Peptides. We know they’re something our skin likes, but do we know exactly what they are and what they do? If, like me, you're concerned with signs of ageing and loss of skin elasticity and plumpness, you need a peptide product in your skincare routine: Fact. I’ve always loved peptide skincare, but now that I'm 40 and going through premature menopause, I’m relying on them more than ever.
To get you the lowdown on peptides, I spoke to two leading dermatologists— Consultant dermatologist and clinical service lead at Dermatica Dr Shendy Engelina, and Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd—to find out what peptides do for the skin and whether there are any dos and don’ts when it comes to adding them into your routine. Peptides aren’t the easiest to understand (is anything in skincare?), so I asked the experts to break down the topic in the simplest way possible.
So, keep reading for an all-round guide to peptides and why they should be your friend, and discover 10 of my favourite peptide products, tried and tested by me. From serums to moisturisers and eye gels at all price points, I’m sure you’ll find something to add to your basket to start your peptide journey. Let’s get going.
What Are Peptides and What Do They Do?
Peptides are strings of amino acids that are crucial for the production of the structural proteins that our skin needs to stay firm with good elasticity. "Our skin is composed of a number of structural proteins including keratin, collagen and elastin, and peptides are the building blocks of these proteins," explains Dr Granite. But unlike collagen itself, whose molecules are too large to penetrate the skin when applied topically, peptides are small and "generally able to penetrate the skin effectively when used in topical preparations," says Dr Granite. "When applied topically, peptides act as messengers, signalling skin and hair cells to perform essential functions."
They’re not just good for keeping your skin firm and improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles, as peptides also work to "improve skin resilience, support the skin barrier, soothe irritation and inflammation, hydrate and improve wound healing, breakouts and pigmentation. They also help support scalp health and hair growth."
So, it sounds like we all need them, but are there any cons to using peptides?
Are There Any Cons to Using Peptide Products and Can They Be Used by All Skin Types?
Peptides can be found in a variety of skincare products, typically in leave-on products such as serums and moisturisers. Dr Granite states, "The safety profile of peptides is excellent, so there is little risk there." However, Dr Shendy says that whilst peptides are generally well tolerated and safe for all skin types, there is a risk that some people may experience "potential skin irritation or allergic reactions, such as itching, redness, or swelling." Whilst the risk is small, if this is the case when you use a peptide product, discontinue use and consult a medical professional. Dr Shendy also recommends that if you have sensitive skin, it would be a good idea to "perform a patch test first to check for any potential irritation or allergic reactions."
What Ingredients Should You Not Apply Alongside Peptides?
Some skincare ingredients hinder the efficacy of peptides if applied at the same time. The experts advise using peptides at a different time of the day from your other actives—particularly, as Dr Granite explains, "Avoid the use of peptides with AHAs such as glycolic acid and BHAs such as salicylic acid." Dr Shendy says these acids can break down peptides, diminishing their benefits. She also advises against using peptides with retinoids and vitamin C.
"Whilst retinoids can have synergistic effects when combined with peptides, it’s best to apply them separately, as they can cause skin irritation which would hinder the effectiveness of the peptides," she says, adding that "some research suggests that L-ascorbic acid (a bioavailable and active form of vitamin C) may destabilise peptides, although this is still debated. To minimise interaction, it’s advisable to apply these products at different times of the day."
After 20 years of writing about and testing beauty products, I think I’ve perfected my peptide routine. In the mornings, I use AHA and BHA acids and Vitamin C alongside hydrating and skin barrier-boosting ingredients. At night, I use peptide products alongside my retinoid prescription (I get no irritation from this, so it works well with the peptides for me). I also use niacinamide at night, as well as some hydrating and skin-soothing ingredients.
What's the Difference Between Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid?
As mentioned, peptides are the building blocks of proteins and play a crucial role in forming healthy, glowing skin by focusing on skin repair and promoting collagen production. "In contrast, hyaluronic acid is primarily responsible for retaining moisture in the skin," explains Dr Shendy, "providing plumping and smoothing effects without directly affecting collagen production. Using peptides and hyaluronic acid together can offer beneficial short and long-term effects for hydration and anti-ageing."
So, now we know what peptides are and how we can implement them into our skincare routines, but what are the best peptide products to use? Keep reading for my top 10 personal favourites. As for the results? "A boost in hydration and radiance may be almost immediate, but improvements in tone, texture and skin firmness will take at least six to eight weeks," says Dr Granite. So don’t expect the changes to be visible quickly!
