By Sarah Han , Angela Trakoshis , and Deanna Pai
Although peptides don't have the same name recognition as other ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol, the best peptide serums make a strong case for putting them in the spotlight, stat. This powerhouse ingredient acts as tiny messengers that send messages directly to skin cells and play a key role in improving the elasticity, firmness, and hydration of skin. Airless Bottle
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, "like glycine, arginine, histidine, et cetera," says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “They're designed to boost and replenish amino acids, which are the building blocks for collagen production.” (You might recognize amino acids as the building blocks of protein, but peptides tend to be shorter chains than proteins.) And, in doing so, peptides can reduce the appearance of fine lines and leave skin firmer, he says. Plus, compared to topical collagen, peptides also have a much smaller particle size and can actually be absorbed into your skin.
For that reason, mature skin in particular can benefit from peptides since our bodies start to produce less and less collagen as we age. On top of that, the quality of said collagen also decreases over time, board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, who is based in Birmingham, Alabama, previously explained. As a result, wrinkles start to form and skin begins to sag.
That said, not all peptides are created equal. The most common types of peptides consist of signal peptides, carrier peptides, enzyme-inhibitor peptides, and neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides, depending on how they work. For example, copper peptides activate wound healing, which, in turn, stimulates collagen production. (Keep in mind, however, that labs and brands can and often do trademark their own peptide complexes.) Since they're found in your skin, you shouldn't experience any side effects while using peptides. "If someone has a [negative] reaction, it's most likely from the preservatives, other chemicals, or essential oils in the formula, not the peptides," Dr. Kim says.
While you can often find "peptide" placed front and center on the actual product packaging, you can also seek out ingredients like dipeptide, tripeptide, and hexapeptide. It's also not uncommon to see multiple peptides strung together to maximize their collagen-boosting benefits.
To help you sort out the vast market, we asked dermatologists and editors to share the best peptide serums — so you can be well on your way to achieving smoother, firmer skin.
Why It's Worth It: While nothing will guarantee that your most recent neuromodulator injection will last a few more months, "everything you do to keep your skin healthy and minimize skin aging will all help to prolong the effects,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, who recommends Revision Skincare's Revox 7. It was designed to smooth the appearance of expression lines with a combination of seven peptides as well as gamma-aminobutyric acid, which inhibits nerve signals (albeit on a less intensive level than injectables).
Editor Tip: The brand is a favorite among experts, which is why you can find this formula (among many others) in dermatologists' skin-care routines.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, gamma-aminobutyric acid | Who It's For: All skin types
Why It's Worth It: For those who want to go needle-free, the Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Serum is powered by a combination of three patented peptides. Two of them, Matrixyl and Argireline, target collagen production to reduce wrinkles formed by expressions (like forehead lines, for instance), while the Argirelox is intended to prolong the effects of neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport. They're supplemented by additional peptides as well as moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin and squalane, to keep skin bouncy and soft.
Editor Tip: You can spring for a refill pod once you're through for $61 a pop.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin E, squalane | Who It's For: Those targeting brow furrows and frown lines
Why It's Worth It: Despite its affordable under-$20 price tag, The Inkey List's Collagen Peptide Serum isn't messing around when it comes to firming skin. This tiny yet mighty bottle is packed with not one but two trademarked ingredients that have been shown to boost collagen and elasticity. First, there's Syn-Tacks, which consists of a powerful combination of glycerin, aqua (water), Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, and Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, and the other is Matrixyl 3000, which is made up of Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. These collagen peptides mimic proteins and their particle size is much smaller than that of topical collagen on its own, therefore, they can be absorbed by skin, Dr. Hartman previously explained.
Editor Tip: Layer it beneath The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer, which uses complementary peptides to make quick work of lines and wrinkles.
Key Ingredients: Matrixyl, Syn-tacks, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: People with lax or loose skin
Why It's Worth It: Formulated by veteran cosmetic chemist (and brand founder) Ron Robinson, the BeautyStat Cosmetics Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer pairs two neuropeptides (C22 conotoxin peptide and hexapeptide) to relax muscles (and, by association, the look of lines and wrinkles) and promote firmer, bouncier skin. Also inside is glucosamine, which firms sagging skin.
