If you’ve been clued into the peptides conversation, you might also be wonder what the best peptide skin-care products can do for you. This “silent powerhouse” (there are, in fact, various types of peptides) is a derm favorite for healing skin, slowing aging, and stimulating collagen and elastic production. At their most basic, peptides are short chains of amino acids that form the building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin. These proteins are essential for firm, youthful-looking skin.
Vogue’s Favorite Peptide Skin-Care Products
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Below, we asked experts to explain what peptides are, whether they recommend them in a skin-care routine, and what to look for when shopping the best peptide skin-care products, from creams and serums, to essences. We also rounded up our favorite peptide products for both the face and body in the guide ahead.
In This Story
- What are peptides?
- Do dermatologists recommend peptides?
- What is the most effective peptide for skin?
- How do peptides benefit the skin?
- Who should use peptides?
- Can you layer peptides with other actives?
- How to Apply Peptides
- How We Tested
- Meet the Experts
Best for Beginners: The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
- Why We Love It: “The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum is great for people who are just starting their skin-care journey or anyone looking to keep their routine minimal,” says holistic esthetician Amity Murray. She recommends it to clients who want a clean, effective formulation that “provides hydration, smooths lines, and is safe for sensitive skin.” It’s also priced under $20, so you won’t wince every time you use it, and you can generously apply it to your face, neck, and décolletage (as we all should be doing).
- Key Ingredients: Collagen peptides
- Best For: Dry, dull skin
- Fragrance-Free: No
- Size: 1.01 fl oz
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| Lightweight texture layers well with other products | Results can take time to appear |
Best Drugstore: Olay Collagen Peptide Face Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: This fragrance-free moisturizer is a top pick for sensitive-skin types. It feels great on the skin and layers nicely under sunscreen or makeup. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth, it’s packed with palmitoyl pentapeptide, a peptide known for helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production. “It works by mimicking the skin’s own repair signals, essentially signaling the skin to renew itself, which makes it effective for improving fine lines, firmness, and overall skin texture,” she explains. Because it’s small and lipid-linked due to the palmitoyl group, she notes that it penetrates the skin more easily than some other peptides, allowing it to deliver anti-aging benefits deeper into the dermis.
- Key Ingredients: Collagen peptide, niacinamide, pro vitamin b5
- Best for: Dry, aging, textured skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 oz
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| Keeps skin hydrated all day | Texture can feel slightly sticky |
Best Serum: Medik8 Liquid Peptides
- Why We Love It: If you want to supercharge your skin-care routine, Dr. Ruth says, “this is a more high-tech serum featuring a 30% peptide complex that is formulated with micro molecules to better penetrate into the skin.” While it’s on the pricier side, she explains that it’s a great option for patients looking to smooth fine lines while also hydrating the skin and adding a healthy glow. Unlike some skin-care products that take time to show results, this one delivers noticeably plumper, more hydrated skin within a week.
- Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid
- Best For: Mature skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1 fl oz
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| Works for all skin types | Priced on the higher end |
Best for Wrinkles: Skinceuticals P-TIOX
- Why We Love It: A new favorite in the skin-care community—Vogue contributor Deanna Pai described it in her review as “the next best thing to a needle”—this formula contains biomimetic peptides and 10% argireline to target expression lines while smoothing and refining skin texture over time. While Dr. Ruth doesn’t like to compare any topical product to Botox, she says the results are promising and that it can help soften fine lines. “Argireline helps inhibit neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, which can soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.”
- Key Ingredients: Hexapeptide, dipeptide, 5% PHA, niacinamide, laminaria
- Best For: Mature skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1 fl oz
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| Non-greasy texture that plays well with other skincare | Priced on the higher end |
Best for Mature Skin: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
- Why We Love It: Murray explains that the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is a strong option for dry or mature skin. However, it’s safe for all skin types and helps improve the appearance of coarse wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and texture. While it errs on the pricier side, she says it’s ideal for anyone looking for a cosmeceutical-level product that delivers visible results. Clinical tests have shown improvements in as little as two weeks, provided it’s used consistently.
- Key Ingredients: TNS-MR, renaissance (RSC) advances
- Best For: Mature skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1 oz
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| Smooths texture, lightweight, non-greasy | Pump can be finicky |
Best Copper Peptides: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
- Why We Love It: Think of copper peptides as multitasking repair agents for your skin. Dr. Ruth explains that this serum helps boost collagen and elastin while also calming inflammation and supporting healing, making it a must-have for restoring bounce and glow, especially in aging or compromised skin. Like all of The Ordinary’s products, this serum is relatively affordable and easy to add into your routine. However, the research is still evolving, and Dr. Ruth notes that more studies are underway to fully understand the role of copper peptides in dermatology.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides
- Best For: All skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1 fl oz
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| Well priced | Strong medicinal scent |
| Improves firmness via high peptide concentration |
Best Viral: Rhode Skin Peptide Glazing Fluid
- Why We Love It: If you’re already a Belieber in Hailey Bieber’s Rhode lineup, then you’re probably familiar with the Glazing Serum. If not, it’s an easy addition to your existing routine and doesn’t require much adjusting. It really depends on what you’re looking for, but if you want a minimalist serum with a dewy finish and barrier-boosting peptides, Dr. Ruth says this one is a favorite for patients aiming to achieve that hydrated, glass-skin glow without irritation.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, marula oil
- Best For: All skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
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| Absorbs quickly, cooling feel | May feel too heavy for some skin types |
Best Cream: InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream
- Why We Love It: Touted as one of the best peptide creams, InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream is an affordable option for anyone in search of a clean, effective formula. “It provides profound hydration while minimizing lines and wrinkles,” says Murray. If you’re used to lighter water creams, this one might feel slightly heavier at first, but it doesn’t cause breakouts or leave behind a tacky residue. With consistent use (it’s safe to use both morning and night, despite containing retinol), it helps skin appear firmer and leaves behind a healthy, radiant sheen.
