There are so many effective skincare ingredients out there. You've probably heard of retinol, retinoids, collagen, niacinamide, vitamin C… I mean, the list goes on and on. But have you heard of peptides? They've been gaining buzz in recent years, and it seems that more and more products are enriched with the ingredient. And if you're not quite sure what they are, just know that they have skincare benefits that will really make you sit up and listen.
"A peptide is an amino acid that is naturally found in the body," explains Ife Rodney, MD, FAAD, of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics. "Peptides act as a precursor (or signaling agents) for certain proteins in our bodies and activate thousands of biological functions, like promoting memory; DNA repair; gut health; attacking free radicals; sexual function; hair, skin, and nail health; and much more. Over time, scientists have been able to isolate certain synthetic and plant peptides for use in medicine and cosmetics. The objective is to stimulate certain cells to increase protein production in key problem areas."
And Tiffany Libby, MD, FAAD, Reserveage's resident dermatologist, adds that peptides are essentially the building blocks of proteins, like collagen, elastin, and keratin. You've probably heard of all three of those when it comes to healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Libby says there are several types of peptides used in skincare. "When applied topically, the peptides act as little messengers and instruct skin cells to perform various functions and effects on the skin, from building collagen and elastin to reducing inflammation and maintaining hydration," she says. They can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and they also act as a humectant to bind and hold on to water.
These are the most common peptides you'll find in skincare:
Signal peptides: "Signaling peptides work to stimulate new collagen and elastin production," Libby explains.
Enzyme-inhibiting peptides: These block the enzymes that break down or degrade elastin production.
Carrier peptides: "They deliver minerals to the skin that are essential for specific enzymatic processes like cross-linking collagen and wound healing," Libby adds.
Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides: Libby explains that these work similarly to neurotoxins, like Botox, but with lower efficacy to reduce wrinkle formation.
And while all of this sounds really good, it's important to note that we're still learning more about peptides. "We should note that the research on the impact of peptides on the skin is still in its infant stages," Rodney explains. "Peptides are great at penetrating the skin since the molecules are so small, but the long-term benefits to our skin have not yet been confirmed. Most of the feedback on peptides is mainly anecdotal."
The Best Peptide Serums
If you want to incorporate peptides into your skincare routine, you can start with a serum. "Peptides work well in products that stay on your skin for extended periods, and serums are one of them," Rodney says. "Serums are usually lightweight applicators with high concentrations of active ingredients found in most skincare products. They absorb well and are best used after cleansing. As the name implies, peptide serums contain one or more peptides that will send high concentrations through your skin." You can use peptides on all skin types, Rodney adds, because they're naturally found in our bodies.
When choosing a serum, Libby recommends keeping your specific skincare needs in mind. "If you tend to have drier or more sensitive skin, stick to moisturizing formulas that calm and soothe and contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide," she says. "Peptide is a term that can be used widely in skincare, but it's important to recognize that there are some peptides that are more well-studied than others and have human clinical studies to back them."
And Rodney recommends looking for a product with as many natural ingredients as possible that has peptides or polypeptides as the main ingredient. "Peptides work well with other products like hyaluronic acid or retinoids, so your product can include these ingredients. Note that products with peptides are some of the more expensive on the market," she says.
Take a look at some serum options below.
1. Skinmedica TNS Recovery Complex
"One of my favorite peptide serums is the SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex. It is definitely a splurge but worth it. It has a patented growth factor blend and works to rejuvenate skin, enhance skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," Libby says.
2. The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
"It contains a range of peptides, including the popular Matrixyl peptide to improve collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and produce firmer skin," Rodney says.
3. Paula's Choice Peptide Booster Serum
"It contains eight peptides along with licorice extract to reduce inflammation and boost collagen production, which can reduce fine lines and improve skin texture," Rodney says.
4. Olay Wrinkle Correction Serum B3 + Peptides
This drugstore serum is formulated with vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and peptides to target wrinkles. And the description reads that just one drop has the power to renew one million skin cells—that's impressive!
5. Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum
Peter Thomas Roth's serum contains 16 peptides to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; five neuropeptides to smooth the skin; and two gamma proteins to improve elasticity, skin tone, and texture.
6. PCA Skin ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum
Made with a blend of peptides and emollients, this serum targets the lines around your eyes, forehead, and lips while also providing deep moisture. Other ingredients include hyaluronic acid, rice bran wax, and vitamin E.
7. The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum
This firming serum is infused with Matrixyl 3000, which supports natural collagen production. It's good for all sorts of skin types: normal, dry, combination, and oily.
8. Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Kiehl's serum is formulated with pure retinol plus ceramides and peptides. It's a microdose formula, so it promotes skin turnover without any redness, dryness, or peeling. The product works to reduce wrinkles, firm the skin, minimize pores, and even tone and texture.
9. Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum
In addition to 11 signal peptides, Drunk Elephant's serum also contains 10% lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin. And it's also got amino acids to soothe and moisturize the skin.
The Best Peptide Creams
Since peptides also bind and lock in moisture, they also make for a good ingredient in a moisturizer. Rodney says they provide a collagen boost, and since they're humectants, they work well for dry, oily, and combination skin types.
"A peptide cream … infuses high concentrations of peptides into your skin over a period of time," Libby explains. "I would recommend a cream-based formula for those looking for more hydration and moisturization for their skin, as well as those looking to improve visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, discolorations, and loss of elasticity and firmness."
When shopping for a peptide cream, look closely at the ingredient list and do your research on brands and specific products. "Although peptides help with anti-aging, I want my cream to not stray from its primary function, which is to keep my skin moisturized and lock in moisture. (Peptides do help in this area too.) You can look for peptides or polypeptides on the ingredient list, along with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and other humectants," Rodney says.
Here are some peptide cream options below.
1. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream With Peptides and Niacinamide
"It contains moisturizing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, and squalene. There are also collagen and peptides to help with anti-aging," Rodney says.
2. Reserveage Firming Face Cream
"I have been using and loving the newly launched Reserveage Firming Face Cream as well as its Illuminating Eye Cream. These are both formulated with the brand's proprietary microencapsulated copper peptides that help support collagen synthesis and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties," Libby says. "It also has a blend of nine other potent peptides that have been well studied in clinical studies like Matrixyl and Dermaxyl. Clinicals demonstrate a diminished look of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes, and improved hydration, firmness, and elasticity."
3. Volition Beauty Celery Green Cream With Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides
"It contains ingredients to retain moisture like celery extract, cucumber, and hyaluronic acid. There is also a high concentration of peptides for wrinkles and dull skin," Rodney says.
4. CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
This highly rated night cream has a peptide complex that reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and supports skin elasticity. The moisturizer also contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
5. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
This moisturizer might be one of Drunk Elephant's most popular products. It contains a signal peptide complex, which is composed of nine peptides that bind moisture to the skin. Other ingredients include pygmy water lily stem cell extract to replenish and calm the skin plus a soybean folic acid ferment extract, which is a B vitamin that plays a role in supporting youthful skin.
6. Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Contour Lift Face Cream
This face cream contains a dermatologist-developed micro-peptide to sink into the skin and promote collagen and elastin. It's formulated to moisturize, plump, and sculpt the face.
7. Éminence Organic Skin Care Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream
The star ingredient in this cream is the peptide illuminating complex, which is composed of an antioxidant-rich mix of hibiscus seed botanical peptides, gardenia stem cells, and yellow plum extract. It also contains arctic plants and berries to prevent the signs of aging and lingonberry seed oil to replenish moisture.
8. Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
For ultra hydration, try this moisturizer that is formulated to restore the skin barrier. It's enriched with a firming nutri-peptide blend, a hydrating triple-lipid complex, and a plumping seaweed hyaluronate blend.
9. Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer
You'll get up to 24 hours of hydration with Olay's moisturizer. It's formulated with collagen peptide and vitamin B3 to firm the skin and target fine lines and wrinkles. And the other good news? It's a lightweight formula that doesn't feel sticky or greasy.
Next: The 7 Most-Wanted Face Creams and Their Less Expensive Drugstore Dupes
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
