13 Best Peptide Serums, According to Dermatologists
When it comes to anti-aging skin care products, few are as highly regarded as the hardworking, concentrated formulas in the best peptide serums. Peptides have collagen-stimulating and skin-smoothing benefits, and while different types serve different functions, they all have the same backstory. As Tiffany Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC explains, peptides are short chains of amino acids, which act as the building blocks of proteins and help with processes like cell signaling, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis, which then helps improve skin elasticity and hydration (more on that below). The bottom line: adding this anti-aging face serum to your skin care routine is a great way to firm and tone the skin while boosting the skin’s repairing process for a more resilient glow with no downsides. Below are the best peptide face serums worth trying, according to dermatologists.
The best peptide serums, at a glance
- Best Everyday Peptide Serum: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best Drugstore Peptide Serum: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Purified Peptide Serum, $18
- Best Peptide Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Serum, $64
- Best Peptide Serum for Mature Skin: ColoreScience Pep Up Collagen Boost, $179
Your peptide serum questions, answered
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Courtesy of brand1/16SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
A blend of growth factors, antioxidants, and peptides fuels this cult-favorite serum. The ingredients work together to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture, while evening out tone and supporting collagen and elastin levels, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. Dr. Libby is also a fan, noting that the steep price is reflected in the quality of ingredients and the quick visible results.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: TNS-MR, RSC advanced, glycerin, peptides / Skin Types: All
- What we like: Ample clinical data, gentle yet effective formula
- What could improve: Expensive price point
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Dermstore promo codes.
Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Purified Peptide Serum
Courtesy of brand2/16Cetaphil Healthy Renew Purified Peptide Serum
Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, lists this Cetaphil Purified Peptide Serum among her favorites, noting its well-formulated combination of peptides plus niacinamide, which serves as an antioxidant and calms skin, and glycerin, a humectant that helps retain skin moisture. Per Dr. Engelman, the noncomedogenic formula (meaning it won’t clog pores) boosts luminosity and hydrates skin to reduce visible signs of aging. Plus, a blend of pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin B3 works to repair the skin barrier and soothe skin. It works easily into the skin and doesn’t leave behind any of that dreaded sticky residue that comes with some hydrating serums.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: Peptides, edelweiss extract, rice lees extract, pro-vitamin B5, vitamin B3 / Skin Types: All
- What we like: Well priced, lightweight texture
- What could improve: Pump can be finicky
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Amazon and Ulta promo codes.
Best Affordable: The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
Courtesy of brand3/16The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist recommends this serum from The Inky List. “The price can’t be beat for the active ingredients, and the collagen peptides in the formula mimic those found in the skin,” he says. “The [molecules] are also smaller, which means they’re better absorbed into deeper layers of the skin for maximum efficacy.” By plumping the skin, the serum visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for both immediate and long-term effects. The serum goes on like water and hydrates skin from the inside-out.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000, syn-tacks dual peptide / Skin Types: All
- What we like: Accessible price
- What could improve: Slightly tacky texture
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Amazon and Sephora promo codes.
Best Splurge: RéVive Brightening Serum With Vitamin C, Niacinamide + Bio-Renewal Peptide
Courtesy of brand4/16RéVive Brightening Serum With Vitamin C, Niacinamide + Bio-Renewal Peptide
The formula uses peptides paired with a more stable version of vitamin C—tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate—and niacinamide (which can help reduce hyperpigmentation) for a maximum brightening effect.
Two potent brightening agents—vitamin C and niacinamide—alongside hyaluronic acid work in tandem with RéVive’s signature bio-renewal peptide serum to enhance radiance, refine skin texture, and even out skin tone. The proprietary peptide mimics the cellular renewal process, helping deliver smoother, suppler skin with each use. Together, the four powerhouses deliver what Dr. Hartman calls “the maximum brightening effect,” giving skin an immediate glow in addition to its longer-term benefits.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: Bio-renewal peptide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, snow mushroom / Skin Types: Aging, dry, normal, oily
- What we like: Impressive clinical results
- What could improve: Very expensive
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Nordstrom and Dermstore promo codes.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Serum
Courtesy of brand5/16Medik8 Liquid Peptides Serum
Formulated with no less than 10 peptides, all of which are housed in a copper peptide that sends them exactly where they’re needed to plump, hydrate, and refine uneven skin texture. “It works wonders for firming the skin and reducing signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Engelman shares. Plus, she says it’s a great pick for acne-prone skin thanks to its deeply hydrating, noncomedogenic formula. The peptide complex is complemented by multiple weights of hyaluronic acid that draw moisture into the skin for immediate effects.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000, drone-targeted copper peptide, carnosine, hyaluronic acid / Skin Types: All
- What we like: Absorbs quickly, plumps skin
- What could improve: Bottle can be difficult to open
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Dermstore promo codes.
