Soothing cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition that includes at least one peptide as an active principle that activates human HMG-CoA reductase of general formula (I): R1-(AA)n-X1-Gly-Lys-X2-(AA)p-R2 and is chosen from among sequences SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 10, in a physiologically suitable medium is described. This novel peptide is designed to act as a soothing active principle capable of providing a solution to skin sensitivity in a cosmetic composition. The invention further applies to a cosmetic treatment method intended to combat skin irritations.