The 10 Best Peptide Serums, According to Dermatologists

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers to ConsiderAdd to CartWhat To KnowFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others to Consider

Add to Cart

What To Know

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Photo:People / Lecia Landis

People / Lecia Landis

While science class may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the purpose of peptides is one lesson we all should pay attention to. “Peptides are a short chain of amino acids that are thebuilding blocks of collagen, elastin, and keratin,” board-certified and celebrity dermatologistDr. Shereene Idrisstells PEOPLE.

Serums are one of the easiest ways to deliver peptides to the skin, as the lightweight formulas can better penetrate beneath the skin’s surface than a rich moisturizer. So, we spoke with top dermatologists to find the absolute best peptide serums for different skin types and skincare routines.

Experts Say

Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEDrunk Elephant Resurfacing Serum at Amazon$82$68Jump to ReviewBest Copper Peptide Serum:The Ordinary “Buffet” at Sephora$32Jump to ReviewBest Value:Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster at Amazon$59Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Clinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum at Amazon$250Jump to ReviewBest for Dewy Skin:Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest for Melanin-Rich Skin:Melé Pore Minimizing Serum at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest Overnight:Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum at Amazon$35Jump to ReviewBest Retinol Peptide Serum:Kiehls Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum at Amazon$95Jump to ReviewBest for Wrinkles:SALEBliss Youth Got This Serum at Amazon$32$25Jump to ReviewBest Cruelty-Free:The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum at Amazon$16Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEDrunk Elephant Resurfacing Serum at Amazon$82$68Jump to ReviewBest Copper Peptide Serum:The Ordinary “Buffet” at Sephora$32Jump to ReviewBest Value:Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster at Amazon$59Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Clinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum at Amazon$250Jump to ReviewBest for Dewy Skin:Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest for Melanin-Rich Skin:Melé Pore Minimizing Serum at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest Overnight:Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum at Amazon$35Jump to ReviewBest Retinol Peptide Serum:Kiehls Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum at Amazon$95Jump to ReviewBest for Wrinkles:SALEBliss Youth Got This Serum at Amazon$32$25Jump to ReviewBest Cruelty-Free:The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum at Amazon$16Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEDrunk Elephant Resurfacing Serum at Amazon$82$68Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEDrunk Elephant Resurfacing Serum at Amazon$82$68

Best Overall:

SALE

Best Copper Peptide Serum:The Ordinary “Buffet” at Sephora$32Jump to Review

Best Copper Peptide Serum:The Ordinary “Buffet” at Sephora$32

Best Copper Peptide Serum:

Best Value:Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster at Amazon$59Jump to Review

Best Value:Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster at Amazon$59

Best Value:

Best Investment:Clinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum at Amazon$250Jump to Review

Best Investment:Clinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum at Amazon$250

Best Investment:

Best for Dewy Skin:Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid at Amazon$60Jump to Review

Best for Dewy Skin:Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid at Amazon$60

Best for Dewy Skin:

Best for Melanin-Rich Skin:Melé Pore Minimizing Serum at Amazon$10Jump to Review

Best for Melanin-Rich Skin:Melé Pore Minimizing Serum at Amazon$10

Best for Melanin-Rich Skin:

Best Overnight:Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum at Amazon$35Jump to Review

Best Overnight:Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum at Amazon$35

Best Overnight:

Best Retinol Peptide Serum:Kiehls Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum at Amazon$95Jump to Review

Best Retinol Peptide Serum:Kiehls Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum at Amazon$95

Best Retinol Peptide Serum:

Best for Wrinkles:SALEBliss Youth Got This Serum at Amazon$32$25Jump to Review

Best for Wrinkles:SALEBliss Youth Got This Serum at Amazon$32$25

Best for Wrinkles:

Best Cruelty-Free:The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum at Amazon$16Jump to Review

Best Cruelty-Free:The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum at Amazon$16

Best Cruelty-Free:

Best OverallDrunk Elephant Resurfacing SerumPHOTO: Amazon$82$68 at Amazon$82 at Sephora$82 at Ulta

Best OverallDrunk Elephant Resurfacing Serum

Best Overall

Drunk Elephant Resurfacing Serum

PHOTO: Amazon

$82$68 at Amazon$82 at Sephora$82 at Ulta

Who It’s Good ForThis serum works for people with dry, balanced, and combination skin who are looking for hydration, radiance, and overall skin clarity.Who It’s Not Good ForIt might not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Who It’s Good ForThis serum works for people with dry, balanced, and combination skin who are looking for hydration, radiance, and overall skin clarity.

