I use peptide serums to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay without having to get injections. No offense to them, but I’m over 35 now and haven’t tried filler… Not yet. I don’t want my fine lines and wrinkles to be on full display, though.

Because my skin can be sensitive, I’m careful about cosmetic procedures and not completely sold on retinols, even though experts say they’re the best active ingredients for making skin look younger. Instead, I use gentler topical skincare to hydrate, firm, and restore my skin. This is where peptide serums come in.

1. Serum for P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle PeptideOverall, the best peptide serum

   P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum from Skinceuticals

   Also read

   Best Retinol Body Lotions and Creams for Smooth, Firm Skin

   LookFantastic: £135

2. Serum for quick plumping and hydrating with copper peptideBest Peptide Serum for Clean Beauty

   Biossance Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping and Hydrating Serum

   LookFantastic sells it for £54

3. Firming Peptide Serum with Collagen BoosterBest Peptide Serum for the Money

   The Inkey List Collagen Booster Peptide Serum for Firming

   £15 at theinkeylist.com

4. Peptides in LiquidThe Best Peptide Serum That Works Fast

   Liquid Peptides from Medik8

   £59 at medik8.com

5. Collagen Peptide Serum for Perfect PoresThe Best K-Beauty Peptide Serum

   Collagen Peptide Serum from Biodance Pore Perfecting

   £23 at LookFantastic

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What are peptides?

Peptide serums are a type of skincare product that use peptides, or small chains of amino acids, as their main ingredients. They are power-plumpers that help with a number of skin problems, including some of the most common signs of aging, like sagging and wrinkling.

Dermatologist Kate Edwards says that they do this by getting into the skin and sending messages to its cells, telling them to do things like make more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid and fix damage caused by UV rays. Over time, your skin will become firmer, more hydrated, and better able to handle stress from the outside world. And that’s why you’ll look younger overall.

You can even use them as part of a proactive anti-aging routine in your 20s and early 30s. No, they won’t make you look like a kid again. But if you use them regularly, you might find that they’re worth the extra effort.

All peptide serums aren’t created equally. That’s where this editor- and expert-led guide will come in handy. Get ready to learn all about peptides as active ingredients so you can find the best peptide serum for your skin goals and budget.

Best peptide serums for glowy, plump skin

P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum

Best Peptide Serum Overall

P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum from Skinceuticals

£135 at LookFantastic

Pros

• Pro
• Developed to work synergistically with neurotoxins to address areas traditionally considered “off-label” for injections
• Pro
• Backed by clinical trials where testers saw improvement more quickly than other peptide products (in as little as one week)

Cons

• Con
• Expensive (especially relative to the size of the bottle and the recommended use of 4 to 6 drops twice a day)
• Con
• Won’t work on very deep-set wrinkles

Why we love it: This formula contains neuro-inhibitory peptides, which are known expression line interruptors. This serum isn’t going to do the heavy lifting of injectables (no topical can), but it’s a solid in-between solution and great at targeting lines around the mouth.

It’s also perfect for someone looking for something less invasive but would like to see some smoothing. Rounding out the formula, niacinamide and laminaria extract brighten and even your skin tone, while PHA gently exfoliates for better ingredient penetration. “This is nice because it combines gentle resurfacing with antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects,” says Dr. Edwards.

Cosmo editor review: “A lot of anti-aging serums can feel heavy on my oily, acne-prone skin. But juuuust because I’m not dry doesn’t mean I don’t wanna prevent wrinkles, dammit. My face immediately drinks up P-Tiox’s lightweight, watery consistency—no sticky residue left behind. But I also notice it definitely helps smooth out my skin. I’ve been using this serum on and off for eight months, and my forehead is so smooth (even though I haven’t topped up my Botox in nearly a year).” – Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor

Features at a Glance

Key ingredients: Peptides (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, acetyl hexapeptide-8), niacinamide, laminaria extract, polyhydroxy acids (PHA)

