I use peptide serums to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. I don’t need to get injections. No shade to them, but I’m over 35 now and haven’t tried filler yet… not yet. I don’t want my fine lines and wrinkles to be on full display, though.
Because my skin can be sensitive, I’m careful about cosmetic procedures and not really a fan of retinols, even though experts say they’re the best active ingredients for rejuvenating skin. I use gentler topical skincare instead to hydrate, firm, and restore my skin. Peptide serums are perfect for this.
What are peptides?
Peptide serums are a type of skincare product that uses peptides, which are tiny chains of amino acids, as their main ingredients. They are power-plumpers that can help with a number of skin problems, including some of the most common signs of aging, like sagging and wrinkling.
Dermatologist Kate Edwards says that they do this by getting under the skin and sending messages to its cells, telling them to do things like make more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, as well as fix damage caused by UV rays. Over time, your skin will become firmer, more hydrated, and better able to handle stress from the environment. And that’s why you will look younger overall.
You can even use them as part of a proactive anti-aging routine in your 20s and early 30s. No, they won’t make you look like a teen again. But if you use them regularly, you might find that they’re worth the extra effort.
Not all peptide serums are the same. This guide, which is written by editors and experts, will help you. Get ready to learn everything you need to know about peptides as active ingredients so you can choose the best peptide serum for your skin goals and budget.
The best peptide serums for skin that looks healthy and full
Peptide Serum P-TIOX for Wrinkles
1
Overall, the best peptide serum
Pros
Pro
Made to work together with neurotoxins to treat areas that were previously thought to be “off-label” for injections
For
Backed by clinical trials in which testers saw results faster than with other peptide products (in as little as one week)
Disadvantages
Con
Costly (especially when you consider the size of the bottle and the fact that you should use 4 to 6 drops twice a day)
Con
Not effective on very deep wrinkles
Why we love it: This formula has neuro-inhibitory peptides, which are known to stop expression lines. This serum isn’t going to do the heavy lifting of injectables (no topical can), but it’s a good middle ground and works well on lines around the mouth.
It’s also great for someone who wants to see some smoothing but doesn’t want to have surgery. Niacinamide and laminaria extract brighten and even out your skin tone, and PHA gently exfoliates to help the other ingredients get deeper into your skin. Dr. Edwards says, “This is nice because it combines gentle resurfacing with antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects.”
Cosmo editor review: “A lot of anti-aging serums can feel heavy on my oily, acne-prone skin. But juuuust because I’m not dry doesn’t mean I don’t wanna prevent wrinkles, dammit. My face immediately drinks up P-Tiox’s lightweight, watery consistency—no sticky residue left behind. But I also notice it definitely helps smooth out my skin. I’ve been using this serum on and off for eight months, and my forehead is so smooth (even though I haven’t topped up my Botox in nearly a year).” – Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor
A Quick Look at the Features
Peptides (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, acetyl hexapeptide-8), niacinamide, laminaria extract, and polyhydroxy acids (PHA) are some of the most important parts.
No scent?Yes
Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping & Hydrating Serum
2
The Best Peptide Serum for Clean Beauty
Pros
Pro
You can use it with other serums if you want to get more than one benefit for your skin.
Pro
Formula that is light and absorbs quickly
Disadvantages
Con
When you use the bottle and dropper, they can get a little slippery.
Why we love it: If your skin is sensitive, the other skin-loving ingredients that come with a peptide serum can make it work better. Dr. Edwards calls this Biossance product a “smart pairing” because it has copper peptides and squalane from sugarcane, which is a stable emollient that soothes skin. Dr. Edwards says, “The emollient helps buffer irritation and keep the barrier intact, which may keep the peptide function.” The “rapid plumping” effect is probably due to the humectants in the formula, but the peptides will slowly help cells turn over faster. That means your skin will look and feel firmer and healthier in just a few months.
“I’ve been using this serum on and off since it came out a few years ago, usually in the winter. It always gives me an instant volume boost and takes care of any dry patches that have popped up. It has a lightweight gel-like texture, so it absorbs quickly and leaves behind radiance without any residue.” – Danielle Blundell, Contributing Beauty Writer
A Quick Look at the Features
Copper peptides, paracress extract, ectoin, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid (PGA), and sugarcane squalane are some of the most important ingredients.
No smell?Yes
Collagen Booster Peptide Serum for Firming
3
The Best Peptide Serum for the Money
Pros
For
Doesn’t pill when you put on other makeup and skin care products over it.
