Skin penetrating polypeptide and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof are provided. Typically, the peptides are between 3 and 100 amino acids, more preferably about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acids, cyclic, binds to a skin protein such as a keratin with a Kd of between about 10-3 M and about 10-8 M. Preferably the peptides increase absorption or penetration of an active agent into the skin. In silico methods of screening for skin protein binding polypeptides are also provided.