Fragrance-free? Yes

Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping & Hydrating Serum

Best Clean Beauty Peptide Serum

Biossance Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping and Hydrating Serum

£54 at LookFantastic

Pros

• Pro
• Can be used with other serums if you want to stack for multiple skin benefits
• Pro
• Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula

Cons

• Con
• The bottle and dropper can get a little slippery during application

Why we love it: Sometimes the key to an effective peptide serum is what other skin-loving ingredients it’s packaged with, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side. Dr. Edwards calls this one from Biossance a “smart pairing,” thanks to its copper peptides and sugarcane-derived squalane combo, since squalane is a stable, skin-soothing emollient. “The emollient helps buffer irritation and maintain barrier integrity, which might preserve peptide function,” adds Dr. Edwards. While the “rapid plumping” effect is likely from the humectants in the formula, the peptides present will gradually help increase cell turnover. That means a firmer, healthier-looking complexion in just a few months.

Cosmo editor review: “I’ve been using this serum on and off since it came out a few years back, typically during the winter, and it always gives me an instant volume boost and takes care of any dry patches that have popped up. It has a lightweight gel-like texture so it absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving behind radiance without any residue.” – Danielle Blundell, Contributing Beauty Writer

Features at a Glance

Key ingredients Copper peptides, paracress extract, ectoin, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid (PGA), and sugarcane squalane

Fragrance-free? Yes

Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum

Best Budget Peptide Serum

The Inkey List Collagen Booster Peptide Serum for Firming

£15 at theinkeylist.com

Pros

• Pro
• Layers nicely with other skincare and makeup without pilling
• Pro
• Lightweight texture glides onto skin seamlessly

Cons

• Con
• The bottle is small, and the seal can be leaky
• Con
• The wrinkle-erasing effects aren’t super dramatic

Why we love it: Topical collagen is too large to penetrate the skin’s surface, but that’s not a problem for The INKEY List’s Collagen Peptide Serum. That’s because it uses matrixyl, a much smaller and well-researched signal peptide, alongside a dual peptide complex, to stimulate collagen and elastin production below the surface of the skin. The result? A more hydrated and plump appearance instantly, and with regular use over time, a slightly more snatched, smooth complexion. Dr. Edwards says it’s a good choice for someone just starting out with peptides because it punches above its weight price-wise.

Cosmo editor review: “I love The Inkey List’s no-frills products because they’re ideal for keeping my routine simple for my acne-prone skin. This watery serum is a nice collagen-boosting step when my skin needs a little extra something. It’s not as heavy-duty as other peptide serums, but it does the job for a fraction of the price ” – Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor

Features at a Glance

Key ingredients Matrixyl 3000 peptide complex (palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1), hyaluronic acid, radish root

Fragrance-free? Yes

Liquid Peptides

Best Fast-Acting Peptide Serum

Liquid Peptides from Medik8

£59 at medik8.com

Pros

• Pro
• Extremely hydrating for its weight
• Pro
• Helps make skin look more plump both immediately and long-term
• Pro
• Made with clean, plant-derived ingredients

Cons

• Con
• Some people think the texture is a little sticky.

Why we love it: There are 10 of them, yes, 10! – This ultra-lightweight product is full of peptides, so you’re getting the best of what this category has to offer. For example, argireline is nature’s wrinkle relaxer, and copper peptides act like coaches for your collagen production and maintenance at the cellular level. Dr. Edwards says that “a well-thought-out high peptide load is rare in a consumer formula.” “If the stability and delivery are well-engineered, this could deliver meaningful results beyond cosmetic smoothing.”

“I can’t explain it exactly, but when I put this serum on in the morning, I look like I had a good night’s sleep, even when I haven’t (which is most of the time). I’m guessing that’s the moisture surge from the hyaluronic acid, but it’s the peptides that work behind the scenes to make skin look more radiant and bouncy in the long run. This is another one that doesn’t leave any residue under makeup.” – Danielle Blundell, Contributing Beauty Writer

A Quick Look at the Features

30% multi-peptide complex (which includes matrixyl 3000, carnosine, copper peptides, argireline, and others), hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are the main ingredients.