The 10 Best Peptide Skincare Products, Listed:
- The Best Peptide Product for Eyes: Biossance Squalane and Peptide Eye Gel, £43
- The Best Peptide Product for Lips: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in Unscented, £18
- The Best Peptide Product for the Neck: Kate Somerville Supercell Rejuvenation Serum, £84
- The Best Peptide Product for Protecting and Repairing Skin: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides GF Advanced Lifting Serum, £176
- The Best Peptide Product for Hydration: The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum, £15
- The Best Peptide Product for Immediate Results: Paula’s Choice Multi-Peptide Pro-Collagen Booster, £58
- The Best Peptide Product for Dry Skin: Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser, £42
- The Best Peptide Product for an Overnight Reset: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask, £74
- The Best Peptide Product for Sensitive Skin: Dermatica Ceramide Peptide Moisturiser, £16
- The Best Peptide Product for Anti-Ageing: Skinceuticals P-Tiox Serum Neuro-Peptide Serum, £130
Shop the Best Peptide Skincare Products
1. The Best Peptide Product for Eyes: Biossance Squalane and Peptide Eye Gel
This award-winning peptide product has a whole host of other amazing ingredients too. Swiss apple stem cell extract minimises the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and squalene deeply hydrates. There’s also an eyeseryl and argireline complex that targets dark circles and puffiness.
Pros: This light, hydrating gel is so cooling and can be used on your whole eye area.
Cons: None—it’s pretty much love at first sight with this one.
Customer Review: "This eye cream really works on wrinkles and dark circles, [whilst] being suitable for super-sensitive eyes and skin."
2. The Best Peptide Product for Lips: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in Unscented
Don’t forget your lips when it comes to your skincare. This peptide lip treatment deeply nourishes and replenishes dry lips whilst plumping them with hydration. The peptides work longer-term in keeping your lip structure full and smooth, shea butter moisturises, cupaçu boosts skin suppleness and maintains elasticity and babassu supports the skin microbiome and replenishes moisture.
Pros: Doubles as a lip gloss for the shiniest, plumpest lips.
Cons: This is a cult product from Hailey Bieber’s brand, so certain colours are often sold out.
Customer Review: "I love this lip treatment because it really feels like it penetrates into the skin on my lips and makes it better. Other lip balms only sit on the top layer of my lips, and then when I eat, drink or dab my lips with a napkin, it's gone and my lips feel dry and scaly. But not with this lip product. I love it so much [that] I ended up getting it in a range of colours. I am hooked!"
3. The Best Peptide Product for the Neck: Kate Somerville Supercell Rejuvenation Serum
This serum has a powerful combination of peptides and vegan stem cells to accelerate cellular turnover, boosting collagen and minimising the appearance of deep wrinkles.
Pros: I actually use this on my neck as it has a rollerball applicator that works perfectly for this area. It really firms and tightens, and is so light and cooling.
Cons: It is a pricey option, but it's designed to give clinical results at home and comes with cutting-edge science and 20 years of skin clinic expertise.
Customer Review: "[I am] already a fan of Kate Somerville, and as of this year, I have started to have my own concerns of fine lines and wrinkles (especially around my eyes, under the brow and smile lines). [It] is super-easy to use as the metal applicator is built into the product [and] it feels cool and lovely. I have noticed my skin appears more plump the morning after using this, and therefore, I would definitely recommend!"
4. The Best Peptide Product for Protecting and Repairing Skin: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides GF Advanced Lifting Serum
As well as the firming and lifting peptides, there are also a host of other ingredients in this serum that target other signs of ageing and skin damage, such as 3% sh-Oligopeptide-1 Growth Factor (GF) Complex; a powerful active that repairs skin and strengthens the barrier. This serum is designed to visibly reduce even the most stubborn wrinkles and fine lines, with ingredients like copper lysinate.
Pros: It focuses on repairing and strengthening the skin as well as lifting, firming and minimising lines and wrinkles.
Cons: It is a very expensive option but does a multitude of things.
Customer Review: "I've been using this for two weeks now. [I have] seen overall improvement on my crow's feet and my skin appears brighter and firmer. I've also received compliments from friends that [my] skin is looking radiant."
