Plus, exactly why you need this skincare ingredient in your routine.
Dermatologists have long touted the benefits of a quality peptide serum. Alongside sunscreen and retinol, peptides are one of the top ingredients for maintaining healthy skin and are often found in some of the best anti-aging serums.
But what are peptides, exactly? Peptides are chains of amino acids that “help heal the skin, stimulate collagen production, and hydrate the skin,” explains Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified adult, pediatric, and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. Over time, the use of peptide serums can make the skin look firmer by helping to replenish some of the collagen and elastin (proteins in our skin) that we lose with age.
Peptides pair well with the other skincare products already in your regimen and “are particularly useful in people who cannot tolerate more harsh ingredients, like retinol or glycolic acid,” adds Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC.
Ahead, find the best dermatologist-approved peptide serums that may yield firmer, more radiant skin.
1BEST OVERALL PEPTIDE SERUMThe Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
This skin-loving formula contains a variety of peptides and helps “improve fine lines” as it effectively “stimulates collagen production,” according to Debra Jaliman, M.D., New York City-based dermatologist and author of Skin Rules. “It also has glycerin for hydration as well as hyaluronic acid.”
2BEST VALUE PEPTIDE SERUMOlay Collagen Peptide 24 Serum
This affordable, fan-favorite peptide serum is another favorite of Dr. Jaliman’s as it contains hydrating and brightening niacinamide to help create a more even skin tone. “Another great addition is that it has pentapeptides to stimulate collagen production,” she explains.
3BEST PEPTIDE SERUM WITH RETINOLSkinMedica Retinol 1.0 Complex
Like peptides, retinol is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to skincare. This serum contains both peptides and retinol to increase collagen production while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “It also contains squalane for hydration and niacinamide to even out skin tone,” Dr. Jaliman adds.
4BEST PEPTIDE SERUM FOR WRINKLESPeter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum
Dr. Jaliman recommends this formula “for anyone with fine lines,” and appreciates that it contains powerful hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane in addition to an impressive blend of 21 peptides. One of those peptides includes Argireline, which Dr. Lal says works similarly to Botox in that it helps to “soften lines around the eyes and elevens.”
5BEST FIRMING PEPTIDE SERUMPaula’s Choice Pro Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
Dr. Lal recommends this blend of collagen-boosting peptides as it helps to firm and hydrate the skin, maintaining overall skin health. The brand claims that users see results instantly, while peptides promote long-term results.
6BEST HYDRATING PEPTIDE SERUMSolaWave Solabiome Plumping Peptide Serum
“While most peptides aim to increase collagen production, the peptide in this serum is designed to enhance hydration,” explains Dr. Zechnner. “It is paired with hyaluronic acid to plump and moisturize the skin. Plus, it can be used alongside your other collagen-stimulating products.”
7BEST COPPER PEPTIDE SERUMThe Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%
Copper peptides not only aid in collagen production for an overall smoother appearance, but they are also powerful brightening agents, explains Dr. Lal, who recommends this formula by The Ordinary. In addition to copper peptides, this serum also contains a variety of other effective peptides plus hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep skin hydrated.
8BEST SOOTHING PEPTIDE SERUMMario Badescu Super Peptide Serum
Thanks to aloe vera (an effective anti-inflammatory ingredient, per Dr. Jaliman) this serum is ultra-soothing and great for all skin types. It is also formulated alongside hyaluronic acid for hydration and to keep skin healthy.
9BEST PEPTIDE SERUM FOR UNDER EYESCOSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
This cream has a lightweight, almost serum-like consistency, and “combines plumping snail mucin with peptides to firm the under eye area,” explains Dr. Zeichner. Peptide-containing products are especially helpful for the under eyes, Dr. Lal adds, because the area is more prone to dehydration and loss of elasticity than other parts of the face.
10BEST PEPTIDE SERUM FOR HYPERPIGMENTATIONObagi Medical Professional-C Peptide Complex
Vitamin C is a great ingredient to combine with peptides, especially for those with discoloration, notes Dr. Jaliman. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, and is a stellar collagen producer in its own right. This brightening peptide serum “also contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and aloe which is anti-inflammatory,” Dr. Jaliman adds.
11BEST PEPTIDE SERUM FOR SENSITIVE SKINPURITO Centella Unscented Serum
While peptides are generally deemed sensitive-skin friendly, those with reactive skin might consider formulas with extra-soothing ingredients or those that are free from common irritants. Luckily, this serum by Purito checks both boxes. It’s full of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and Centella Asiatica (an herb that helps heal compromised skin), in addition to a variety of peptides to soothe and hydrate the skin. It contains no essential oils or fragrances.
12BEST PEPTIDE SERUM FOR SMOOTH SKINDrunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum
This smoothing serum contains lactic acid, a mild exfoliant, to address skin texture and dry skin while a blend of 11 peptides deliver hydration and help “to strengthen and firm” the skin, Dr. Zeichner explains.