No smell?Yes

Collagen Peptide Serum for Perfect Pores

The Best Peptide Serum for K-Beauty

Collagen Peptide Serum from Biodance Pore Perfecting

£23 at LookFantastic

Pros

• Pro
• It absorbs quickly, so it’s a great base for makeup.
• Pro
• A lot of peptide power for a low price
• Pro
• Great for getting that “glass skin” look

Disadvantages

• Con
• This one has a faint peachy smell that not everyone likes.
• Con
• You might want to use a moisturizer after this formula because it is more of a firmer than a hydrator.

Why we love it: K-Beauty brands take skin care very seriously. You can be sure that any serum from BIODANCE, which is based in South Korea, is the real deal. This item has a lot of features for its £23 price. Let’s start with the 10 peptides, which were chosen because they can do the same things that protein derivatives do: firm, smooth, and plump. This serum was tested in a lab and found to improve the texture of the T-zone and cheeks, especially for skin that looks glassy and glowy. If you are worried about visible or clogged pores, this serum is for you.

Cosmo editor review: “This is actually the first Biodance product I’ve ever used (yes, before the viral face masks – sue me!) and I can see why the K-beauty brand is so hyped up by every skincare fanatic. The pinky serum is non-comedogenic and great for promoting smooth skin and collagen production. While I don’t have super visible fine lines and wrinkles (yet), I love this serum as a preventative product to keep my skin bouncy and glassy for as long as possible. It feels slightly sticky – it has that classic K-beauty consistency – but it goes away once you start to rub it in.” – Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor

A Quick Look at the Features

Key ingredients Peptides (Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, SH-Oligopeptide-1, Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Hexapeptide-9, Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4), hyaluronic acid, elastin, collagen water

No scent?No

Revitalift Triple Power Serum for Age-Defying

Best Multitasking Peptide Serum

Revitalift Triple Power Age-Defying Serum from L’Oreal Paris

LookFantastic sells it for £31.99.

Pros

• Pro
• Rich, milky texture makes this feel luxe and easy/enjoyable to apply
• Pro
• Bottle is dark and opaque to prevent peptide degradation
• Pro
• Multitasking formula addresses numerous skincare concerns at once

Cons

• Con
• Though officially unscented, there’s a slight fruity smell that might not be for everyone

Why we love it: Alongside three major peptides – matrixyl 3000, argireline, and carnosine – which combine to boost skin’s elasticity, smooth fine lines, fight UV damage, and halt the breakdown of collagen, this formula also has hyaluronic acid for plumping and vitamin C to improve texture and skin tone. Rub a few drops into your face and neck area morning and night to start and end the day with bouncy, juicy-looking skin that should feel a bit tighter and firmer if you stick with this product for the long haul.

Cosmo editor review: “The milky texture of this serum made it really easy to see where I was applying it, but it sank into my skin just as easily as any clear formula. If you’re after the glowy, dewy look, this product is a great, luminous base for that. And it earns high marks for its vitamin C inclusion; LoGerfo says peptides often work best when combined with vitamin C, so long as it’s stable and not super-acidic on the pH scale.” – Danielle Blundell, Contributing Beauty Writer

Features at a Glance

Key ingredients Tripeptides (matrixyl 3000, argireline, and carnosin), vitamin C, hyaluronic acid

Fragrance-free? Yes

PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

Best peptide serum for glossy skin

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

£24 at LookFantastic

Pros

• Pro
• Provides hydration and glow
• Pro
• It’s gentle – good for sensitive skin

Cons

• Con
• Can be a little sticky

PDRN is everywhere. If you haven’t seen it all over your FYP, essentially it’s a compound derived from salmon sperm DNA and has become increasingly popular for its ability to hydrate and boost glow. Luckily, there are many formulas that use PDRN in plant-based forms – so you can still achieve the same results with, well, without the salmon sperm.