5. The Best Peptide Product for Hydration: The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum
This deeply hydrating serum contains the collagen-boosting Matrixyl 3000 peptide, which plumps and firms skin and decreases the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It also contains Syn-Tacks Dual peptide to further support this.
Pros: An affordable option available on the high street.
Cons: It doesn’t have any other fancy ingredients or benefits like the more expensive options here.
Customer Review: "I'm convinced this has helped with [the] deep line between my eyebrows! My skin looks much plumper! I have been using [it] for about six months now with no [sensitivity] issues."
6. The Best Peptide Product for Immediate Results: Paula’s Choice Multi-Peptide Pro-Collagen Booster
This peptide complex serum gives both immediate and lasting results after four weeks. It contains six pro-collagen peptides to target multiple layers of the skin and also includes immediately hydrating and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Pros: Clinically proven to give a remarkably younger appearance overall, with dramatically diminished appearance of wrinkle depth and volume and reduced crow’s feet within 28 days.
Cons: There aren’t any. Paula’s Choice is a leading, completely transparent skincare brand.
Customer Review: "I loved this from the first time I tried it and am now on my second bottle. It really does give my skin a boost and is now a priority in my skincare route. Another great find from this superb brand!"
7. The Best Peptide Product for Dry Skin: Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser
This powerhouse contains eight peptides and eight amino acids, which all boost collagen in the skin to increase firmness and elasticity over time. Amino acids also greatly increase skin hydration. The three ceramides in the formula moisturise and fortify the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid hydrates.
Pros: The texture is divine—it sinks into the skin.
Cons: Sorry, but the ingredient line-up is great. Definitely a top choice of moisturiser.
Customer Review: "This moisturiser leaves my skin hydrated and plump-looking. I love it! Packed with peptides, ceramides and collagen, it is perfect for my perimenopausal skin."
8. The Best Peptide Product for an Overnight Reset: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask
This peptide overnight cream for the face and neck deeply hydrates and restores the skin’s moisture barrier, calms sensitivity and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The skin has its own natural nightly renewal process, which makes it the perfect time for the cream’s peptides to come into play.
Pros: Supports the skin barrier to keep moisture locked in.
Cons: Again, this is a pricey option, but it comes with a lot of scientific backing.
Customer Review: "My skin is so radiant since using this product and I've noticed a reduction in the wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes! This is definitely one of my favourite products from Clinique."
9. The Best Peptide Product for Sensetive Skin: Dermatica Ceramide Peptide Moisturiser
This light peptide moisturiser also has ceramides to moisturise and strengthen the skin barrier to keep moisture where you need it and defend against environmental aggressors. There's also niacinamide to minimise dark spots and refine skin texture, and centella asiatica to soothe irritated skin. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane hydrate.
Pros: This is fragrance-free and skin barrier fortifying with lots of soothing ingredients, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Cons: It doesn’t feel luxurious to apply and the packaging is basic.
Customer Review: "I am a combination [skin] but a little towards the drier side these days, and this cream was an instant quench of thirst. Suddenly my tired skin looked renewed and supple for the whole day [and] night after one use. The cream is rich and will give you that lovely cushiony feel without being sticky or feeling overly heavy.
My skin is flooded with the hydration it needs, looks so healthy and feels so plump. I am obsessed with the dewy glow it gives the skin and the almost blurred finish. If you are looking for something that feels like a nice comfy blanket on the skin, this is going to be your favourite cream."
10. The Best Peptide Product for Anti-Ageing: Skinceuticals P-Tiox Serum Neuro-Peptide Serum
This potent serum contains hexapeptide and dipeptide to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It’s scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of nine types of contraction lines. There’s also 5% PHA to exfoliate the skin to improve skin texture and radiance. The serum also contains pore-refining niacinamide and laminaria extract to hydrate and soothe.
Pros: It contains a combination of different peptides. Dr Emma Craythorne from Skinceuticals says, "SkinCeuticals P-Tiox is a combination of peptides, and these have been shown to work to reduce contraction lines and give a more glass-like appearance on the skin. The two peptides work together in synergy."
Cons: It’s the most expensive of all the products here.
Customer Review: "I’ve been using SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Serum for a while now, and I’m really impressed with the results. The serum has a light, watery texture that absorbs quickly without leaving my skin feeling greasy. Over time, I’ve noticed my skin looking brighter and smoother, and the fine lines I had seem less noticeable. Overall, I’m really happy with this serum and would recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality, antioxidant-rich product!"
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