13 best peptide serums 2026, according to dermatologists
Ask any dermatologist, and they’ll agree: peptides are among the smartest ingredients you can apply to your skin. That’s precisely why peptide serums have become a holy grail for skincare devotees – searches have risen by 350 per cent on Google in the last month alone.
“Peptides are chains of amino acids that act as the building blocks of essential proteins like collagen, elastin and keratin,” explains Dr Sonia Khorana, a cosmetic doctor and dermatology expert. “These proteins play a key role in maintaining the skin’s texture, tone, elasticity and firmness.”
She adds, “When peptides are delivered in a serum, they essentially signal the skin to begin repairing itself. This prompts increased collagen production, helping to restore a healthier, more radiant-looking complexion.”
Despite how effective they are, peptide serums are gentle. Non-irritating by nature, they’re suitable for all skin types and ages – no matter your individual concerns. With regular use, Dr Khorana notes that you can expect “visible improvements in wrinkles, a stronger skin barrier, reduced inflammation and enhanced hydration.”
When it comes to face serums, peptide-powered formulas truly sit at the top of the skincare hierarchy. Ahead, we’ve curated the ultimate edit of the best options – all dermatologist-approved and including favourites trusted by the Glamour team. Ready to elevate your skincare routine? Let’s get into it.
Your peptide serum FAQs, answered:
- Meet the experts
- Shop our full edit of tried and tested peptide serums
- How I tested the best peptide serums
- Which peptide serum impressed us most? GLAMOUR's top pick
- What are the different types of peptides?
- Do peptide serums actually work?
- What other skincare ingredients pair well with peptides?
- What should I not mix peptides with?
Meet the experts:
- Dr. Zeichner, an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
- Dr Sonia Khorana, a cosmetic doctor and dermatology expert.
- Tiffany Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC.
- Dr. Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist.
- Dr. Castilla, a board-certified dermatologist.
- Daniel Isaacs, director of research at Medik8.
How I tested the best peptide serums:
I don’t like to spend ages on my skincare routine, so finding formulas that work, feel good and offer multiple benefits is a must for me. When – alongside the Glamour team – I tested some of the best peptide serums you see here, these three things were top of the list. The formulas that made the cut didn’t irritate our skin, felt like a pleasure to use and worked, immediately and over time.
We tested them for four to six weeks across a range of skin types and ages, and excluded any products that irritated more than one editor, felt sticky, or didn’t sit well under make-up.
Firework content
Which peptide serum impressed us most? Glamour's top pick:
After testing dozens of peptide serums, we concluded that there was one formula that ended up performing best on most skin types: the Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP.
We were particularly impressed with its breakthrough technology, which helps deliver results in as little as 10 minutes and reduces deep-set wrinkles in under eight weeks.
The impressive serum uses mini-proteins to help relax and smooth out expression lines by supporting collagen and elastin production, all while boosting your skin's natural hydration levels.
The result? Plump, soft and glowy skin with visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles. Chef's kiss.
Ahead, our full edit of tried and tested peptide serums.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
Why we love it: One of the more recent launches from Medik8, this peptide serum has already become a favourite among beauty editors and skincare sleuths alike. The Liquid Peptides Advanced MP formula is truly one of a kind, featuring breakthrough bio-technology that can help deliver results in just 10 minutes (yes, really). In fact, it's also been proven to reduce the appearance of deep-set wrinkles in as little as 8 weeks. It works by delivering a “filler-like effect” with the help of two types of “mini” proteins to help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Plus, it also excels at keeping your skin nice and hydrated in the process.
Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Freelance Beauty Contributor.
Size: 30ml | Key Ingredients: Dual mini protein technology, 30% multi-peptide complex | Skin Types: All, particularly mature skin.
- What we like: Visibly smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, feels incredibly hydrating on the skin.
- What could improve: Expensive.
Why we love it: “My favourite serum at the moment is the Medik8 Peptide Serum," shares Dr Raj Arora, GP Doctor, Medical Educator and Founder of The Face Bible Clinic. "It boasts a blend of 10 different peptides and a 30% concentration, making it my go-to for skin rejuvenation. What I love most is its quick absorption, which is perfect for oily skin types as it doesn’t feel sticky or clog pores. With continued use over time, this serum enhances the skin’s appearance, making it look more plump, firm, and hydrated, while reducing the visibility of wrinkles and improving texture and giving a radiant glow and finish to the skin,” she adds.
