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.
They are often found in some of the best anti-aging serums on the market. But what are peptides, exactly?
Peptides are chains of amino acids that help heal the skin, stimulate collagen production, and hydrate the skin. This is according to Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., a double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
Over time, the use of peptide serums can make the skin look firmer. They help to replenish some of the collagen and elastin proteins that we naturally lose with age.
Peptides pair well with the other skincare products already in your regimen. They 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 at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC.
Ahead, find the best dermatologist-approved peptide serums that may yield firmer, more radiant skin.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum. This skin-loving formula contains a variety of peptides and helps improve fine lines.
It effectively stimulates collagen production, according to Debra Jaliman, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist. It also has glycerin for hydration as well as hyaluronic acid.
Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Serum. This affordable, fan-favorite peptide serum is another favorite of Dr. Jaliman’s.
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.
SkinMedica 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.
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum. Dr. Jaliman recommends this formula for anyone with fine lines.
She 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 expression lines around the eyes.
Paula’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.
It is a fantastic option for maintaining overall skin health. The brand claims that users see results instantly, while peptides promote long-term results.
SolaWave Solabiome Plumping Peptide Serum. While most peptides aim to increase collagen production, the peptide in this serum is designed to enhance hydration, explains Dr. Zeichner.
It is paired with hyaluronic acid to plump and moisturize the skin. Plus, it can be used alongside your other collagen-stimulating products.
The 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.
Dr. Lal highly recommends this affordable 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.
Mario Badescu Super Peptide Serum. Thanks to aloe vera, an effective anti-inflammatory ingredient, 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.
COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream. This cream has a lightweight, almost serum-like consistency.
It 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 because the area is more prone to dehydration and loss of elasticity, Dr. Lal adds.
Obagi 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.
PURITO Centella Unscented Serum. While peptides are generally deemed sensitive-skin friendly, those with reactive skin might consider formulas with extra-soothing ingredients.
Luckily, this serum by Purito is full of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and Centella Asiatica to help heal compromised skin. It contains a variety of peptides to soothe and hydrate the skin, and it contains no essential oils or fragrances.
Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum. This smoothing serum contains lactic acid, a mild exfoliant, to address skin texture and dry skin.
Meanwhile, a blend of 11 peptides deliver hydration and help to strengthen and firm the skin, Dr. Zeichner explains.
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum. Growth factors are highly-effective, powerful peptides and one of Dr. Lal’s most-recommended ingredients to look for.
This option from SkinMedica contains an innovative peptide complex, flaxseed, and marine extracts in addition to the growth factor blend. These all help nourish and support your skin and help it grow better, Dr. Lal previously explained.
ROSE Ingleton M.D. Complexion Brightening Booster Serum. This peptide serum contains a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to help exfoliate the skin, yielding 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, one reviewer explained.
rhode 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.
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%. Argireline, which is a neurotransmitter peptide, is one of Dr. Lal’s go-to peptides.
It has the unique ability to work underneath the skin and the muscles to soften fine lines and wrinkles. He recommends this affordable argireline serum from The Ordinary as it helps to smooth lines with its concentrated formula.
Charlotte 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.
The 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.
DRMTLGY 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 without needles.
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 reviewer.
AMPLE: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. You can literally FEEL your skin firming up when you put it on, wrote one reviewer.
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.
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 maintain firmness and smoothness.
By incorporating a peptide serum into your skincare routine, over time you may notice a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. You can expect 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, because not all peptides are created equal. 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.
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.
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, 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, simply apply your moisturizer.