This serum works for people with dry, balanced, and combination skin who are looking for hydration, radiance, and overall skin clarity.

Who It’s Not Good ForIt might not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

It might not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Experts Say“This serum delivers a blend of ingredients to strengthen and support the skin,” Dr. Zeichner tells PEOPLE. “Peptides and growth factors stimulate collagen production, while amino acids help hydrate the skin and lactic acid offers exfoliating benefits to brighten and even skin tone.”

“This serum delivers a blend of ingredients to strengthen and support the skin,” Dr. Zeichner tells PEOPLE. “Peptides and growth factors stimulate collagen production, while amino acids help hydrate the skin and lactic acid offers exfoliating benefits to brighten and even skin tone.”

Size:1 oz. |Skin Type:All skin types

Best Copper Peptide SerumThe Ordinary “Buffet"PHOTO: Sephora$32 at SephoraView on Oxygenboutique.com$31 at Kohls.com

Best Copper Peptide SerumThe Ordinary “Buffet”

Best Copper Peptide Serum

The Ordinary “Buffet”

PHOTO: Sephora

$32 at SephoraView on Oxygenboutique.com$31 at Kohls.com

Who It’s Good ForThis is good for people who want smooth, tight, and even-toned skin.Who It’s Not Good ForIt shouldn’t be used in tandem with vitamin C.

Who It’s Good ForThis is good for people who want smooth, tight, and even-toned skin.

This is good for people who want smooth, tight, and even-toned skin.

Who It’s Not Good ForIt shouldn’t be used in tandem with vitamin C.

It shouldn’t be used in tandem with vitamin C.

Copper peptides are known for smoothing and tightening skin texture and decreasing pigmentation. They act like antioxidants to reduce damage and free radicals in the skin, as well as stimulate collagen growth. This serum also contains Matrixyl and Argirelox, which are types of peptides that work to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Peptides in general help with discoloration, so this serum is also ideal for those who have any redness or hyperpigmentation. Keep in mind that this serum should not be used in tandem with products containing vitamin C because using them together can make both less effective.

“I started using this peptide serum about six months ago and have definitely seen a noticeable difference in my skin,” says PEOPLE’s associate director of growth and content strategy, Hannah Freedman. “It’s plumper, firmer, more hydrated, and has a healthy glow.”

Best ValuePaula’s Choice Peptide BoosterPHOTO: Sephora$59 at Amazon$59 at Sephora$59 at DermstoreWho It’s Good ForThis serum is ideal for all skin types — especially those looking to improve texture and firm the skin.Who It’s Not Good ForThe small size is great for travel but will run out more quickly than others on the list.If your skin is feeling a bit dull lately, then this peptide booster is just what you need to reinvigorate it. Using a concentrated dose of eight peptides, this serum targets specific areas on your face to improve firmness and texture, smooth out wrinkles, provide hydration, lessen discoloration and redness, and help with cell renewal.And it’s so easy to add to your skincare routine — simply mix it into your favoriteface moisturizeror serum or use it as a standalone product. We think this product is a great value because the cost is fairly average among popular serums, and it works well for what you’re paying. It also comes in a size that’s ideal for travel but may run out more quickly than your average size serum.Size:0.67 oz. |Skin Type:All skin types

Best ValuePaula’s Choice Peptide BoosterPHOTO: Sephora$59 at Amazon$59 at Sephora$59 at Dermstore

Best ValuePaula’s Choice Peptide Booster

Best Value

Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster

$59 at Amazon$59 at Sephora$59 at Dermstore

Who It’s Good ForThis serum is ideal for all skin types — especially those looking to improve texture and firm the skin.Who It’s Not Good ForThe small size is great for travel but will run out more quickly than others on the list.

Who It’s Good ForThis serum is ideal for all skin types — especially those looking to improve texture and firm the skin.

This serum is ideal for all skin types — especially those looking to improve texture and firm the skin.

Who It’s Not Good ForThe small size is great for travel but will run out more quickly than others on the list.

The small size is great for travel but will run out more quickly than others on the list.

If your skin is feeling a bit dull lately, then this peptide booster is just what you need to reinvigorate it. Using a concentrated dose of eight peptides, this serum targets specific areas on your face to improve firmness and texture, smooth out wrinkles, provide hydration, lessen discoloration and redness, and help with cell renewal.

