The 10 Best Peptide Serums Boost Collagen for Smoother, Firmer Skin
They don't get the name "Botox in a bottle" for nothing.
In the construction project that is the perfect skincare routine, peptides wear many hard hats. For one, they’re the building materials. Peptides “are short chains of amino acids; these amino acids are essentially the building blocks of proteins like both collagen and elastin,” explains board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD.
But they’re also kind of…project managers. “Think of peptides as tiny messengers that communicate with skin cells, encouraging them to carry out functions that support healthier, stronger, and more resilient skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Hallie McDonald, MD. “Depending on the specific peptide used, they may help stimulate collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, or soften the appearance of fine lines.”
And, unlike actual construction projects, peptides manage to do all this with minimal, if any, disruption. “Peptides are one of my favorite skincare ingredients because they offer meaningful benefits with a very low risk of irritation, making them appropriate for nearly all skin types, including sensitive skin,” says Dr. McDonald.
So it’s little wonder that peptide serums have become MVPs in many a skincare routine. “While peptides can't replace procedures or dramatically rebuild collagen instantly, they're a great ingredient to incorporate if you're looking to keep your skin healthy and looking its best over time,” says Dr. Marmur. Read on for 10 of the best peptide serums, beloved by derms and skincare enthusiasts alike.
The Best Peptide Serums
- Best Peptide Serum Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
- Best Peptide Serum for Large Pores: COSRX The Blue Copper Peptide Bakuchiol Plump Glow
- Best Multitasker Peptide Serum: EighthDay The Regenerative Serum
- Best Peptide Serum for Under Makeup: Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid
- Best Peptide Serum for Mature Skin: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
Best Peptide Serum Overall
If the name “P-TIOX” sounds awfully injectable-y, you aren’t imagining things: SkinCeuticals’ potent serum is inspired by neuromodulators, reducing the appearance of wrinkles (specifically nine different types of expression wrinkles, including nasolabial folds, crow’s feet, and those glabellar “11s”) while improving skin texture and imparting that “just got back from the derm” radiance. It achieves this through a unique blend of advanced peptides and actives, including PHA and niacinamide.
Review: “Absolutely love this anti-wrinkle serum! When putting it on, I always apply [it] to the right side of my face first, and the results are almost immediate! The wrinkles under my eyes and around my mouth become much less noticeable, and my skin feels so very smooth. Highly recommend!” — Skinceuticals
Best Peptide Serum for Large Pores
If you, like me, have pores so big they can be spotted quicker than a celebrity in a baseball cap and sunnies, this COSRX Peptide Serum is worth adding to your rotation. The lightweight, bright blue formula absorbs with a quickness, and its combo of copper tripeptide (which, fun fact, is naturally blue), a five-peptide complex, and bakuchiol pumps up hydration, smooths texture, and fades dark spots. It also improves firmness and refines the appearance of pores — basically checking off every item on the shopping list for “glass skin.”
Review: “This new serum is AMAZING! The vibrant blue color is gorgeous, and it goes on so smooth and easy! It is very hydrating and lightweight. After just one use, I noticed a reduction in the redness I usually experience from my sensitive skin. Having been using the serum for a week now, I can say my redness has continued to reduce, my skin feels firmer, my pores look great, and I continue to get compliments on how much of a healthy glow I have.” — COSRX
Best Multitasker Peptide Serum
Eighth Day’s The Regenerative Serum is an overachiever if there ever was one: Not only does it aim to address 10 different skincare bug-a-boos (among them fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, loss of volume and elasticity, and texture), but it does so via a peptide-rich plasma technology that includes a whopping 24 bioidentical peptides, growth factors, and amino acids. They work together to essentially emulate the skin, stimulating it to renew and regenerate. The high-tech ingredients list also includes neuropeptides for healing and repair; nonapeptide-1, which targets discoloration; and topical classics like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycolic acid.