Size: 30ml | Key Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000, drone-targeted copper peptide, carnosine, hyaluronic acid | Skin Types: All.
- What we like: Absorbs quickly, plumps skin.
- What could improve: Bottle can be difficult to open.
Save when you shop with these LookFantastic discount codes at checkout.
Nip + Fab Peptide Fix Finishing Oil 2%
Why we love it: There's a lot to love about this peptide serum by Nip + Fab. For starters, it's essentially two highly concentrated formulas in one — simply shake the bottle to combine the multi-peptides and nourishing oils with the active copper peptides. When activated, the peptides work together to stimulate the production of collagen and, therefore, encourage a firmer, smoother, and more hydrated complexion. Meanwhile, key skin-perfecting actives like refining and renewing bakuchiol, antioxidant-rich grapeseed oil, and moisturising baobab oil help to rejuvenate your appearance and leave you with a lit-from-within glow. Clinically proven to reduce the visibility of wrinkles by up to 45.79% in 4 weeks, it's basically an essential last step in any skincare routine.
Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Size: 30ml | Key Ingredients: Copper peptide, glycerin, peptide complex, bakuchiol, pumpkin and sunflower seed oils | Skin Types: All.
- What we like: Absorbs quickly and seamlessly, plumps and hydrates skin, visibly firms.
- What could improve: May feel too greasy for oilier skin types.
Save when you shop with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
Why we love it: Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist recommends this serum from The Inkey List. “The price can’t be beat for the active ingredients, and the collagen peptides in the formula mimic those found in the skin,” he says. “The [molecules] are also smaller, which means they’re better absorbed into deeper layers of the skin for maximum efficacy.” By plumping the skin, the serum visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for both immediate and long-term effects. The serum goes on like water and hydrates skin from the inside-out.
Size: 30ml | Key Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000, syn-tacks dual peptide | Skin Types: All.
- What we like: Accessible price.
- What could improve: Slightly tacky texture.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
Why we love it: “Not only does The Ordinary's ‘buffet’ serum contain a powerful blend of peptides, including Matrixyl 3000 and Argireline, but it’s also packed with hyaluronic acid for hydration, amino acids for repair, and probiotics for a balanced skin microbiome. All this for a price that won’t break the bank – it’s the perfect all-in-one serum for anyone looking to address multiple skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to dullness and uneven texture," says NHS Doctor, Dr Kemi Fabusiwa.
Size: 30ml | Key Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000, Argireline, amino acids, hyaluronic acid | Skin Types: All.
- What we like: Budget price point.
- What could improve: Slightly tacky.
SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum
Why we love it: A brilliant pick for mature skin, this clever formula from SkinCeuticals is nothing short of impressive. Featuring an incredibly weightless feel, the P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum has been especially formulated to help smooth out fine lines and texture, all while leaving your skin glowier than ever. It's infused with the brand's advanced peptide complex, niacinamide and laminaria to hydrate and even out skin tone, as well as 5% PHA for gentle exfoliation. The result? A glass-like glow and a visibly smoother complexion.
Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Freelance Beauty Contributor.
Size: 30ml | Key Ingredients: Advanced peptide complex, niacinamide, laminaria | Skin Types: All, even sensitive skin.
- What we like: The formula feels super lightweight when applying, absorbs quickly, plumps up the skin.
- What could improve: Expensive.
Why we love it: We get it: it costs an arm and a leg, but what if we told you that it's actually worth every penny? Enter: The Elixir, the most recent (and innovative) launch from Augustinus Bader. Formulated to work on all skin types, this formula isn't a serum per se. Rather, it's an ultra-concentrated treatment that's powered by the brand's advanced version of its TFC8 technology (a clever blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides) to help support a healthy skin barrier, boost collagen and improve elasticity. “I love how lightweight and silky this formula feels upon application. After using it for just three weeks, I've already noticed a sizeable improvement to the fine lines under my eyes and my overall hydration levels,” says Denise Primbet, Glamour's Freelance Beauty Contributor.
Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Freelance Beauty Contributor.
Size: 30ml | Key Ingredients: Advanced TFC8 technology, phyto-peptidic concentrate, biomimetic elastin | Skin Types: All, particularly mature skin.
- What we like: The texture feels super silky and luxurious upon application, helps deliver visible results thanks to its advanced formula.
- What could improve: Expensive.
Save when you shop with these Cult Beauty discount codes at checkout.
Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum
Why we love it: According to consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips, this serum from Naturium doesn't compromise on quality. "It contains Argireline amplified peptide to promote smoothness and elasticity of the skin, a combination of glycolic and lactic acid to improve skin texture, and ferulic acid to protect against the harmful effects of environmental free radicals that accelerate skin ageing. This readily absorbed serum can be easily incorporated into your routine after cleansing, and before applying your moisturiser,” he shares.
Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
Size: 30ml | Key Ingredients: BArgireline amplified peptide, ferulic acid and glycolic and lactic acid | Skin Types: All.
- What we like: Absorbs easily, has a hydrating feel.
- What could improve: Some people find it leads to breakouts.
.jpg)
Why we love it: “This is a beautiful gel serum that will be a saviour over the summer. It supports the skin barrier and replenishes hydration levels, which can take quite a knock when you combine increased sun exposure, scorching temperatures and drying air conditioning. The formula contains acetyl hexapeptide-8, which works as a humectant (draws water), alongside other skin conditioners to plump out fine lines for a hydrated, juicy complexion,” says Katie Onyejekwe, aesthetician and skincare educator.
Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Freelance Beauty Contributor.
Size: 50ml | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, Marula oil | Skin Types: All.
- What we like: Plumps and hydrates skin.
- What could improve: Not readily available to buy in most stores.
medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Why we love it: “Coming from one of my favourite K Beauty brands off all time, the medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum has been an absolute staple in my routine for months now. My rosacea-prone skin feels instantly soothed upon applying, and its nourishing texture helps keep my dry patches at bay. Above all, I love that the added benefits of PDRN help heal my PCOS-related breakouts with ease, further re-enforcing my skin barrier and ensuring lasting hydration,” shares Denise Primbet, Glamour's Freelance Beauty Contributor.
Working to help firm the skin and smooth out skin texture, this formula is filled to the brim with a whole host of skincare ingredients, including five types of peptides, ocimum tenuiflorum, hyaluronic acid and salmon collagen complex with coenzyme Q10 for an instant calming and moisturising effect.
Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Freelance Beauty Contributor.
Size: 30ml | Key Ingredients: Peptide complex, ocimum tenuiflorum, hyaluronic acid and salmon collagen complex | Skin Types: All skin types.
- What we like: Has a nourishing yet a non-sticky feel, delivers intense hydration, helps strengthen the skin barrier.
- What could improve: Nothing of note.
Paula’s Choice Cellular Youth Longevity Serum
Why we love it: This clever new formula from Paula’s Choice targets 12 key signs of ageing by supporting skin’s cellular health, helping to recharge each cell’s natural energy and repair pathways. It refines texture, smooths fine lines, brightens dullness, fades discolouration and visibly firms and lifts the complexion. Backed by clinical studies, it’s proven to help skin look up to eight years younger in just 42 days.
Size: 30ml | Key Ingredients: Acetyl-tetrapeptide-2, sunflower sprout extract, goji phyto-exosomes | Skin Types: All.
- What we like: Works on all aspects of skin health for multi-targeted results; lightweight, silky texture.
- What could improve: Results require patience as skin health improves over time
Beauty Pie Youthbomb 360° Radiance Concentrate Serum
Why we love it: “My favourite peptide serum is the Youthbomb 360° Radiance Concentrate Serum from the Beauty Pie collaboration with Dr Andrew Markey. The serum has a proprietary blend of 15 active ingredients designed to supercharge the skin’s radiance. A powerful phyto extract provides moisturising and soothing effects, while a synthetic hexapeptide helps with skin brightening and has antioxidant benefits. It contains a marine active rich in proteins and exopolysaccharides, which reinforces the skin’s structural integrity and elasticity. Active marine biotechnology recharges, firms, and strengthens the skin, complemented by an oat-derived molecule that offers an immediate firming effect. This formulation is free from harmful chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, making it a clean and effective choice for luminous and healthy skin,” says Dr Ellie Rashid, a consultant dermatologist with a PhD in regenerative dermatology.