And it’s so easy to add to your skincare routine — simply mix it into your favoriteface moisturizeror serum or use it as a standalone product. We think this product is a great value because the cost is fairly average among popular serums, and it works well for what you’re paying. It also comes in a size that’s ideal for travel but may run out more quickly than your average size serum.

Size:0.67 oz. |Skin Type:All skin types

Best InvestmentClinical Skin Polypeptide Firming SerumPHOTO: Clinical Skin$250 at AmazonView on Clinicalskin.com

Best InvestmentClinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum

Best Investment

Clinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum

PHOTO: Clinical Skin

$250 at AmazonView on Clinicalskin.com

Who It’s Good ForThis product is designed for those with mature skin who want to target fine lines and wrinkles and hydrate the skin.Who It’s Not Good ForIt’s not really necessary for younger skin.

Who It’s Good ForThis product is designed for those with mature skin who want to target fine lines and wrinkles and hydrate the skin.

This product is designed for those with mature skin who want to target fine lines and wrinkles and hydrate the skin.

Who It’s Not Good ForIt’s not really necessary for younger skin.

It’s not really necessary for younger skin.

Results take about four weeks to notice a marked difference, but they will speak for themselves. Just be wary if you’re on a budget, because it’s pricey and, once you start using it, you won’t want to stop.

Experts Say“The Clinical Skin Poly Peptide Firming Serum contains a blend of skin-firming peptides with antioxidants and ceramides to protect and hydrate the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “The product has gone through extensive clinical testing with proven improvements in elasticity, hydration, and appearance in fine lines.”

“The Clinical Skin Poly Peptide Firming Serum contains a blend of skin-firming peptides with antioxidants and ceramides to protect and hydrate the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “The product has gone through extensive clinical testing with proven improvements in elasticity, hydration, and appearance in fine lines.”

Size:1.7 oz. |Skin Type:Mature skin, balanced skin

Best for Dewy SkinRhode Peptide Glazing FluidPHOTO: Rhode$60 at AmazonView on Rhodeskin.com

Best for Dewy SkinRhode Peptide Glazing Fluid

Best for Dewy Skin

Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid

PHOTO: Rhode

$60 at AmazonView on Rhodeskin.com

Who It’s Good ForThis glazing fluid is ideal for those who want smooth texture and radiance.Who It’s Not Good ForThis product works well on surface-level improvements, but it might not be as effective for those seeking deep anti-aging results.

Who It’s Good ForThis glazing fluid is ideal for those who want smooth texture and radiance.

This glazing fluid is ideal for those who want smooth texture and radiance.

Who It’s Not Good ForThis product works well on surface-level improvements, but it might not be as effective for those seeking deep anti-aging results.

This product works well on surface-level improvements, but it might not be as effective for those seeking deep anti-aging results.

For those who prefer a more viscous serum, this gel-based peptide glaze is ideal. This serum highlights four ingredients (including peptides) that work to transform the surface of your skin. It boosts radiance, tightens, and drenches your skin with hydration to create a dewy appearance.

The peptides also aid in plumping the skin, making it look and feel more supple. This might not be the right product if you’re looking for deep anti-aging results. But if you aim to refresh your skin each morning and night, and develop a smooth texture and a glowy complexion, Rhode is worth the waitlist.

“The peptide glazing fluid gives my combination skin a subtle dewy glow and feels so hydrating and lightweight on my face," says PEOPLE editor Madison Yauger. “And the peptides are doing their thing — I’ve noticed a significant improvement in texture and fewer bumps and imperfections on the surface of my skin. I’m so impressed.”

Size:1.7 oz. |Skin Type:All skin types

Best for Melanin-Rich SkinMelé Pore Minimizing SerumPHOTO: Target$10 at Amazon$10 at Walmart$10 at Walmart

Best for Melanin-Rich SkinMelé Pore Minimizing Serum

Best for Melanin-Rich Skin

Melé Pore Minimizing Serum

PHOTO: Target

$10 at Amazon$10 at Walmart$10 at Walmart

Who It’s Good ForThis formula is good for pore reduction, smoothing texture, and oil control.Who It’s Not Good ForSince it’s meant for a specific skin type, it’s not effective for those with fairer skin tones.

Who It’s Good ForThis formula is good for pore reduction, smoothing texture, and oil control.

This formula is good for pore reduction, smoothing texture, and oil control.

Who It’s Not Good ForSince it’s meant for a specific skin type, it’s not effective for those with fairer skin tones.

Since it’s meant for a specific skin type, it’s not effective for those with fairer skin tones.