Editor Tip: The velvety cream layers nicely beneath makeup without causing any pilling.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, glucosamine, polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: People with deep wrinkles
Why It's Worth It: If you're on the hunt for a rich face cream to nourish your dry skin, NeoStrata's Cellular Restoration won't disappoint. A dynamic blend of exfoliating glycolic acid and hydrating gluconolactone, alongside a series of peptides, replenishes moisture levels, encourages collagen production, and plumps skin. To all of the fine lines that have crossed the line, your time is up for now.
Editor Tip: It's designed for nighttime use only, so you might want to supplement it with a separate formula for daytime.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, gluconolactone, maltobionic acid | Who It's For: Those targeting fine lines
Why It's Worth It: Neocutis' Bio Cream Firm combines the power of two types of peptides (Tetrapeptide-21 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Acetate) and three types of ceramides (NG, NP, and AP) to minimize signs of aging as your skin's natural abilities to produce collagen start depleting. Growth factors also play an important role in boosting both collagen and hyaluronic acid production, making this pricey bottle well worth it once you start witnessing a firmer, smoother complexion.
Editor Tip: Those with dry skin might want to consider the Riche version of this formula, since it's more moisturizing.
Key Ingredients: Growth factors, peptides, argan oil | Who It's For: Those seeking lifting benefits
Why It's Worth It: Glow Recipe is known for serums that deliver on their promise to brighten and hydrate, so it's little surprise that the brand's Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum really does improve fine lines, wrinkles, and all-around uneven skin texture. It contains two signal peptides that "signal" the skin to kickstart collagen and elastin production, as well as a carrier peptide that helps stabilize and shuttle the signal peptides to where they're needed. That makes for a serum so powerful, it can even tighten your jawline.
Editor Tip: The namesake pomegranate is rich in both enzymes, which lightly resurface skin, as well as vitamin C.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, pomegranate, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: Those with sagging or crepey skin texture
Why It's Worth It: Designed to reinforce your skin — keeping it smooth and taut in the long run — the Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer works by bolstering the skin's moisture barrier with a blend of amino acids, peptides, and ceramides. It pairs eight peptides with eight amino acids to support skin both on a superficial level as well as in the deeper layers, leaving skin supple and resilient. For immediate results, it also pairs two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to plump skin on the spot.
Editor Tip: It has a balmy texture that sinks in quickly, making it especially comforting for those with dry skin.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides | Who It's For: People with dry skin
Why It's Worth It: Shani Darden's Hydration Peptide Cream — the brainchild of the celebrity aesthetician based in Los Angeles — offers the best of both worlds, with peptides that plump, squalane for moisture, and an oil-free formula that won't trigger a breakout. "It's the only formula that seems to balance my combination skin without clogging pores," says Allure contributor Deanna Pai, who uses it twice a day. “It sinks in quickly while feeling nourishing enough to smooth and soften my skin.”
Editor Tip: Consider pairing it with the brand's beloved Retinol Reform for even more line-smoothing power.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, niacinamide, peptides | Who It's For: Oily or acne-prone skin
Why It's Worth It: The star ingredients of the Youth to the People Triple Peptide + Cactus Hydrating + Firming Oasis Serum are hyaluronic acid to hydrate and a vegan polypeptide blend to support collagen. They work together in this formulation to deliver results both instantly and over time. Bonus: The gel-based formula is hydrating enough to double as a moisturizer for those with oily or blemish-prone skin, too.
Editor Tip: To tackle crinkles and crows' feet around the eyes, too, opt for the Youth To The People Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate, which won a 2023 Best of Beauty Award for the best de-puffing eye cream.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, cactus extract, peptides | Who It's For: Those seeking a lightweight option
Why It's Worth It: Best of Beauty Award-winner Drunk Elephant's Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum uses a potent 10% concentration of lactic acid (a form of alpha hydroxy acid or AHA), which effectively dissolves the bonds holding together dead surface cells to leave behind a more radiant skin tone. It gets even better, though: The milky serum has a signal peptide complex that is made up of — as you might imagine — 11 signal peptides and plant-derived growth factors to trigger and stimulate elastin and collagen production, leading to plump, healthy skin.