- Key Ingredients: Bio retinol, lifting peptides, ceramides, unique reverse emulsion technology
- Best For: Dry skin, mature skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 oz
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| Leaves a glowy finish | Texture on the thicker side |
| Comes in refillable packaging |
Best Essence: Mara Algae + Beta-Glucan Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating Facial Essence
- Why We Love It: Mara—the algae-based skin care line that feels quintessentially Los Angeles—sources its clinically-tested algae through wild collection in France and Ireland, making each formula as thoughtful as it is effective. As Dr. Ruth puts it, “Think of this as your skin’s pre-serum smoothie. Beta-glucan calms inflammation, algae hydrates, and peptides help maintain a healthy and hydrated skin barrier.”
- Key Ingredients: Pearl powder, algae, marine collagen peptides
- Best For: All skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 3.4 oz
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| Primes skin beautifully | May feel too rich for some skin types |
Best French Pharmacy: Filorga Time-Filler 5XP Cream Clean
- Why We Love It: At times, we’re convinced the French know something we don’t when it comes to skin care, which is why every time we’re abroad, we stock up on French pharmacy staples. Thankfully, many of them are now available stateside, like the Filorga Time-Filler 5XP Cream Clean. Murray says, “It combines French research with luxury. This hydrating cream leaves skin looking and feeling plump.” With its creamy-gel texture, it’s especially well-suited for oily skin types, helping to hydrate while gently mattifying the complexion.
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, sea fennel extract
- Best For: Oily skin
- Fragrance-Free: No
- Size: 1.7 oz
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| Absorbs quickly, works well under makeup | May feel too oily for some |
Best for Body: U Beauty The Super Body Hydrator
- Why We Love It: Peptides aren’t just great for the skin on your face—they benefit the entire body. If you’re already a fan of U Beauty’s facial products, you’re in luck because the same high-performance formulas are also available in body care. Murray says the Body Hydrator is an excellent option for anyone struggling with dry or dehydrated skin. “This body moisturizer delivers smoothness,” she says. It’s also super lightweight, so you don’t need to worry about spending extra elbow grease rubbing it in, and it leaves behind a subtle glow.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Best For: All skin types
- Fragrance-Free:
- Size: 6.8 oz
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| Leaves skin glowy, absorbs quickly | Packaging is on the larger side |
Best With Growth Factors: Eighth Day Regenerative Serum
- Why We Love It: Developed by a dermatologic surgeon, the Eighth Day Regenerative Serum is “a results-driven product for clients who have a more advanced regimen,” says Murray. It’s formulated with all the essentials: GABA, an active neuropeptide that supports healing and repair; moisturizing hyaluronic acid; niacinamide to reduce inflammation; and glycolic acid to improve texture. As for peptides, it features a complex composed of 24 bio-identical peptides designed to leave the skin visibly renewed.
- Key Ingredients: Growth factors, peptides, amino acids
- Best For: Mature, sensitive skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 0.5 oz
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| Gentle formula, suitable for all skin types | Not ideal for targeting acne |
Best Eye Cream: Clearstem Bright Eyes Peptide Eye Gel
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- Why We Love It: Eye creams are often met with skepticism, but this peptide-powered option from Clearstem has the clinical studies to prove its effectiveness—users saw skin hydration improve instantly after application. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King explains that the formula “contains humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate the skin, and emollients like phospholipids to support the skin barrier. It also contains antioxidants and peptides.” These skin-care ingredients not only target brightness but, with continued use, help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Plus, the alloy-tip applicator adds to the experience, offering a cooling, soothing moment every morning and night.
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, plant stem cells
- Best For: Brightening, depuffing, firming
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 15 mL
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| Helps with texture and crow’s feet | The plastic tube makes it a little tricky to squeeze out every last drop |
| Lightweight formula |
Best Toner: CosRx 6X Peptide Collagen Booster Toner Serum
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- Why We Love It: According to Dr. King, this is a “great formulation that contains humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, niacinamide to improve skin tone and texture, allantoin to soothe the skin, natural moisturizing factors to support the skin barrier, and peptides for additional benefits. For example, palmitoyl tripeptide-8 helps balance, oligopeptide-68 helps brighten, and SH-polypeptide-121 helps boost collagen.” Beyond its swoon-worthy ingredient list, it’s relatively affordable, safe for acne-prone skin, helps target discoloration and softens the appearance of fine lines. It also absorbs quickly, making it easy to layer with the rest of your routine.