Serums with niacinamideand peptides also reduce unwanted rough texture, and this serum contains both ingredients. You should use it in the morning and can even use it as a primer before applying your makeup. Since it’s meant for melanin-rich skin, it may not be effective for those with pale and light skin tones.

Experts Say“The serum minimizes the [appearance] of pores and modifies the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It contains a peptide to balance oil production along with rosehip extract to reduce shine.”

“The serum minimizes the [appearance] of pores and modifies the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It contains a peptide to balance oil production along with rosehip extract to reduce shine.”

Size:1 oz. |Skin Type:Combination, oily, mature, melanin-rich skin

Best OvernightOlay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night SerumPHOTO: Amazon$35 at Amazon$30 at WalmartView on Olay.com

Best OvernightOlay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum

Best Overnight

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum

$35 at Amazon$30 at WalmartView on Olay.com

Who It’s Good ForThis serum is good for people seeking anti-aging products that will give them a fresh glow.Who It’s Not Good ForSince this has retinol, it might not be the best for those with sensitive skin.

Who It’s Good ForThis serum is good for people seeking anti-aging products that will give them a fresh glow.

This serum is good for people seeking anti-aging products that will give them a fresh glow.

Who It’s Not Good ForSince this has retinol, it might not be the best for those with sensitive skin.

Since this has retinol, it might not be the best for those with sensitive skin.

If you don’t have time to think aboutbeauty products, but still crave the effects, use your time wisely — let them work while you sleep. This retinol peptide serum from Olay works overnight so you can consistently wake up with smoother, radiant skin, fewer dark spots, and the appearance of smaller pores. It’s also fragrance-free and absorbs quickly so there’s no tacky residue or scent while you’re trying to go to sleep.

Size:1.3 oz. |Skin Type:All skin types, mature skin

Best Retinol Peptide SerumKiehls Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose SerumPHOTO: Sephora$95 at Amazon$95$65 at Nordstrom$92$65 at Sephora

Best Retinol Peptide SerumKiehls Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum

Best Retinol Peptide Serum

Kiehls Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum

$95 at Amazon$95$65 at Nordstrom$92$65 at Sephora

Who It’s Good ForThis serum is ideal for those searching for anti-aging remedies, because it boosts collagen production, firms the skin, and improves texture and tone.Who It’s Not Good ForIt has a highly-concentrated retinol, so it’s not suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Who It’s Good ForThis serum is ideal for those searching for anti-aging remedies, because it boosts collagen production, firms the skin, and improves texture and tone.

This serum is ideal for those searching for anti-aging remedies, because it boosts collagen production, firms the skin, and improves texture and tone.

Who It’s Not Good ForIt has a highly-concentrated retinol, so it’s not suitable for those with sensitive skin.

It has a highly-concentrated retinol, so it’s not suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Experts Say“Kiehl’s has a Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum that contains 0.1% retinol, which is pretty high,” says Dr. Idriss. “It has Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, which tricks your skin into signaling collagen production and instantly helping your skin.”

“Kiehl’s has a Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum that contains 0.1% retinol, which is pretty high,” says Dr. Idriss. “It has Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, which tricks your skin into signaling collagen production and instantly helping your skin.”

Best for WrinklesBliss Youth Got This SerumPHOTO: Amazon$32$25 at Amazon$21 at Ulta

Best for WrinklesBliss Youth Got This Serum

Best for Wrinkles

Bliss Youth Got This Serum

$32$25 at Amazon$21 at Ulta

Who It’s Good ForAnyone looking for anti-aging benefits should consider this serum.Who It’s Not Good ForThis product is made with pure retinol which can be too strong for sensitive skin.

Who It’s Good ForAnyone looking for anti-aging benefits should consider this serum.

Anyone looking for anti-aging benefits should consider this serum.

Who It’s Not Good ForThis product is made with pure retinol which can be too strong for sensitive skin.

This product is made with pure retinol which can be too strong for sensitive skin.

There’s a refined beauty to aging — seeing memories in the form of laugh lines, scars, and other marks of life across your face, but that doesn’t mean you want to see every wrinkle all the time. Consistently using products like this peptide serum designed to target wrinkles can help remove some of that texture and firm up your facial skin along the way.

Experts Say“Bliss Youth Got This serum contains a stabilized form of retinol along with peptides to offer complementary benefits and strengthen the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Skin-protecting ingredients like squalane help maintain a healthy skin barrier.”