Pro
The lightweight texture glides on the skin without any problems.
Disadvantages
Con
The bottle is small, and the seal might not work.
Con
The effects on wrinkles aren’t very dramatic.
Why we love it: The INKEY List’s Collagen Peptide Serum works even though topical collagen is too big to get through the skin’s surface. That’s because it uses matrixyl, a small and well-studied signal peptide, along with a dual peptide complex, to encourage the production of collagen and elastin below the skin’s surface. What happened? A more hydrated and plump look right away, and with regular use, a slightly smoother and tighter complexion over time. Dr. Edwards says it’s a good choice for someone new to peptides because it gives you a lot for your money.
Cosmo editor review: “I love The Inkey List’s simple products because they help me keep my routine simple for my acne-prone skin. This watery serum is a nice collagen-boosting step when my skin needs a little extra something. It’s not as heavy-duty as other peptide serums, but it does the job for a fraction of the price.” – Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor
A Quick Look at the Features
Matrixyl 3000 peptide complex (palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1), hyaluronic acid, and radish root are some of the main ingredients.
No smell?Yes
Peptides in Liquid
4
The Best Peptide Serum That Works Quickly
Good things
Pro
Very hydrating for its size
Pros
Helps skin look fuller right away and over time.
Pro
Made with clean, plant-based ingredients
Disadvantages
Con
Some people think the texture is a little sticky.
Why we love it: There are 10 of them—yes, really 10! – This very light product is full of peptides, so you’re getting the best of what this category has to offer. For example, argireline, which relaxes wrinkles, and copper peptides, which help your cells produce and maintain collagen. Dr. Edwards says, “A well-thought-out high peptide load is rare in a consumer formula.” “This could have real effects beyond just making things look better if the stability and delivery are well-designed.”
Cosmo editor review: “I can’t explain it exactly, but when I put this serum on in the morning, I look like I had a good night’s sleep, even though I haven’t (which is most of the time). I’m guessing that’s the moisture surge from the hyaluronic acid, but it’s the peptides working behind the scenes to make skin look more radiant and bouncy in the long run. This is another one that doesn’t leave any residue under makeup.” – Danielle Blundell, Contributing Beauty Writer
A Quick Look at the Features
30% multi-peptide complex (including matrixyl 3000, carnosine, copper peptides, argireline, and others), hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are the main ingredients.
No smell?Yes
Collagen Peptide Serum for Pore Perfecting
5
The best peptide serum for K-beauty
Pros
Pro
It absorbs quickly, which makes it a great base for makeup.
Pro
Has a lot of peptide power for a low price.
Pro
Great for getting that “glass skin” look
Disadvantages
Con
This one has a faint peachy smell that some people might not like.
Con
This formula is more of a firmer than a hydrator, so you might want to use a moisturizer after it.
Why we like it: K-Beauty brands take skin care very seriously. You can trust that any serum from BIODANCE, which is based in South Korea, is the real deal. This product is a lot for its £23 price. Let’s begin with the 10 peptides, which were chosen because they can do the same things that protein derivatives do: make skin firmer, smoother, and fuller. This serum was clinically tested to improve the texture of the T-zone and cheek area, especially for glass-like, glowing skin. If you are worried about visible or clogged pores, this serum can help.
“This is actually the first Biodance product I’ve ever used (yes, before the viral face masks—sue me!) and I can see why every skincare fanatic is so excited about the K-beauty brand. The pinky serum is non-comedogenic and great for promoting smooth skin and collagen production. While I don’t have super visible fine lines and wrinkles (yet), I love this serum as a preventative product to keep my skin bouncy and glassy for as long as possible. It feels slightly sticky—it’s got that classic K-beauty consistency—but it goes away once you start to rub it in.”—Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor
A Quick Look at the Features
Peptides (Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, SH-Oligopeptide-1, Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Hexapeptide-9, Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4), hyaluronic acid, elastin, collagen, and water
No scent?No
Revitalift Triple Power Age-Defying Serum
6
The Best Peptide Serum for Multitasking
Pros
Pro
The rich, creamy texture makes this feel luxurious and easy to use.
Pro
The bottle is dark and opaque to stop peptides from breaking down.
Pro
The multitasking formula takes care of a lot of skin problems at once.
Disadvantages
Con
Even though it says it doesn’t smell, it does have a faint fruity smell that some people might not like.
