Photo: Spotlight/Laucnhmetrics Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story These days, you can’t scroll, shop, or even walk down the street without hearing about peptides . And while they’re in everything from supplements to IVs, the best peptide serums stand apart for their ability to boost hydration, increase collagen and elastin, and deliver smoother, more youthful skin—with the evidence to back up many of their claims.
But even in skincare, these ingredients are enjoying newfound attention. “ Peptides have graduated from the fine print to the front of the bottle,” says Mona Gohara, MD , a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut. They’re quickly approaching hyaluronic acid -territory—which itself has become a household name—in part due to their versatility. “Many peptide formulas offer improvements in the appearance of fine lines and firmness while being relatively easy to tolerate and incorporate into a routine,” she says. “They also pair beautifully with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide , and antioxidants.”
For the uninitiated, peptides are short chains of amino acids. “Certain ones can act as messengers, helping signal processes involved in maintaining skin’s structure, including collagen,” Dr. Gohara explains. The various types of peptides can work differently: Some kickstart collagen production, others inhibit enzymes that break down collagen and elastin (preserving what your skin already has), and certain peptides can improve the penetration and function of other ingredients, such as that all-important hyaluronic acid. (“Hyaluronic acid helps give skin that immediate cushion; certain peptides aim to support the framework over time,” says Dr. Gohara.) Being a team player is part of the reason peptides have found popularity—and why that’s unlikely to wane anytime soon.
Moreover, depending on how they work in skin, peptide serums can offer a variety of benefits, such as lasting moisture, increased collagen production , and a reduction in pigment production . With that, scroll ahead for the best peptide serum for every skin concern and goal.
What is a peptide serum? What are the benefits of using a peptide serum? What to Look for in a Peptide Serum Who is peptide serum for? How We Tested Meet the Experts Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum Save to wishlist Save to wishlist SkinMedica
Best for: Aging skin, all skin types Key Ingredients: Dimer Tripeptide-43, green microalgae, apple fruit extract, growth factors Size: 30 ml Love It Leave It Pairs peptides with growth factors for amplified repair The dual-chamber pumps can get clogged Free of fragrance making it especially gentle Best for Dry Skin: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Medik8
Best for: Mature and dry skin types Key Ingredients: Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, acetyl hexapeptide-8, tetrapeptide-21, pentapeptide-18, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, pantolactone, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14, heptapeptide-15 palmitate, hyaluronic acid Size: 30 ml Love It Leave It Sinks into skin quickly Nothing to note Delivers immediate plumping from hyaluronic acid Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Save to wishlist Save to wishlist SkinCeuticals
Best for: Fine lines and wrinkles Key Ingredients: Hexapeptide, dipeptide, 5% PHA, niacinamide, laminaria Size: 1 fl. oz. Love It Leave It Absorbs without greasiness or residue Takes several weeks to show results Gives skin a…