Review: “This is the first time I have ever felt like I wanted to leave a review on a beauty product. The Regenerative Serum is different than other products I have tried. I immediately noticed my skin was more hydrated and had a healthy glow. With continued use over the past month, I notice my skin is bouncier, smoother, and my fine lines have begun to soften. It's a bit pricey but worth the investment.” — Eighth Day Skin
Best Peptide Serum for Under Makeup
Leave it to the Queen of Clean (Girl) herself, Hailey Bieber, to come up with one of the most straightforward, unfussy peptide serums on the market. Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid assists in cultivating that bakery-fresh glazed-donut glow via peptides, niacinamide AKA everyone’s favorite brightener), and marula oil. While this gel-like formula does work to improve your skin over time, the real reason to pick it up is the immediate radiance boost it provides.
Review: “Bought the mini, and days later went back for the full size. I just ran out and am picking up [more] ASAP, because I swear my skin is angry that I ran out. I am super picky: I don't like sticky stuff, and I don't like heavy moisture-type stuff. This was amazing… don’t laugh, but I literally broke it open to dig out product and [make sure there was] nothing left.” — Sephora
Best Peptide Serum for Mature Skin
This is one of those “oldies but goodies” that you’ve likely seen on your mom or grandma’s vanities (it's also a longtime favorite of Marie Claire Beauty Director, Hannah Baxter). But thanks to numerous makeovers over the years, it isn’t your grandma’s formula; the current iteration is powered by a “night peptide” selected by the brand for its skin-firming, vibrance-enhancing properties. Antioxidants and hyaluronic acid are also on the list to fight free radicals and support hydration, respectively. And don’t let the name fool you: You can actually use this one day and night, which is nice, considering how the immediate plumping is def something you’ll want to show off to someone other than your pillow.
Review: “I’ve been using this serum every night for a couple of years now, and it is truly among the best I’ve used. It does SO much for your skin ingredient-wise. Like holy. Moisture, fine lines, dark spots, and more. So, so good.” — Sephora
Best Peptide Serum For Deeper Wrinkles
Medik8’s Liquid Peptides serum was one of the first peptide products I ever tried and, to date, remains one of the formulas to beat, in my opinion. This Advanced version turns up the dial to eleven, addressing deep wrinkles (versus softer signs of aging) with its blend of peptides and proteins. “It features multiple peptide technologies in a lightweight formula designed to improve skin firmness and hydration, making it a great option for patients looking for a comprehensive peptide serum,” says Dr. McDonald.
Review: “I really love this serum—it actually works! The peptides it contains are the absolute best for anti-aging skincare, and the formula is light/milky and spreads nicely over my skin… I’m almost 48, and this has really improved my fine lines. I feel like it’s firmed my skin up, and my skin tone seems a lot more even as well. It really does what they say it will do, which, to me, makes it worth the higher price tag.” — Amazon
Best Budget Pick Peptide Serum
This serum from The Ordinary “is a budget-friendly option that combines multiple peptide technologies with copper peptides to target visible signs of aging,” says Dr. McDonald. The technologies in question include copper peptides, which help protect against environmental stressors, as well as firmness-boosting amino acids and hyaluronic acid. Along with the anti-aging benefits, this formula consistently earns high marks for fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and age spots.
Review: “This multi-peptide copper serum has honestly transformed my skin. When I was younger, I spent way too much time tanning, and now I’m dealing with the consequences — sun spots, uneven tone, and more noticeable wrinkles. After consistently using this product, I’ve seen a real improvement in the appearance of my age spots, and my skin looks smoother, healthier, and more refreshed overall.” – Amazon
Best Peptide Serum for Collagen Boosting
Dr. Marmur harnessed Korean technology for her brand’s peptide serum, which lifts, tightens, and brightens due in no small part to its star ingredient: “palmitoyl tripeptide-5, a powerful peptide designed to help combat the appearance of wrinkles,” as she explains. “It works by stimulating collagen production and helping defend against collagen degradation. With consistent use over time, the serum can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Review: “Best serum ever! I recently started using this product, and I absolutely love it. From the time it touched my face, I knew right away that it was different from anything I've ever used before. My almost-60-year-old skin drank it in and feels more beautiful than ever. My friends and family have been commenting that I look rested and fabulous! New holy grail night serum!” — MMSkincare
Best Luxury Peptide Serum
Perhaps the ultimate “treat yourself” pick, La Mer’s Regenerative Serum features “acetyl hexapeptide-8, a peptide that helps smooth the look of expression lines,” says Marmur. “It also combines niacinamide with La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth and metabolic ferment to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking smoother and firmer.” As one can reasonably expect from a product with such a hefty price tag, the formula is elegant (creamy yet lightweight), and the fresh scent adds to the overall sensorial experience.