One the most popular bottles? The Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum. It’s designed to support the skin’s natural barrier, encourage repair, promote skin health and hydration. All of which we want.

Cosmo editor review: “This lives up to the hype. After just one week of consistent use, my skin looked the glossiest it has ever been. As PDRN isn’t the only hero ingredient here, there’s also peptides, niacinamide and antioxidants which gave my complexion a brighter more awakened appearance. I’ll be using this down to the final drop.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Key Specifications:

Key ingredients: PDRN, peptides, niacinamide and turmeric extract

Fragrance free? No

Liquid Peptides Advanced MP

Best peptide serum for fine lines and wrinkles

Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP

£79 at medik8.com

Pros

• Pro
• 100% of participants included in clinical testing said it reduced fine lines and wrinkles
• Pro
• It has a silky, hydrating consistency that most skin types will love – including sensitive

Cons

• Con
• It is expensive

Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum promises to deliver results (we’re talking: reduction in dehydration lines, fine lines and general lacklustre-looking skin) in only 10 minutes. Now that’s the kinda maths we like.

This powerhouse treatment not only includes a 30% multi-peptide complex to plump and restore a youthful bounce, but it features the brand’s own bio-technology, Dual MiniProteins, which boosts collagen and elastin to fade deep-set wrinkles and fine lines. It really is a multi-tasker and it’s not afraid to show it off. Oh, and not to mention it’s fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested and has clinically proven results (see here). Mic drop.

Cosmo editor review: “I don’t know how Medik8 does it, but they have done it again! The Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum quickly became a non-negotiable in my routine all thanks to its beautifully silky consistency and powerhouse formula that made my skin feel hydrated, plump and as soft as butter. It’s an investment, but worth it if you’re willing to spend.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Key Specifications:

Key ingredients: 13 peptides

Peptide Glazing Fluid Dewy Gel Serum

Best peptide serum for under makeup

Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Dewy Gel Serum

£32 at Sephora

Pros

• Pro
• The results are instant, giving glazed and glossy skin
• Pro
• It’s fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested, so it’s a great option for anyone with sensitive skin

Cons

• Con
• The packaging is cute, but bulky

If glowing skin is what you’re here for, step this way. This iconic peptide serum from Rhode has quite the loyal following (ofc, it’s loved by Hailey Bieber herself and her skin speaks volumes), so it’s not hard to see why this bottle has made our edit.

Containing peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, the Peptide Glazing Fluid is a lightweight layer that leaves skin looking juicy and feeling replenished instantly. If you stick to it, notice a plumper and more unified complexion, too.

Cosmo editor review: “I tested this product with my blinkers on, trying to not get swayed by the brand’s name or the founder. But turns out, this is a pretty great peptide serum. And not only does it contain peptides, but also niacinamide and marula oil, so my skin felt super soft and plump. I love using it alone, but layered under makeup just makes my skin glow.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Key Specifications:

Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid

Fragrance free? Yes

Water Slide Hydration Boosting Serum

Best peptide serum for beginners

Bubble Skincare Water Slide Hydration Boosting Serum

£13.99 at Amazon

Pros

• Pro
• It delivers both hydration and barrier support

Cons

• Con
• It’s less effective on fine lines and wrinkles

This is a hyaluronic acid and peptide combo. What can we say? They’re the dream team. What makes this vegan number stand out is the milky texture which leaves skin looking oh-so fresh.It also features niacinamide and top-hydrator glycerin. All in all, this not only quenched my skin but also soothed it at the same time, so if you’re struggling with redness and sensitivity, this is a good ‘un.