Best for Oily Skin: Youth to the People Triple Peptide Hydrating + Firming Oasis Serum
Courtesy of brand6/16Youth to the People Triple Peptide Hydrating + Firming Oasis Serum
If lightweight hydration and visible firming effects are your goal, look no further. Youth to the People’s potent triple-peptide formula delivers hydration deep in the skin to plump and visibly improve fine lines and wrinkles. The ultra-lightweight gel serum is perfect for oilier skin types, because it’s formulated for dehydrated skin (which lacks water) rather than dry skin (which lacks oils)—the formula is packed with moisture-multiplying minerals that help the skin quite literally hang onto hydration longer. It works well under makeup and absorbs into the skin for a nontacky finish.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: 4D hyaluronic acid, triple bio-peptide blend, cactus and rambutan peel / Skin Types: All
- What we like: Effectively hydrates without weighing down skin
- What could improve: Some users report problems with pump
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Sephora promo codes.
Best for Dry Skin: Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Acid Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
Courtesy of brand7/16Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Acid Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
If lightweight hydration and visible firming effects are your goal, look no further. Youth to the People’s potent triple-peptide formula delivers hydration deep in the skin to plump and visibly improve fine lines and wrinkles. The ultra-lightweight gel serum is perfect for oilier skin types, because it’s formulated for dehydrated skin (which lacks water) rather than dry skin (which lacks oils)—the formula is packed with moisture-multiplying minerals that help the skin quite literally hang onto hydration longer. It works well under makeup and absorbs into the skin for a non-tacky finish.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: 4D hyaluronic acid, triple bio-peptide blend, cactus and rambutan peel / Skin Types: All
- What we like: Effectively hydrates without weighing down skin
- What could improve: Some users report problems with pump
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Sephora promo codes.
Best for Mature Skin: ColoreScience Pep Up Collagen Boost
Courtesy of brand8/16ColoreScience Pep Up Collagen Boost
Dr. Castilla says this serum essentially (and effectively) targets a slew of concerns for mature, aging skin. A blend of 10 peptides spurs collagen production, which decreases with age, while antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals and minimize the damage mature skin is more susceptible to. As skin ages, the skin barrier weakens and needs more support—which the serum delivers via hyaluronic acid and glycerin. In one fell swoop (or pump), the treatment fights signs of aging on three fronts, making it the ultimate peptide serum for mature and dry skin types alike.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, plant extracts / Skin Types: Mature, dry, sagging
- What we like: Fights aging on multiple levels
- What could improve: Pump can be faulty
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Dermstore promo codes.
Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Bounce Boosting Serum With Collagen + Peptides
Courtesy of brand9/16First Aid Beauty Bounce Boosting Serum With Collagen + Peptides
For sensitive, angry skin, Dr. Libby suggests First Aid Beauty’s gentle Bounce Boosting Serum, which features a blend of hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients alongside plumping collagen. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and stratixyl work to strengthen the surface barrier and lock in moisture while peptides and algae support skin firmness, elasticity, and tone to minimize signs of aging. Best of all, the noncomedogenic serum was formulated with sensitive skin types in mind, so no need to worry about any adverse reactions or irritation.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: Peptides, stratixyl, algae / Skin Types: Sensitive, normal, dry, combination
- What we like: Non irritating, deeply hydrating
- What could improve: Some users say there’s not much in the bottle
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Sephora promo codes.
Best for Dull Skin: iS Clinical Super Serum Advance Plus
Courtesy of brand10/16iS Clinical Super Serum Advance Plus
Lackluster, dull skin is no match for this hard-working serum, jam packed with skin-loving ingredients. It features time-released vitamin C (which helps deliver maximum results while minimizing the risk of irritation), performance-maximizing copper tripeptide growth factor, pentapeptide amino acids, and hyaluronic acid. There’s also skin brightening arbutin, vitamin B5 (a humectant), soothing centella asiatica, and zinc sulfate, which works to even tone. Together, they combine to make one ultra-potent serum that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scar tissue, hyperpigmentation, and acne, while promoting wound healing, collagen production, and smoothness. All the while, it protects the skin against UV, environmental, and free radical damage thanks to a healthy dose of antioxidants. Seriously, the results speak for themselves.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, copper tripeptide growth factor, hyaluronic acid, pentapeptide amino acid, vitamin B5, centella asiatica / Skin Types: All
- What we like: Hard-working formula with visible results.
- What could improve: Pricey
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Dermstore promo codes.