Review: “Beautiful product. Really smooths my skin; I notice a difference the next morning. I usually pair it with Creme de la Mer at night and use this on its own or with a lighter cream during the day, and have seen a difference between the days I use it and the days I skip on it.” — Sephora
Best Retinol Alternative Peptide Serum
While you’d be hard-pressed to find a beauty editor who doesn’t sing the praises of retinol, there’s no denying that the never-duplicated—but sometimes irritating—ingredient isn’t for everyone. If you’re among those seeking retinol-free anti-aging solutions, this is the serum for you; it “combines a peptide with retinol alternatives like bakuchiol and sea fennel to help smooth the look of fine lines and improve firmness,” Marmur explains. “It’s a nice option for anyone who wants the benefits of a retinol-like product without the dryness and irritation that can sometimes come with traditional retinoids.”
Review: “Within two weeks of using the serum, I saw a noticeable difference in skin texture, reduced redness, and lessened visibility of a scar near my eyebrow. Highly recommend!” — Counter
What Do Peptide Serums Do?
“One of the biggest benefits of peptides is that they support firmer and smoother-looking skin,” Dr. Marmur says. They do this in a couple of different ways. “Signal peptides, such as palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, are among the most well-studied and help stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and softening the appearance of fine lines over time,” Dr. McDonald explains. “Carrier peptides, including copper peptides, help deliver essential trace elements involved in wound healing and collagen synthesis.”
And the best part? Just about everyone can use them, regardless of their skin type or the rest of their routine. “Many peptides are formulated to also help strengthen the skin barrier, which makes these serums a great option for people with dry or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Marmur; and, since they “also tend to be gentle on the skin…they work well alongside other skincare ingredients without causing irritation.”
That said, there is a caveat. A fantastic topical is still a topical, and thus can only do so much. “I always emphasize to my patients that it's important to have realistic expectations,” Dr. McDonald says. “Peptides aren't an instant fix, and no topical ingredient can erase wrinkles overnight. The benefits accumulate gradually with consistent use.”
What Peptide Should I Use on My Skin?
Honestly: Whichever one has an ingredients list that meets your needs. “Most people shouldn't spend too much time deciding between one peptide and another. I recommend instead looking at the overall formula of a specific product,” says Dr. Marmur. “If you have dry skin, look for peptide serums that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. If you're focused on anti-aging products, I recommend choosing formulas that combine peptides and ingredients like niacinamide. Small batch brands usually have finer, less harsh ingredients.”
Since they are such agreeable chaps, “the main reason to avoid a particular peptide product isn't the peptides themselves, but rather another ingredient in the formula,” says Dr. McDonald. “For example, someone with very sensitive skin may react to added fragrance, essential oils, or certain preservatives. That's why I encourage patients to choose fragrance-free products whenever possible, especially if they have eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin.”
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Meet the Experts
Ellen Marmur, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MM Skincare. After 8 years as Chief of Dermatologic Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, plus 10 years at Marmur Medical, Dr. Marmur is a leading dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon whose expertise includes skin cancer diagnosis and surgery, Mohs surgery, reconstructive surgery, women’s health dermatology, and cosmetic surgery. She also is a master of aesthetic procedures like neuromodulators, fillers, lasers, body sculpting, liposuction and more. She has been quoted in outlets including Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Allure, Dr. Oz, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and NY1 among many others.
Hallie McDonald, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder of Erly Skin. She has expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of skin conditions, including skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, eczema, nail disorders, alopecia, pigmentary disorders, and many others. She is also an expert in aesthetic procedures including injectable neurotoxins, fillers, chemical peels, sclerotherapy, and more.
