The best peptide serums are my go-to for keeping fine lines and wrinkles in check – no injectables required. Absolutely no shade to them, but I’m now well on the other side of 35, and I haven’t tried filler… yet. That doesn’t mean I want my fine lines and wrinkles to be on full display though.
My skin can be reactive, which makes me cautious about cosmetic procedures and not exactly devoted to retinols (even if experts crown them the MVP of rejuvenating actives). Instead, I lean into gentler topical skincare to hydrate, firm, and replenish my complexion – and that’s exactly where peptide serums come in.
1 P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
Best Peptide Serum Overall
Skinceuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
2 Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping & Hydrating Serum
Best Clean Beauty Peptide Serum
Biossance Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping & Hydrating Serum
3 Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum
Best Budget Peptide Serum
The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum
4 Liquid Peptides
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5 Pore Perfecting Collagen Peptide Serum
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What are peptides?
A class of skincare products that use peptides or tiny amino acid chains as their chief ingredients, peptide serums are power-plumpers that address a variety of skin concerns, including some of the common signs of aging, like sagging and wrinkling.
According to dermatologist Kate Edwards, they do this by penetrating the skin and sending messages to its cells, signalling them to do everything from make more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to repairing UV damage. With use over time, your skin will be firmer more hydrated, and better equipped to handle environmental stressors and damage.
They’re even gentle enough to be part of a proactive anti-aging regimen in your 20s and early 30s. No, they’re not going to make you look like a teenager again. But with consistent application you may find they’re worth the extra step entirely.
Best peptide serums for glowy, plump skin
P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
Best Peptide Serum Overall
Skinceuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
£135 at LookFantastic
Pros
- Developed to work synergistically with neurotoxins
- Backed by clinical trials where testers
Cons
- Expensive relative to bottle size
- Won’t work on very deep-set wrinkles
Why we love it
This formula contains neuro-inhibitory peptides which are known expression line interruptors. This serum isn’t going to do the heavy lifting of injectables (no topical can), but it’s a solid in-between solution and great at targeting lines around the mouth.
It’s also perfect for someone looking for something less invasive but would like to see some smoothing. Rounding out the formula, niacinamide and laminaria extract brighten and even your skin tone, while PHA gently exfoliates for better ingredient penetration.
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Fragrance-free? |
|---|---|
| Peptides (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, acetyl hexapeptide-8), niacinamide, laminaria extract, polyhydroxy acids (PHA) | Yes |
How we tested the best peptide serums
Cosmo editors and contributors are constantly testing and gathering intel on new old and trending peptide serums to find the best options on the market.
- Vetted hundreds of peptide serums
- Personally tested them on my skin
- Asked dermatologists and skincare experts
- Read thousands of reviews from testers
How do peptides benefit the skin?
As protein derivatives, peptides support the strengthening and repair of our skin cells – think of them as helping to kick your cells into action for rejuvenation and rebuilding.
This can benefit the skin in a myriad of ways. “Peptides are used for anti-aging healing and hydration, and can decrease skin inflammation and support and maintain the skin’s microbiome health,” says LoGerfo.
Dr. Newman agrees, adding that peptides can plump firm and smooth fine lines with two to four months of consistent use. It’s even been suggested that peptides can help with wound healing and skin barrier reconstruction.
How to choose the best peptide serum for you
Determine your skin type first. The right peptide serum for you (and any skincare product ever, really) comes down to your skin type. So if you’ve got oily skin then you probably won’t love a peptide serum filled with sealing oils and heavy moisturisers.
In this case, opt for a lightweight peptide serum with humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) to hydrate your skin without making it greasy.
However, if you’re working with dry dehydrated skin, obviously, the more moisture a formula can provide, the better. Look for peptide serums that are loaded with hydrators, plus sealing oils to help lock in all that water and hydration you’re flooding into your skin.
