These Peptide Serums Soften Fine Lines and Wrinkles
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The more you expand your skin care knowledge, the sooner you realize that retaining hydration, improving signs of aging, and boosting plumpness involve more than just your average hyaluronic acid or vitamin C formulas. Turns out, we should really be paying closer attention to peptides in skin care, which enhance skin elasticity and encourage collagen production for a firmer, more youthful glow.
"Peptides are short chains of amino acids that play a key role in communication between cells," says Dr. Daniel Friedmann , a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery . "When applied on the skin, they can increase the production of proteins such as collagen, elastin, and fibronectin, leading to improvements in fine lines and wrinkles , elasticity, and firmness."
Our Top Picks for the Best Peptide Serums
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Editor's Pick: Medik8 Liquid Peptides , $64
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Best Peptide Serum for Fine Lines: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum , $32
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Best Peptide Serum for Anti-Aging: Skinceuticals P-Tiox , $150
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Best for Glass Skin: Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum , $59
Of course, like vitamin C and vitamin A, peptides come in a variety of forms. In skin care specifically, you'll see a lot of carrier, signal, and neurotransmitter peptides. "Carrier peptides deliver trace minerals to boost collagen, while signal peptides signal different areas of the skin to promote elastin, collagen, and other proteins," says Dr. Harold Lancer , board-certified dermatologist and founder of Lancer Skincare . "And neurotransmitter peptides are known for their Botox-type benefits ." While neurotoxins like Botox paralyze our muscles to smooth and prevent wrinkles, neurotransmitter peptides block the chemicals that trigger muscle contractions.
Intrigued? Below, you'll find a list of top options for serums containing peptides; we selected them after interviewing three board-certified dermatologists, consulting with ELLE editors for their favorites, and reviewing numerous customer reviews. Read on to discover the best peptide serums for a plump, dewy complexion.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides
This serum is about as straightforward as it gets, delivering an infusion of peptides—a whopping 30 percent of the formula is a combination of multiple peptides that plump and smooth the skin with each use. Because it's so gentle, you can even layer it with other actives like retinol.
Key ingredients:Peptides, panthenol
Skin type:Normal, dry, combination, and oily
Size:1 fl. oz.
ELLE editor review: "Every morning begins with this Liquid Peptide serum. No matter what my skin is going through, the serum revives it, adding plumpness and softness in just a few uses. I pair this with the Medik8 retinol, my powerhouse duo that keeps signs of aging at bay."—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
- Absorbs quickly
- May pill when layered with some products
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
King recommends this peptide serum that is anything but ordinary. The vegan formula combines several peptide complexes with a probiotic complex in a base of hyaluronic acid and amino acids. It's designed to target fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Key ingredients:Copper peptides, Matrixyl, ARGIRELOX
Skin type:Normal, dry, combination, and oily
Size:1 fl. oz.
Expert review:
"The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum targets early signs of aging, is water-based, and moisturizes with hyaluronic acid. The price point on this serum is also great!"—Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, board-certified dermatologist
- Fragrance-free
- Tightens skin
- Takes time to see results
Skinceuticals P-Tiox
Dermatologists and ELLE editors have been shouting out this peptide serum for what feels like centuries. Inspired by the effects of injectables, it features a patent-pending blend of advanced peptides and actives (think: PHA, niacinamide, laminaria extract) to visibly reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and boost radiance. And now, you can even top it off with their new P-TIOX Cream for an extra smooth finish.
Key ingredients:Hexapeptide, dipeptide, PHA, niacinamide, laminaria extract
Skin type:Normal, dry, combination, and oily
Size:1 fl. oz
Expert review: "Skinceuticals P-Tiox improves fine lines, smooths, and firms the skin. It contains polyhydroxy acid to plump as well as laminaria extract to target wrinkles and soothe the skin."—Dr. Marnie Nussbaum
- Cult-favorite formula
- Very thin consistency
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
From the brain of an esthetician, Peach & Lily's offerings understand that supple, smooth skin shouldn't require aggressive formulas that can do more harm than good. Soothing, reparative, and nourishing, the Glass Skin serum enhances radiance and reduces fine lines and wrinkles through a blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
Key ingredients: Peptides, peach extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily
Size: 1.35 fl. oz.
ELLE editor review: "As an acne-prone girl, glass skin is what I so desperately want to achieve, but sadly, the journey there has been fraught with a compromised barrier, more breakouts, and a hole in my wallet. I found relief in this serum, which combines my favorite ingredients—hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides—to give me bouncy, smooth, and soft skin. Tackling these dark spots is next on the list."— Nerisha Penrose , ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
- Fades dark spots and redness
- Some reviewers found it drying
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir
Individuals of all skin types will benefit from this peptide serum, made with golden vitamin C and niacinamide to minimize the appearance of dark spots and brighten skin. Dr. Hadley King , a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology, recommends this serum since it contains two anti-aging peptides, acetyl tetrapeptide 9 and 11, which may help to improve skin elasticity and firmness.