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, amino acids
- Best For: Hyperpigmentation, fine lines
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 5.07 Fl. oz.
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| Lightweight, watery texture that layers easily | Not the best choice if you are looking for an acne-focused treatment |
| Non-irritating formula that is safe for sensitive skin |
Best for Plumping: Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Face Moisturizer
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- Why We Love It: If you’re already using one of the best peptide serums, you’ll want an equally impressive peptide-packed moisturizer to pair with it. This one from Paula’s Choice is what Dr. King calls a “great moisturizer.” She explains that it “contains the perfect combination of humectants like glycerin to hydrate the skin, emollients like squalane to support the skin barrier, and occlusives like dimethicone to lock in moisture. It also contains peptides like tridecapeptide-1 to improve skin texture and oligopeptide-1 to improve elasticity.” Just use the gel-cream formula twice a day to target visible signs of aging. Clinical studies show users experienced instant plumping after each use, and while I was not asked to participate, I can attest.
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Best For: Hydrating, firming
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 50 mL
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| Does not pill under makeup, a little goes a long way | Contains dimethicone, which is not ideal for every skin type |
| Pump dispenser is easy to use |
Everything You Need to Know
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as the building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. According to Murray, “They communicate with our skin cells to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which gives the skin its youthful, bouncy appearance.” Studies show that peptides can help boost collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and calm inflammation. They also pair well with other active ingredients, like retinol and vitamin C, making them easy to incorporate into both morning and evening skin-care routines.
Do dermatologists recommend peptides?
They sure do—Dr. Ruth confirms that peptides are a scientifically supported class of ingredients in dermatology. “As a dermatologist, I often recommend topical peptides because they offer a gentler approach to skin rejuvenation, particularly for patients who can’t tolerate retinoids. They’re usually well tolerated, non-irritating, and can be layered with other actives, making them ideal for sensitive or aging skin.”
What is the most effective peptide for skin?
According to Dr. Ruth, there isn’t one single “most effective” peptide, as different peptides serve different purposes. Still, a few stand out in the dermatology world. She explains that matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) has some of the strongest clinical evidence for stimulating collagen and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Copper peptides are widely praised for their ability to boost collagen and elastin, accelerate wound healing, and reduce inflammation, making them especially useful in post-procedure skincare.
Meanwhile, argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8) has gained popularity for offering a neuropeptide-based approach that helps minimize muscle contractions at the skin’s surface. “What’s most compelling is that peptides often work synergistically with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants, making them an elegant addition to a well-rounded skin-care routine,” says Dr. Ruth.
How do peptides benefit the skin?
Peptides benefit the skin in a number of ways, most notably by supporting that youthful, bouncy look we all seem to chase. They work by essentially “talking” to skin cells—sending signals that encourage collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, or reduce inflammation, depending on the type of peptide used.
For example, Dr. Ruth explains that signal peptides help boost collagen synthesis and have been shown in studies to reduce the depth of wrinkles and improve skin firmness over time. One of the most well-studied examples is palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (also known as matrixyl), which has been clinically shown to reduce both wrinkle volume and depth with consistent use. Others, like acetyl hexapeptide-8 (also known as argireline), can mimic the effect of Botox by inhibiting neurotransmitter release to help soften expression lines. While no topical cream can fully replicate the results of Botox, the science behind peptides is promising. “In short, peptides work at a cellular level to help skin look and behave younger without the irritation that often comes with stronger actives,” says Dr. Ruth.
Who should use peptides?
According to Dr. King, peptides are suitable for almost everyone because they are gentle, well-tolerated and do not cause irritation or dryness. They are especially helpful for anyone looking to improve firmness, boost hydration, soften fine lines, support the skin barrier or address early signs of aging. Since different peptides target different concerns, they can benefit all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. As Dr. King puts it, “peptides are generally easy to tolerate and do not cause skin irritation or dryness, so they can be helpful for all skin types, including sensitive skin.” Peptides are also a great choice for people who cannot tolerate stronger actives but still want visible anti-aging results.
Can you layer peptides with other actives?
Yes. Dr. King explains that peptides can be layered with many other ingredients, but you should avoid applying them after occlusives because they will not penetrate as well. They pair nicely with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides and, of course, sunscreen. She notes that “some acidic formulations of ascorbic acid and hydroxy acids could theoretically destabilize certain peptides, particularly copper or matrixyl-type peptides that are sensitive to pH.” To avoid that risk, use them at a different time of day.
How to Apply Peptides
Dr. King suggests applying peptides after cleansing and toning, and before any heavier creams or oils. They work best when used as a serum or lightweight moisturizer step so the ingredients can absorb fully.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to peptide skin-care products, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, packaging, finish, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
- Nicole Ruth, DO, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
- Amity Murray is the lead esthetician at Hotel Chelsea in New York City.
- Dr. Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
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