Editor Tip: Skip other chemical exfoliants when you use this in your routine.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, squalane, green tea seed oil | Who It's For: Those with dull or uneven skin tone
Why It's Worth It: Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Mohs Surgery at Brown Dermatology in Rhode Island says that one of her favorite peptide serums has to be SkinMedica's TNS Recovery Complex. While it's a splurge at $220, she explains that this red-tinted treatment is formulated with "a patented growth factor blend, peptides, and antioxidants that work to rejuvenate skin, enhance skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." By targeting blood vessels, reducing inflammation, and encouraging cell growth, this potent serum leaves behind a very noticeable glow.
Editor Tip: In addition to peptides, the formula has growth factors, which also deliver messages between cells.
Key Ingredients: Growth factors, peptides, glycerin | Who It's For: Those who are game to invest
Why It's Worth It: The Ordinary has stolen the hearts of many a skin-care devotee — and Multi-Peptide + Hyaluronic Acid Serum is no exception, making its $20 price tag (which is, get this one of the highest price points in the brand's lineup) worth every penny. This viscous yet surprisingly fast-absorbing formula is packed with five different types of peptides to increase collagen production and speed up cell turnover.
Editor Tip: For an upgrade, check out The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum. Copper peptides, as we previously reported, have been shown to have free-radical-fighting benefits.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, sodium hyaluronate | Who It's For: Those on a budget
Why It's Worth It: Dr. Kim is a fan of Paula's Choice Peptide Booster because the formula is packed with not one, not two, but six types of restoring peptides (including tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1), all of which he says "can improve skin firmness and soften wrinkles." You'll also find a potent cocktail of hydration-inducing ingredients, like glycerin, glutamic acid, and amino acids, present in this silky, lightweight gel.
Editor Tip: Apply this serum on its own or use it to literally boost another serum or moisturizer of your choice.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Who It's For: Those who don't want to add another step to their routine
Why It's Worth It: Dr. Libby also recommends Alastin's Restorative Skin Complex, which she mentions is known for its patented TriHex peptides. This innovative, damage-reversing technology has been shown to stimulate collagen and elastin production by removing aged cells and restoring an optimal environment for new batches to flourish. Furthermore, the gel-like formula also contains barrier-restoring ingredients like ceramides and squalane that will help your skin actually maintain and support the aforementioned new collagen and elastin.
Editor Tip: The addition of niacinamide gives it brightening properties, making it a good option for treating signs of sun damage.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, tremella mushroom | Who It's For: Those with sun damage
Why It's Worth It: The Kinship Brightwave 10% Vitamin C + Peptide Serum earned a 2023 Best of Beauty Award in the Clean Beauty category for its ability to bottle vitamin C — a famously finicky ingredient — within a consciously designed, cruelty-free formula. It pairs tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate with peptides to brighten and firm skin in one seamless application.
Editor Tip: As with all of Kinship's formulas, this vitamin C serum contains a prebiotic technology to support the skin barrier.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, collagen peptides, red algae | Who It's For: Those with hyperpigmentation and dark spots
Why It's Worth It: Olay Regenerist has been a skin-care staple for what seems like ages (especially in the beauty sphere) but that doesn't mean the innovations come to a halt. Case in point: The drugstore-friendly brand's Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer delivers serious brightening benefits alongside niacinamide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, and lactic acid (a type of AHA), which work together to improve cell turnover and support smoother, firmer, and more hydrated skin.
Editor Tip: The noncomedogenic formula is lightly laced with a citrus scent.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, niacinamide | Who It's For: Those seeking an all-in-one product
Why It's Worth It: Maximize your beauty rest with a few pumps of Exuviance's Age Reverse Night Lift, a refreshing night cream packed with AHA (glycolic acid), PHA, and peptides (including Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) to build new collagen and prevent future breakdown of collagen, boost firmness, and curb the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's almost like a face-lift in a tube.
Editor Tip: Since this contains several exfoliating acids, it's critical to protect skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the AM.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, polyhydroxy acid, gluconolactone | Who It's For: Anyone who wants overnight benefits
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