Fine lines, dryness and wrinkles are among the natural signs of aging. Though inevitable, there are a multitude of skin care ingredients and products that directly target these concerns. The one on everyone’s mind right now? Peptides.
Peptides have become a go-to among skin care enthusiasts and experts as they provide moisture and elasticity to the skin. Plus, they’re gentler than other anti-aging ingredients such as retinol and are easy to incorporate into your everyday routine.
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are found naturally within our skin. These amino acids make up proteins (mainly elastin and collagen) that are vital to our skin, and they hydrate and smooth the skin. Peptides work by penetrating the outer layer of the skin and sending “signals” to produce these proteins.
“Collagen is a vital protein within the dermis of your skin,” explains Jena Irby, founder of SkinFIT Aesthetics and licensed aesthetician. “It is essentially your skin’s primary support system — you cannot have collagen without peptides.”
There are five types of peptides that function within the skin. Signal peptides, which stimulate the production of collagen, and carrier peptides, which deliver skin-firming elements like magnesium and copper, are the most common. There are also enzyme-inhibiting peptides, neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides and antimicrobial peptides.
How do peptides help the skin?
Peptides are essential to the body and skin and have many vital benefits. They improve the skin barrier (the outermost layer of the skin), aid in muscle growth and repair and provide anti-aging properties. “Peptides increase collagen production and improve elasticity,” explains board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ariel Ostad. “They also treat fine lines and wrinkles, reduce signs of aging, prevent bacteria from clogging pores and support the skin’s barrier.”
Multiple studies have shown that by age 30 the body produces 1% less collagen on average per year due to external factors (such as pollution and UV exposure). At age 40, collagen levels drop dramatically and lead to wrinkles, sagging and dry skin, so utilizing peptides will address many of these concerns over time. Peptides can also be incorporated into medication and other products to help with weight loss and muscle recovery.
Consistently incorporating peptides within your skin care routine will deliver a handful of anti-aging and firming benefits. “You should be using peptide-infused skin care regularly in your routine,” recommends Ostad. “Peptides are recommended for all skin types, especially those who have dry skin and are noticing a loss of firmness.”
Want to add peptides to your regimen? We consulted experts and dermatologists on the 18 best peptide skin care products.
Best peptide skin care products
While celebrity beauty lines can be hit or miss, Hailey Bieber’s Rhode skin care is packed with a few standout products that we tested and loved. The peptide glazing fluid uses ingredients such as niacinamide and marula oil to plump and hydrate the skin and improve its skin barrier. Bieber uses the gel over makeup to provide a “dewy” finish, but it can also be used after a gentle cleanser.
“This is my personal go to eye cream for daytime, I love how light weight it feels,” Irby says. “Its gentle yet impactful peptide-packed formulation can even be used on the eyelid, which is not the case for all eye creams!”
This non-greasy, everyday moisturizer features over 300 — yes, 300 — peptides for maximum efficacy. The anti-aging cream also has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for quick, visible plumping.
EltaMD’s fragrance-free nighttime moisturizer uses a moisturizing blend of antioxidants, ceramides and peptides. The ingredients work together to strengthen the skin’s barrier and diminish signs of aging.
Olay’s Regenerist line is a drug store favorite, and its peptide-rich moisturizer is a bestseller. The product is fragrance-free and uses collagen peptides, niacinamide and Vitamin B3 to generate cell turnover.
While SkinMedica’s serum sits at a higher price point, the fragrance-free product uses a unique blend of botanicals, green microalgae, peptides and marine extracts to support the skin’s renewal process.
The brand’s TNS line features a “next-generation growth factor” that improves the appearance of fine lines, sagging and wrinkles. “I recommend this serum because it contains growth factors, a combination of botanicals and a skin-nourishing peptide complex to encourage cell renewal and support collagen and elastin levels,” says Ostad.
Another option that pairs peptides with a growth factor, this serum promotes collagen production with 3% concentration of a growth factor complex combined with a 9% lifting peptide complex, in addition to MSM, copper lysinate, phospholipids and glycolipids.
This SPF 30 delivers a dose of peptides with sun protection. The tinted moisturizer fights signs of aging with conditioning niacinamide, ceramides and peptides.
This AM/PM serum is composed of 11 signal peptides and lactic acid, which work to shed dead skin cells. The lightweight product is ideal for all skin types and perfect for those looking to address fine lines, wrinkles and an uneven skin tone.
Cult favorite Paula’s Choice utilizes signal peptides in its booster complex in addition to hyaluronic and amino acids. The lightweight gel rebuilds and firms the skin for both immediate and long-lasting results.
K-beauty favorite CosRX is known for its viral snail mucin serum, and it has harnessed much of that same formula for its peptide eye cream. The lightweight cream is not thick like typical lotions and directly delivers moisture through niacinamide and a peptide complex.
This K-beauty brand's peptide serum is formulated to target wrinkles, both treating existing lines and helping to prevent future ones from forming.
You can even look for peptides in your makeup, too. This skin tint enhances the complexion with vegan collagen peptides and ceramides, along with light coverage and an inclusive shade range.
Skinfix’s lipid-peptide cream features a hydrating blend of active lipids, peptides, hyaluronic acid and shea butter. The refillable product is meant to be used in the morning and night and is safe to incorporate with other retinols, vitamin C and AHA/BHA products.
“This contains copper tripeptide growth factor and a 15% concentration of L-ascorbic acid, or vitamin C,” explains Dr. Ostad. “It smoothes the skin and improves scar tissue, stretch marks and uneven skin.”
Blending four peptides with copper, dextran and lactic acid, these potent tablets can be activated with a few drops of water. The innovative freeze-dried serum keeps the ingredients potent and preservative-free.
With dual-weight hyaluronic acid and a rosemary peptide complex, this lightweight serum plumps and hydrates the skin.
This solid drugstore option keeps skin soft and moisturized with biomimetic peptides, ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.