What is Biopeptide Complex?
Biopeptide Complex is a WellU-patented complex of several hundred natural, biologically active marine collagen oligo- and polypeptides. It is the foundation of both Larens cosmeceutics and Nutrivi dietary supplements — the same active ingredient, delivered to the body through two different routes: topically through the skin, and internally through supplementation.
Unlike preparations that isolate a single amino acid or one specific peptide chain, Biopeptide Complex preserves the natural diversity of peptides found in fish skin. According to WellU materials, a single preparation may contain up to a hundred times more biologically active peptides than competing products based on single, synthetic fractions.
Biopeptide Complex = several hundred natural marine collagen peptides, obtained through WellU's patented extraction method from freshwater fish skins — the shared scientific foundation of Larens and Nutrivi.
Where do the peptides in Biopeptide Complex come from?
The peptides are obtained from the skins of selected freshwater fish species. WellU emphasizes that marine collagen is structurally more stable and less allergenic than animal-derived collagen (bovine or porcine), making it a safer base for long-term use — both in cosmetics and oral supplementation.
The extraction process relies on several advanced technologies:
- Lyophilization — vacuum freeze-drying that preserves the full biological value of peptides without thermal degradation.
- Ultrasonic extraction — a method that ensures high purity of the extracted peptide fractions.
- Active ingredient transport system — technology that facilitates peptide penetration into deeper skin layers, where they can act more effectively.
How do peptides work at the cellular level?
According to WellU's scientific materials, the peptides in Biopeptide Complex function in three complementary ways:
1. Signalling action
Signalling peptides give cells a cue to act — they trigger fibroblasts (skin cells responsible for collagen and elastin production) to increase synthesis of these structural proteins. The concept of signalling peptides draws on the work of biologist Günter Blobel, who received the Nobel Prize in 1999 for discovering protein signal sequences.
2. Relaxing action
Some peptides relax the muscles whose excessive tension leads to expression lines — acting essentially like a natural "smoother" for the muscle tissue beneath the skin.
3. Transporting action
The remaining peptides act as carriers — transporting other active ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid or vitamins) deep into the skin's layers, so regeneration, nourishment and protection begin at the deepest structures, not just the surface of the epidermis.
Cell culture studies indicate that marine peptides stimulate the activity of heat shock proteins (HSP), which accelerate the repair and regeneration of cells and tissues after damage.
The role of Nutrivi water in peptide transport
Biopeptide Complex works in combination with proprietary Nutrivi water — water with a nano and hexagonal structure. The ordered arrangement of this water's molecules allows it to penetrate cells more effectively, including damaged cells, and act as a carrier for the active substances dissolved in it.
It is Nutrivi water that forms the basis of most Larens product formulas — enabling the skin to almost fully absorb the active ingredients in the cosmeceutics, while intensively moisturizing and soothing irritation.
What does the research show?
The effectiveness of Biopeptide Complex has been studied, among other places, at the Medical Academy in Wrocław and in collaboration with the Department of Dentistry in Wrocław. Results from the fourth quarter of 2012 point to a significant increase in collagen synthesis when using cosmeceutics containing Biopeptide Complex, compared to reference preparations.
Additionally, MTT cytotoxicity tests (a widely used method for assessing cell viability) showed that the marine peptide complex simultaneously stimulates collagen synthesis and limits cytotoxic effects — which, according to WellU, is rare among active substances of this potency.
The development of formulas is overseen by the WellU Scientific Board, based at CEITEC, chaired by Prof. Andrzej Frydrychowski, MD, PhD. Preparations based on Biopeptide Complex have also been recognized internationally — including a silver medal at the 55th International Exhibition of Inventions, Research and New Techniques, Brussels Eureka, in 2006.
Where will you find Biopeptide Complex in practice?
Biopeptide Complex is the main active ingredient in many Larens and Nutrivi products available from an authorized distributor. Here are examples of products where it plays a key role:
Have more questions about Biopeptide Complex?
In our FAQ you'll find answers about usage, dosage, and combining Larens and Nutrivi products.
Go to the FAQSources: WellU scientific and product materials (wellu.eu), WellU Group publications on marine collagen peptide research (Medical Academy in Wrocław, 2012), WellU Scientific Board materials. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace medical or dermatological consultation.