Why we love it: This formula has three main peptides—matrixyl 3000, argireline, and carnosine—that work together to make skin more elastic, smooth out fine lines, protect against UV damage, and stop collagen from breaking down. It also has hyaluronic acid to make skin look fuller and vitamin C to make it look better and even out skin tone. To start and end the day with bouncy, juicy-looking skin, rub a few drops into your face and neck every morning and night. If you keep using this product for a long time, your skin should feel a little tighter and firmer.
Cosmo editor review: “The milky texture of this serum made it really easy to see where I was applying it, but it sank into my skin just as easily as any clear formula. If you want a glowy, dewy look, this product is a great base for that. And it gets high marks for having vitamin C in it; LoGerfo says peptides work best when combined with vitamin C, as long as it doesn’t have a lot of acid on the pH scale.” – Danielle Blundell, Contributing Beauty Writer
Quick Look at the Features
Tripeptides (matrixyl 3000, argireline, and carnosin), vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid are some of the most important ingredients.
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No smell?Yes
PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
7
The best peptide serum for shiny skin
Pros
Pro
Gives you moisture and a glow
Pro
It’s soft, so it’s good for skin that is sensitive.
Disadvantages
Con
Can get a little sticky
PDRN is everywhere. If you haven’t seen it all over your FYP, it’s a compound made from salmon sperm DNA that has become very popular because it can make your skin glow and hydrate it. Fortunately, many formulas use plant-based PDRN, so you can still get the same results without the salmon sperm.
One of the most popular bottles? The Pink Peptide Serum from Medicube. It is meant to help the skin’s natural barrier, encourage healing, and keep the skin healthy and hydrated. We want all of these things.
“This lives up to the hype,” says a Cosmo editor. My skin looked shinier than ever after just one week of regular use. There are also peptides, niacinamide, and antioxidants in this product that made my skin look brighter and more awake. “I’ll be using this all the way to the last drop,” said Clare Stephenson, a senior fashion and beauty writer for ecommerce.
Important Details:
PDRN, peptides, niacinamide, and turmeric extract are some of the most important parts.
No scent?No
Advanced MP Liquid Peptides
8
The best peptide serum for wrinkles and fine lines
Benefits
For
Everyone who took part in the clinical testing said it made fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
Pro
It has a silky, moisturizing texture that most skin types, even sensitive ones, will love.
Cons
Con
It costs a lot of money.
Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum says it will work in just 10 minutes to reduce fine lines, dehydration lines, and skin that looks dull. That’s the kind of math we like.
This powerful treatment has a 30% multi-peptide complex that makes skin look fuller and younger. It also has the brand’s own bio-technology, Dual MiniProteins, which boosts collagen and elastin to make deep-set wrinkles and fine lines less visible. It really can do a lot of things, and it isn’t afraid to show it off. Oh, and did I mention that it doesn’t have any smells, has been tested by dermatologists, and has been shown to work in clinical trials (see here)? Drop the mic.
Cosmo editor review: “I don’t know how Medik8 does it, but they did it again!” The Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum quickly became a must-have in my routine because its silky consistency and powerful formula made my skin feel hydrated, plump, and as soft as butter. “Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer, says, “It’s an investment, but it’s worth it if you’re willing to spend.”
Important Details:
13 peptides are the main ingredients.
Peptide Glazing Fluid Dewy Gel Serum
9
Best peptide serum to use under makeup
Pros
Pros
The results are immediate, leaving skin shiny and smooth.
Pro
It’s a great choice for people with sensitive skin because it doesn’t have a smell and has been tested by dermatologists.
Disadvantages
Con
The box is cute, but it’s big.
If you want skin that glows, come this way. Rhode’s famous peptide serum has a lot of fans (of course, Hailey Bieber loves it, and her skin says a lot), so it’s easy to see why this bottle made our list.
The Peptide Glazing Fluid is a light layer that contains peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. It makes skin look and feel instantly juicy and refreshed. If you stick with it, your skin will look fuller and more even.
Cosmo editor review: “I tried this product with my eyes closed so that I wouldn’t be influenced by the brand name or the founder. But it turns out that this peptide serum is really good. It has peptides, niacinamide, and marula oil in it, which made my skin feel very soft and plump. “I love using it by itself, but when I put makeup on top of it, my skin glows.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer
Important Features:
Peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are the most important parts.
No smell?Yes
Serum for Hydration Boosting Water Slide
10
The best peptide serum for people who are new to it
Pros
Pro
It helps keep you hydrated and protects you.