Best for Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Serum
Courtesy of brand11/16Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Serum
With a 19% peptide blend, this serum is ideal for those looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The formula features three patented peptides, one of which pairs particularly well alongside injectable neurotransmitters like Botox. Not only does the peptide complement those injectables, it can actually “help prolong the anti-wrinkle effects of the injections, which is ideal for people with deeper wrinkles,” Dr. Hartman explains. Basically, the multi-peptide serum works on two different levels to clinically improve the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles, driving serious results.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: Matrixyl, argireline, argirelox, squalane, glycerin / Skin Types: Aging, normal, dry
- What we like: Intended to complement injectables like Botox
- What could improve: New formula has slightly gritty texture
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Sephora promo codes.
Best for Hyperpigmentation: SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3
Courtesy of brand12/16SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3
Formulated with glycerin and niacinamide, this peptide serum helps diminish dark spots and discoloration while firming the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Engelman counts the serum among her favorites, and says it helps revitalize skin and increase radiance. By targeting, repairing, and preventing visible signs of aging, the serum can help reduce hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, the lightweight emulsion delivers a boost of hydration to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and improve firmness. For those with oilier skin, you can even skip the moisturizer after.
Size: 1.7 oz / Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, tripeptide concentrate, glycerin, amino acids / Skin Types: All
- What we like: No tacky or heavy feeling on the skin
- What could improve: New formula may not be great for acneic skin
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Dermstore promo codes.
Best for Dehydrated Skin: PCA Skin ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum
Courtesy of brand13/16PCA Skin ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum
Powered by a blend of nine unique peptides, this potent serum delivers a hefty dose of hydration to the skin while smoothing and defining the surface for a younger-looking, plumper complexion. What sets these peptides apart from others is their ability to affect nerve-to-muscle communication to improve the relaxation of muscle contractions, thereby minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Meanwhile, a polysaccharide-amino acid blend boosts moisture retention to keep skin hydrated for longer. The silky smooth serum glides across the skin to firm wrinkles and even define the contours of the face, resulting in a more youthful, hydrated complexion.
Size: 1 oz / Key Ingredients: SNAP-8 peptide, polysaccharide-amino acid blend, argireline peptide, soybean ferment extract / Skin Types: Aging, dry, normal
- What we like: Revives and refreshes the skin while lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- What could improve: Steep price
Save when you shop for the best peptide serums with these Nordstrom and Dermstore promo codes.
14/16What are the different types of peptides?
Most formulas feature a combination of peptides, so you don’t necessarily need to worry about how each functions, but it is worth familiarizing yourself with the different types of peptides when looking at ingredients.
Signal peptides, like Matrixyl 3000, work by sending a message to the cells to boost production of proteins like collagen and elastin, which ultimately helps firm the skin. These are the most commonly used peptides in skin care. There’s also neurotransmitter cells like argireline, which Dr. Zeichner says help relax muscles and improve the appearance of wrinkles, smoothing the skin. Meanwhile, he says carrier peptides (which include copper peptides) help to strengthen the barrier and stimulate collagen by delivering minerals to the skin. They function similarly to signal peptides in that they improve skin firmness and soften texture. Finally, there’s growth factor peptides to help with wound healing and skin regeneration. They also encourage collagen production (noticing a theme here?), making them particularly adept at anti-aging.
15/16Do peptide serums actually work?
With regular use, peptide serums are a worthy investment. “Peptides serums can help promote collagen synthesis which improves skin texture, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and enhances skin tone,” Dr. Libby explains. Think of peptides as tiny little messengers that send signals to other cells to produce more collagen and elastin.
“Peptides also have hygroscopic properties, meaning they can attract and retain water, which helps hydrate skin and improve moisture retention.” That means peptides not only help immediately quench thirsty skin, but they also help the skin hold onto that moisture for longer.Peptides also help with overall skin repair and strengthen the skin barrier, which Dr. Engelman says can help reduce moisture loss and contribute to healthier, more radiant skin. But, like any other product, those effects only work with regular continued use.
TLDR: Peptides help strengthen your skin by sending signals to other cells, while they work to improve hydration by drawing in and retaining water. All of this ultimately helps skin be more resilient and appear more radiant.
16/16What other skin care ingredients pair well with peptides?
According to Dr. Zeichner, peptides generally play nice with other ingredients and skin care products. While Dr. Castilla says they tend to work best as part of a well-rounded skin care routine that includes daily sunscreen and an antioxidant like vitamin C or E, Dr. Engelman suggests pairing peptides with ingredients that help enhance their benefits, like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. She also recommends layering a peptide serum with a good face moisturizer that has ceramides in it to help lock in moisture and hydration, and strengthen the skin barrier. That being said, all five dermatologists we spoke to warned against mixing peptides with harsh exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, which may counteract the benefits of peptides. You can, however, pair peptides with retinol—in fact, they can help mitigate some of the irritation that comes with retinol use.