“Bliss Youth Got This serum contains a stabilized form of retinol along with peptides to offer complementary benefits and strengthen the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Skin-protecting ingredients like squalane help maintain a healthy skin barrier.”

Size:0.7 oz. |Skin Type:All skin types

Best Cruelty-FreeThe Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide SerumPHOTO: Sephora$16 at Amazon$16 at SephoraView on Theinkeylist.comWho It’s Good ForThis is a good choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, firming, and hydrating formula.Who It’s Not Good ForIf you’re looking for fast results, this product, which takes up to six weeks to work, might not be the best choice.This cruelty-free peptide serum from The INKEY List contains two collagen-boosting peptides — Matrixyl 3000™ and Syn-Tacks™ — that help support natural collagen production. In addition to boosting collagen, the formula is also lightweight, firming, and hydrating, thanks to the addition of glycerin and hyaluronic acid. You can use the formula twice daily (morning and evening), and it takes around six weeks to see results. Another bonus: It’s very reasonably priced.Size:1 oz. |Skin Type:All skin types

Best Cruelty-FreeThe Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide SerumPHOTO: Sephora$16 at Amazon$16 at SephoraView on Theinkeylist.com

Best Cruelty-FreeThe Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum

Best Cruelty-Free

The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum

$16 at Amazon$16 at SephoraView on Theinkeylist.com

Who It’s Good ForThis is a good choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, firming, and hydrating formula.Who It’s Not Good ForIf you’re looking for fast results, this product, which takes up to six weeks to work, might not be the best choice.

Who It’s Good ForThis is a good choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, firming, and hydrating formula.

This is a good choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, firming, and hydrating formula.

Who It’s Not Good ForIf you’re looking for fast results, this product, which takes up to six weeks to work, might not be the best choice.

If you’re looking for fast results, this product, which takes up to six weeks to work, might not be the best choice.

This cruelty-free peptide serum from The INKEY List contains two collagen-boosting peptides — Matrixyl 3000™ and Syn-Tacks™ — that help support natural collagen production. In addition to boosting collagen, the formula is also lightweight, firming, and hydrating, thanks to the addition of glycerin and hyaluronic acid. You can use the formula twice daily (morning and evening), and it takes around six weeks to see results. Another bonus: It’s very reasonably priced.

Other Peptide Serums to Consider

After looking through our expert-recommended picks, take a look at some of the other top-rated peptide serums we’ve found in our research.

Skin Medica TNS Advanced+ Serum$295$267 at Amazon$295 at DermstoreView on Skinmedica.comCarrot & Stick The Repair Serum$80 at AmazonView on Carrotstick.comElemis Peptide4 Antioxidant Hydra-SerumView on Amazon$78 at RevolveDerma E Advanced Peptide & Collagen Serum$34 at Amazon$38 at Ulta

Skin Medica TNS Advanced+ Serum$295$267 at Amazon$295 at DermstoreView on Skinmedica.com

Skin Medica TNS Advanced+ Serum

$295$267 at Amazon$295 at DermstoreView on Skinmedica.com

Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum$80 at AmazonView on Carrotstick.com

Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum

$80 at AmazonView on Carrotstick.com

Elemis Peptide4 Antioxidant Hydra-SerumView on Amazon$78 at Revolve

Elemis Peptide4 Antioxidant Hydra-Serum

View on Amazon$78 at Revolve

Derma E Advanced Peptide & Collagen Serum$34 at Amazon$38 at Ulta

Derma E Advanced Peptide & Collagen Serum

$34 at Amazon$38 at Ulta

While you find your next peptide serum, check out these other PEOPLE-Tested skincare must-haves. Our team of editors and independent testers put these products through rigorous testing and ranked them above numerous competitors.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream$26$22 at Amazon$30 at Target$41 at UltaTula Skincare Eye Renewal Serum$58 at Amazon$58 at Sephora$58 at TargetIsdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate$115 at Amazon$115 at DermstoreView on Isdin.comL’Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum$36$27 at Amazon$36 at WalgreensView on Lorealparisusa.com

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream$26$22 at Amazon$30 at Target$41 at Ulta

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream

$26$22 at Amazon$30 at Target$41 at Ulta

Tula Skincare Eye Renewal Serum$58 at Amazon$58 at Sephora$58 at Target

Tula Skincare Eye Renewal Serum

$58 at Amazon$58 at Sephora$58 at Target

Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate$115 at Amazon$115 at DermstoreView on Isdin.com

Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate

$115 at Amazon$115 at DermstoreView on Isdin.com

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum$36$27 at Amazon$36 at WalgreensView on Lorealparisusa.com

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum

$36$27 at Amazon$36 at WalgreensView on Lorealparisusa.com

What to Know About Peptide Serums

Peptide Type

The first consideration is the type of peptide serum you’re looking for. “There are different types of peptides and not all peptides are created equal,” says Dr. Idriss. “Some help to boost collagen production, others even out pigmentation, and some can even inhibit the breakdown of collagen so that your skin can stay firmer longer. ThePCA Skin ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum, our best pick for smoothing the skin, also boosts collagen. There are alsosome that act like ‘Botox’, but are not a replacement for Botox whatsoever. They temporarily slow down the contraction of your muscles. The biggest drawback is that there is no miracle cure and no single peptide is a miracle.”

Skin Type

Skincare Routine

Think about how simple or complex your skincare routine is. Some peptide serums are easily combined with other products, such as amoisturizer with sunscreen, making them easy to add to an existing regimen. Others have to be applied separately in the morning and night, which, depending on your preference, might be absolutely fine or an annoyance. All peptide serums come with use instructions somewhere on the packaging, so just be sure to read to make sure the application frequency is something you’re comfortable with and capable of doing.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Peptides are a great ingredient to combine with retinol for an increased well-aging benefit, says Dr. Idriss. “If you have sensitive skin and you’re looking to add retinol into your skincare routine, you can first start with peptides and slowly graduate to retinol.Argireline serumsalso pair well with peptides. They are not interchangeable, but they both offer well-aging benefits.” If you have sensitive skin, our top pick for a peptide serum that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin is theCarrot & Stick The Repair Serum.“Peptides can be used in combination with other actives like vitamin C,” adds Dr. Zeichner. “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage. It helps brighten dark spots, even skin tone, and protect the skin from environmental damage. [Unless marked otherwise] most peptide serums can be used alongside vitamin C serums,” he says.

“Peptides are a great ingredient to combine with retinol for an increased well-aging benefit, says Dr. Idriss. “If you have sensitive skin and you’re looking to add retinol into your skincare routine, you can first start with peptides and slowly graduate to retinol.Argireline serumsalso pair well with peptides. They are not interchangeable, but they both offer well-aging benefits.” If you have sensitive skin, our top pick for a peptide serum that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin is theCarrot & Stick The Repair Serum.

“Peptides can be used in combination with other actives like vitamin C,” adds Dr. Zeichner. “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage. It helps brighten dark spots, even skin tone, and protect the skin from environmental damage. [Unless marked otherwise] most peptide serums can be used alongside vitamin C serums,” he says.

With regular peptides, AHAs or alpha-hydroxy acids do not mix well. While vitamin C pairs well with most peptides, it does not mix well with copper peptides, because it makes both ingredients less effective. If you already use avitamin C serumregularly, you should consider adding a non-copper peptide serum to your routine. Additionally, niacinamide (an ingredient in many of the serums on our list and a form of vitamin B3), should also not be mixed with vitamin C for the same reasons. However, there are ways to incorporate both into your routine — just use one in the morning and one at night.“Peptides are hearty ingredients and generally mix well with other products,” says Dr. Zeichner. “That being said, as a general rule, more is not better when it comes to skincare. It’s important to understand what your skincare products do and to choose products that complement each other.”

With regular peptides, AHAs or alpha-hydroxy acids do not mix well. While vitamin C pairs well with most peptides, it does not mix well with copper peptides, because it makes both ingredients less effective. If you already use avitamin C serumregularly, you should consider adding a non-copper peptide serum to your routine. Additionally, niacinamide (an ingredient in many of the serums on our list and a form of vitamin B3), should also not be mixed with vitamin C for the same reasons. However, there are ways to incorporate both into your routine — just use one in the morning and one at night.

“Peptides are hearty ingredients and generally mix well with other products,” says Dr. Zeichner. “That being said, as a general rule, more is not better when it comes to skincare. It’s important to understand what your skincare products do and to choose products that complement each other.”

Like many otheranti-aging products, includinghyaluronic acid serums, vitamin C serums, and more, generally, these serums are safe to use daily — either once or twice a day depending on the product instructions. Our pick for the best retinol peptide serum,Kiehl’s Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum, recommends using it once a day, morning or night.

Meet Our ExpertsShereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified celebrity dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology.Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.

Meet Our Experts

Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified celebrity dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology.Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.

source: people.com