13BEST LUXURY PEPTIDE SERUMSkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Growth factors are highly-effective, powerful peptides and one of Dr. Lal’s most-recommended ingredients to look for when selecting a peptide serum. This option from SkinMedica contains an innovative peptide complex, flaxseed, and marine extracts in addition to the growth factor blend, all of which “help nourish and support your skin and help it grow better,” Dr. Lal previously explained.
14BEST BRIGHTENING PEPTIDE SERUMROSE Ingleton M.D. Complexion Brightening Booster Serum
This peptide serum contains a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to help exfoliate the skin, helping yield a brighter, smoother complexion. It is also formulated with various plant extracts, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. “It has given me a more even skin tone and has brightened significantly leaving me with a natural glow. I love how it makes my skin feel,” one reviewer, who gave the product five stars, explained.
15BEST PEPTIDE SERUM FOR CREPEY SKINrhode peptide glazing fluid
This glow-inducing serum from Rhode contains a variety of peptides “that help hydrate the skin, as well as hyaluronic acid,” explains Dr. Lal. “It’s really great for those who have dry, ‘crepey’ skin and want a gentle product that they can easily add to their routine.”
16The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%
Argireline, which is a neurotransmitter peptide, is one of Dr. Lal’s go-to peptides for its ability to “work underneath the skin and the muscles” and soften fine lines and wrinkles. He recommends this affordable argireline serum from The Ordinary as it helps to smooth lines with its concentrated formula.
17BEST PEPTIDE CREAMCharlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream Refillable Gel Moisturizer
This “water” gel moisturizer is extremely lightweight and toes the line between moisturizer and serum. “It does double duty to hydrate the skin while offering peptide benefits,” Dr. Zeichner explains. “It contains a specialized peptide complex that plumps the skin,” as well as brightening antioxidants and powerful hydrators.
18The INKEY List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum
This firming serum from The Inkey List contains Matrixyl 3000, a peptide that Dr. Lal notes is commonly used for its ability to boost collagen production. The lightweight, affordable serum also contains a variety of other peptides, plus glycerin and hyaluronic acid for max hydration.
19DRMTLGY Needle-less Serum
Recommended by Dr. Lal, this fan-favorite serum is the brand’s best-seller thanks to its ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, sans needles, per the brand and its independent consumer panels. It contains a number of peptides, as well as soothing ceramides and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. “I’ve been using Needle-less for over a year now and have seen a noticeable improvement in my skin, overall texture, fine lines, and smoothness,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “I love it!”
20AMPLE:N Peptide Shot Serum
This Korean skincare favorite has been trending thanks to its affordability and quality ingredients. It contains a blend of powerful peptides to boost collagen production and smooth skin, as well as hydrating ingredients like panthenol and glycerin. “Not sure what kind of magic is in this bottle, but it is amazing! You can literally FEEL your skin firming up when you put it on,” wrote one reviewer. “It makes your skin glow and so smooth, perfect under makeup. Highly recommend and will be reordering!”
What are peptides?
Peptides are chains of amino acids, which are what make up a protein. For skin, there are many different kinds of peptides, all of which “act like messengers” that tell your skin to perform a specific job, Dr. Ziechner explains. “The most commonly used peptides in skincare are those that help stimulate production of collagen.”
How do peptides help skin?
Peptides help to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are proteins in the skin that maintain firmness and smoothness, according to Dr. Lal. By incorporating a peptide serum into your skincare routine, over time you may notice a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, a more lifted appearance to the skin, and better overall skin health, hydration, and radiance.
How to choose and use the best peptide serum
✔️ Consider the peptide type. Not all peptides are created equal,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “Different peptides do different jobs.” A few that Dr. Lal suggests looking for are growth factors, Matrixyl 3000, palmitoyl, pentapeptides, Argireline, and copper peptides, which all help to stimulate collagen and elastin.
✔️Look for additional active ingredients. Peptides are powerful ingredients on their own, but Dr. Jaliman suggests looking for a peptide serum that contains active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, or glycerin for added hydration and moisture. You can also choose a product containing brighteners like vitamin C or niacinamide if you also have uneven pigment, she adds.
✔️Pair with a moisturizer. Layering your peptide serum under another moisturizing formula will help boost overall skin health, too. “I typically recommend applying peptide-containing serums alongside traditional moisturizers in the evening to enhance cell turnover and strengthen the foundation of the skin,” Dr. Zeichner adds.
When should I use a peptide serum?
Peptide serums “can be used morning and night and should be used after cleanser and toner,” Dr. Jaliman explains. Next, apply your moisturizer.
How we chose the best peptide serum
We spoke with Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ, Debra Jaliman, M.D., New York City-based dermatologist and author of Skin Rules, and Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. We also sifted through countless online reviews to find the best peptide serums available.