Key ingredients:Golden vitamin C, niacinamide, polyglutamic acid
Skin type:Normal, dry, combination, and oily
Size:1 fl. oz.
Expert review: "I got this product in a holiday package and was instantly hooked. If you want hydrated, glowy skin, use this serum. It performs as well as my fancy serums for a fraction of the price. The minute I apply, my skin immediately looks luminous. This serum increases hydration and prevents skin water loss, making it great to apply before makeup. My favorite combo is using this with the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream when I want a long-lasting makeup look."— Danielle James , beauty expert
- Lightweight formula
- Suitable for daily use
- Unpleasant fragrance
Revision Skincare Revox 7
Although this serum comes with a hefty price tag, it contains seven different peptides formulated to minimize the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Apply it before moisturizer, and you can expect noticeable results in as little as three months.
Key ingredients:Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin type:Combination, mature, dry, oily
Size:0.5 fl. oz.
ELLE editor review: "Using this serum after a fresh cleanse feels like a splash of water on a rather hot day. I typically use this serum at night because I enjoy how plump and soft my skin feels upon waking up."—Nerisha Penrose
- For face and neck
- Tightens and firms skin
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Refillable Serum
Formulated with a 19 percent peptide complex, this serum helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother complexion. It's also designed to accompany injectable treatments, minus a trip to the dermatologist.
Key ingredients:Amplified matrixyl, Argireline
Skin type:Oily, combination, normal
Size:1.01 fl. oz.
Customer review: "I've almost used a full bottle, and I can definitely see my fine lines and wrinkles looking plumper and smoother. I love that it's lightweight—[it does] not feel heavy under any moisturizer or makeup. Will continue using."
- Minimizes the appearance of expression lines
- Fragrance-free
- Need to exfoliate before use
iS Clinical Super Serum Advance Plus
This serum, which contains L-ascorbic acid (the most effective form of vitamin C) and a copper tripeptide growth factor, is beneficial for individuals with discoloration. The formula can be spread over the face and neck to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scar tissue, and acne.
Key ingredients:L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Skin type:All
Size:15 mL
Customer review: "This is my holy grail serum in my morning routine. I have healed all my acne and use this as my daily vitamin C to aid in healing atrophic acne scars and hyperpigmentation."
- Ideal for dull, uneven skin
- Can be used on face and neck
- Small bottle for the price
Meet the Experts
Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist, specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr. Harold Lancer
is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Lancer Skincare.
Dr. Stefani Kappel
is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MDAiRE.
Dr. Daniel Friedmann
is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
Rheanita Reese
is a licensed esthetician and shop manager of Heyday Preston Hollow.
Dr. Marnie Nussbaum is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
What are peptides?
Peptides naturally occur in the body and, like proteins, are composed of amino acids and influence the cells of the body. "For example, if your skin is losing collagen, peptides can be used to signal the skin to produce more," says King. "In other words, they act as chemical messengers and are often referred to as signal peptides because they tell cells what to do."
Friedmann tells ELLE.com that peptide serums pair very well with retinol, sunscreens, and antioxidant products like vitamins C and E. That said, alpha-hydroxy acids can degrade peptides (through a process called acetylation), which decreases their efficacy.
What are the skin benefits of peptides?
Peptides have numerous benefits, which vary based on the formula and ingredients. "Some may stimulate collagen production in the skin, others may stimulate skin cells to turn over more quickly, and others may inhibit the release of neurotransmitters to keep facial muscles from forming wrinkles," says King.
Dr. Stefani Kappel , board-certified dermatologist and founder of MDAiRE , adds that peptides can enhance skin hydration, support wound healing, and target specific skin concerns. "They may also have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties," she adds.
Who should be using peptide serums?
Everyone can benefit from peptide serums, especially as a preventative measure for common skin concerns that occur with aging. "They are most useful for anyone in their mid-20s and up," says Lancer, adding that "peptides will help with the bounce and elasticity in the skin, collagen, and tone."
Still, Kappel says individuals with specific skin conditions or allergies should consider consulting with a dermatologist before incorporating peptide serums into their routine.
How long does it take to see results from peptide serums?
According to Friedmann, the benefits of peptide serums can be seen as early as a few weeks, but it can take up to three to four months to see the full results of an at-home treatment.
Rheanita Reese , a licensed esthetician, adds that the skin conditions being targeted will impact how long it will take to start noticing results.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, the writers spoke with trusted dermatologists about peptide serums.
How We Test
For this piece, ELLE writers including Emma Aerin Becker and Carol Lee consulted board-certified dermatologists and licensed estheticians to learn about the best peptide serums and discover their top picks. They also tested them out, read through countless customer reviews, and evaluated each product on their unique features.
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