- Biopeptide Serum Spray (pH 3.0–4.0) — the flagship, most concentrated carrier of the technology, described in more detail above,
- Peptide Basic Beauty Set — a skincare set that includes Biopeptide Serum Spray alongside other products from the peptide line.
For the full, current list of products containing Biopeptide Complex, always check the official shop and each product's current INCI — formulas are updated over time.