Cosmo editor review: “I just don’t think you can go wrong with this serum. It’s a decent price, it’s packed with firming peptides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, and it’s kind to sensitive skin types. Bish, bash and bosh.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Key Specifications:

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, glycerin

Fragrance free? Yes

Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

£15.90 at LookFantastic

Pros

• Pro
• It contains peptides as well as hyaluronic acid and amino acids to hydrate and plump

Cons

• Con
• Prone to pilling

A peptide serum for £15.90? Sign us up. The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide + HA Serum used to be named “buffet” – and yep, that’s because this one product delivers *so* many benefits to the skin.

It contains four peptide technologies as well as amino acids, and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes, to plump and hydrate the skin. You’ll notice a boost in moisture instantly, but stay loyal too it and pesky dehydration lines or crow’s feet will start to fade.

Cosmo editor review: “This is one of those skincare products that doesn’t come with flashy packaging or luxury branding. It sits quietly on my shelf beside the expensive bottles – but it works just as hard, if not harder. Packed with four types of four peptide technologies, amino acids and hyaluronic acid, this silky serum does a stellar job at boosting my skin’s hydration and firmness. I even gave a bottle to my mum to try as I love it so much.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Key Specifications:

Key ingredients: Peptide, amino acids and hyaluronic acid

Fragrance free? Yes

Pro-Collagen Peptide Firming Eye Serum

Best peptide serum for eyes

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Firming Eye Serum

£41 at Space NK

Pros

• Pro
• Soothing, calming and refreshing
• Pro
• Results are seen both instantly and long term
• Pro
• Love the cooling metal applicator

Cons

• Con
• It’s a little spenny

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Firming Eye Serum may be spenny, but this little tube can mimic the look of eight hours sleep, even if you were up all night binge watching Bridgerton. It’s all thanks to a powerful blend of collagen and peptides – not to forget the soothing metal applicator, ofc – which help restore firmness and elasticity while smoothing fine lines and crow’s feet.

Cosmo editor review: “Eye care was often a step I’d miss out in my skincare routine – until I came across this bb. Because it feels like an eye serum, but also a mini spa experience which, at the end of a long day at the office, I am more than willing to partake in. The metal applicator instantly refreshes and cools my under eyes (pro tip: keep it in the fridge to amplify the cooling sensation) while the silky serum makes my under eyes look more awake and revitalised. Almost like I haven’t been staring at a screen for eight hours straight.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Key Specifications:

Key ingredients: Collagen and peptides

Fragrance free? Yes

Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin Face Serum

Best vegan peptide serum

Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin Face Serum

£23.80 at Sephora

Pros

• Pro
• It instantly hydrates and leaves the skin feeling refreshed
• Pro
• Layers well under makeup

Cons

• Con
• While it says fragrance-free, it does have a slightly unappealing smell

Snail mucin is a popular ingredient used to achieve glass skin and, as you’d guess, it relies on secretions harvested from snails. However, if you’re after the same effects but would prefer to use a vegan formula, Glow Recipe’s Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin contains 81% cactus-derived mucin and peptides to deliver smooth and plump skin – minus the snails.

Cosmo editor review: “I turn to this pretty-pink bottle whenever my skin needs a major hydration hit. I find, the best way to apply it is onto damp skin and pat the lightweight gel in. You may notice the formula turn white while you do this, but just continue to blend and it will leave your skin feeling super hydrated and glowy – just what K-beauty skincare is all about. The results are instant, but stay loyal to it and you’ll notice a smoother, more unified and healthy-looking complexion after a few weeks.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.

Key Specifications:

Key ingredients: Cactus-derived mucin and peptides

Fragrance free? Yes

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How we tested the best peptide serums:

Cosmo editors and contributors are constantly testing and gathering intel on new, old, and trending peptide serums to find the best options on the market. To compile this list, I…

• Vetted hundreds of peptide serums to determine which ones deliver the best results
• Personally tested them on my skin, as well as polled other Cosmo staffers for their top picks.
• Asked dermatologists and skincare experts for detailed feedback on our selections.
• Read thousands of reviews from testers to discover common pros and cons with each formula that made it onto our list.

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What are peptides?

“Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the essential building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin,” says dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nathan Newman. “In skincare, peptides function as signalling molecules, prompting skin cells to perform specific tasks like producing collagen or reducing inflammation. This supports skin firmness, smoothness, and healing.”

The thing to understand about peptides is that the skin benefits they offer are a slow burn. They’re not as aggressive as retinol or other active ingredients, so it can take time to see results from peptide-forward formulas (and the effects will always be less drastic than in-office procedures and injectables). “Most people can expect subtle improvements in texture, firmness, and fine lines after about 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use,” says Dr. Edwards. “The changes are typically gradual, but they support long-term skin health and can enhance the effects of other actives.”

Their gentleness and versatility, though, can make peptides somewhat like skincare unicorns, particularly if you get regular in-office treatments or use products with retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and/or ceramides, since peptides complement these ingredients. All of the pros I spoke to said pretty much any skin type can tolerate peptides because they’re generally non-irritating, which makes them especially ideal for sensitive, dry, and UV-damaged or mature skin.

What should you not combine peptides with?

Anything with a very low pH, like some vitamin C serums, and exfoliating acids such as the popular AHA/BHAs, including glycolic, lactic, and/or salicylic acid.

AHAs and BHAs in particular can destabilise and weaken peptides, but they’ll work with peptides if you space out their use. “As a rule, you should wait 10 to 15 minutes after using a topical acid to apply the peptide or use the peptide at a different time of day,” says LoGerfo.

“For example, use the acid at night and the peptide in the morning.” This allows the skin’s pH to normalise again, so the peptides won’t be rendered ineffective.

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How do peptides benefit the skin?

As protein derivatives, peptides support the strengthening and repair of our skin cells – think of them as helping to kick your cells into action for rejuvenation and rebuilding (both functions tied up with collagen production to some degree, which starts decreasing around the age of 25).

This can benefit the skin in a myriad of ways. “Peptides are used for anti-aging, healing, and hydration, and can decrease skin inflammation and support and maintain the skin’s microbiome,” says LoGerfo.

Dr. Newman agrees, adding that peptides can plump, firm, and smooth fine lines with two to four months of consistent use. It’s even been suggested that peptides can help with wound healing and skin barrier reconstruction.

To reap these benefits, consistency is key. And you’ll want to make sure you’re selecting the best quality peptide-based product that you can afford from the jump.

“It is important to remember that peptides need good delivery systems to penetrate the skin to work and be effective,” says LoGerfo. Dr. Edwards suggests targeting products with well-known peptides backed by science (think: matrixyl, or palmitoyl peptides; GHK-Cu, or copper peptides; and Argireline). (More on these types of peptides is coming just below).

Other ingredients in the product and its packaging matter, too. “The formula should be stable, ideally in an opaque, air-tight bottle, and include ingredients that support skin health like hydrators and antioxidants,” adds Dr. Edwards. “Products that list peptides high on the ingredient list (and not buried among fillers) tend to offer better value. Also, don’t be fooled by high prices alone – some affordable brands formulate well and deliver solid results.”

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What peptides work like Botox?

According to Dr. Newman, peptides vary in function, with certain types of peptides addressing specific skin concerns. If you’re looking for a tightening peptide, for example, you’d want a neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptide, which works to relax muscle contractions to soften expression lines (Argireline is a popular example of this peptide category). “Effects are subtler than Botox injections but can help with mild wrinkles,” says Dr. Newman.

Other key classes of common peptides include:

• ● Signal Peptides: These peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production and include Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, commonly known as matrixyl, as an example.
• ● Carrier Peptides: This class delivers trace elements to support cell renewal (think: copper peptides delivering copper to cells).
• ● Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides: These attempt to prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin, so skin stays firmer and plumper.

No matter the type of peptide(s) in your chosen serum, you’ll want this step to hit at the right time in your routine. “For best results, apply peptides after cleansing and lightweight, water-based serums but before heavier creams and oils, as these can hinder peptide absorption into the skin,” says Dr. Newman.

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