Disadvantages
Con
It doesn’t work as well on fine lines and wrinkles.
This is a mix of hyaluronic acid and peptides. What can we say? They are the best team ever. This vegan number stands out because it has a milky texture that makes skin look so fresh. It also has niacinamide and glycerin, which are great for keeping skin hydrated. This not only hydrated my skin, but it also calmed it down. If you have redness and sensitivity, this is a good choice.
“I don’t think you can go wrong with this serum,” says a Cosmo editor. It’s a good price, it has peptides that make your skin firmer and hyaluronic acid that makes it more hydrated, and it’s safe for sensitive skin. “Bish, bash, and bosh,” said Clare Stephenson, a senior fashion and beauty ecommerce writer.
Important Features:
Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and glycerin are the most important parts.
No scent?Yes
Serum with Multi-Peptide and HA
11
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
Pros
Pro
It has peptides, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids in it to keep your skin hydrated and plump.
Disadvantages
Con
Likely to pill
A £15.90 peptide serum? We want to join. The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide + HA Serum used to be called “buffet,” and yes, that’s because this one product is good for the skin in so many ways.
It has four peptide technologies, amino acids, and several hyaluronic acid complexes that help fill out and hydrate the skin. You will notice more moisture right away, but if you stick with it, annoying lines of dehydration or crow’s feet will start to fade.
Cosmo editor review: “This is one of those skin care products that doesn’t have fancy packaging or a high-end brand name. It sits quietly on my shelf next to the pricey bottles, but it works just as hard, if not harder. This silky serum is full of four types of peptide technologies, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid. It does a great job of making my skin more hydrated and firm. “I love it so much that I even gave my mom a bottle to try.” —Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer
Important Details:
The main ingredients are peptides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid.
No scent?Yes
Eye serum with pro-collagen peptide
12
The best peptide serum for the eyes
Pros
Pro
Calming, soothing, and refreshing
Pro
You can see results right away and over time.
Pro
I love the metal applicator that cools down.
Cons
Con
It’s a bit pricey
This little tube of Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Firming Eye Serum may be expensive, but it can make you look like you’ve had eight hours of sleep, even if you stayed up all night watching Bridgerton. Thanks to a strong mix of collagen and peptides, not to mention the calming metal applicator, this product helps restore firmness and elasticity while smoothing out fine lines and crow’s feet.
Cosmo editor review: “I often forgot to take care of my eyes as part of my skincare routine until I found this bb. It feels like an eye serum, but it also feels like a mini spa experience, which I’m more than happy to do after a long day at work. The metal applicator instantly cools and refreshes my under eyes (pro tip: keep it in the fridge to make it feel even cooler), and the silky serum makes them look more awake and refreshed. “Almost like I haven’t been staring at a screen for eight hours straight.” — Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Important Details:
Collagen and peptides are two important ingredients.
No scent?Yes
Mucin Face Serum with Prickly Pear Peptide
13
The best vegan peptide serum
Pros
Pro
It instantly moisturizes and makes the skin feel fresh.
Pro
Works well under makeup
Cons
Con
It says it doesn’t have a smell, but it does have a smell that isn’t very pleasant.
Snail mucin is a common ingredient for getting glass skin, and as you might expect, it comes from snails. Glow Recipe’s Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin is a vegan option that contains 81% cactus-derived mucin and peptides to give you smooth, plump skin without the snails.
Cosmo editor review: “I use this pretty pink bottle whenever my skin needs a lot of moisture. I think the best way to use it is to put it on damp skin and then pat it in. You might see the formula turn white while you do this, but just keep blending. It will leave your skin feeling super hydrated and glowing, which is what K-beauty skin care is all about. “The results are immediate, but if you stick with it, you’ll see a smoother, more even, and healthier-looking complexion after a few weeks.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Important Details:
Main ingredients: mucin and peptides from cacti
No smell?Yes
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best peptide serumsHearst Owned
How we checked the best peptide serums:
Cosmo editors and contributors are always testing and gathering information about new, old, and popular peptide serums to find the best ones available. To make this list, I…
- Checked out hundreds of peptide serums to find the ones that work best
- I tried them out on my own skin and asked other Cosmo staff members what their top choices were.
- We asked dermatologists and skin care experts for their honest opinions on our picks.
- Read thousands of tester reviews to find out what the pros and cons of each formula on our list are.