Size: 50ml | Key Ingredients: Phyto extract, synthetic hexapeptide, proteins and exopolysaccharides | Skin Types: All.
- What we like: Packed full of skin-boosting ingredients.
- What could improve: Price point is much better for Beauty Pie members.
.jpg)
Moussse Hydration Dream Peptide Serum
Why we love it:
Fragrance-free and brilliant for those with sensitive or reactive skin types, Mousse’s Hydration Dream Peptide Serum is designed for those living in cities and other urban environments Alongside its signature MoussseShield technology (which fends off the effects of airborne pollutants), this formula is packed with biotech-powered actives that tackle fine lines, skin slackness and a lacklustre look. It’s brilliant for boosting luminosity and hydration, while its peptides get to work on skin resilience.
Size: 40ml | Key Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000, argireline, hyaluronic acid | Skin Types: All.
- What we like: Smooths fine lines and improves firmness; intensely hydrating formula that protects skin against pollution.
- What could improve: More expensive than some other options.
.jpg)
What are the different types of peptides?
Most formulas feature a combination of peptides, so you don’t necessarily need to worry about how each functions, but it is worth familiarising yourself with the different types of peptides when looking at ingredients.
Signal peptides, like Matrixyl 3000, work by sending a message to the cells to boost production of proteins like collagen and elastin, which ultimately helps firm the skin. These are the most commonly used peptides in skincare. There’s also neurotransmitter cells like argireline, which Dr. Zeichner says help relax muscles and improve the appearance of wrinkles, smoothing the skin.
Meanwhile, he says carrier peptides (which include copper peptides) help to strengthen the barrier and stimulate collagen by delivering minerals to the skin. They function similarly to signal peptides in that they improve skin firmness and soften texture. Finally, there’s growth factor peptides to help with wound healing and skin regeneration. They also encourage collagen production (noticing a theme here?), making them particularly adept at reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Do peptide serums actually work?
With regular use, peptide serums are a worthy investment. “Peptides serums can help promote collagen synthesis which improves skin texture, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and enhances skin tone,” Tiffany Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, explains. Think of peptides as tiny little messengers that send signals to other cells to produce more collagen and elastin.
“Peptides also have hygroscopic properties, meaning they can attract and retain water, which helps hydrate skin and improve moisture retention.” That means peptides not only help immediately quench thirsty skin, but they also help the skin hold onto that moisture for longer.Peptides also help with overall skin repair and strengthen the skin barrier, which Dr. Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist says can help reduce moisture loss and contribute to healthier, more radiant skin. But, like any other product, those effects only work with regular continued use.
TLDR: Peptides help strengthen your skin by sending signals to other cells, while they work to improve hydration by drawing in and retaining water. All of this ultimately helps skin be more resilient and appear more radiant.
What other skincare ingredients pair well with peptides?
According to Dr. Zeichner, peptides generally play nice with other ingredients and skin care products. While Dr. Castilla, a board-certified dermatologist, says they tend to work best as part of a well-rounded skincare routine that includes daily face sunscreen and an antioxidant like one of the best vitamin C serums. Dr. Engelman also suggests pairing peptides with ingredients that help enhance their benefits, like vitamin C, niacinamide, and the best hyaluronic acid serum formulations.
She also recommends layering a peptide serum with a good face moisturiser that has ceramides in it to help lock in moisture and hydration, and strengthen the skin barrier. That being said, the dermatologists we spoke to warned against mixing peptides with harsh exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, which may counteract the benefits of peptides. You can, however, pair peptides with retinol – in fact, they can help mitigate some of the irritation that comes with retinol use.
What should I not mix peptides with?
According to Daniel Isaacs, co-founder and chief product officer at Medik8, copper peptides should replace your vitamin C serum, as the two actives aren’t compatible and can cancel each other out. They’re also best avoided alongside high-strength AHAs (such as glycolic or lactic acid) and BHAs like salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide can also oxidise peptides, making them less effective and potentially irritating when layered together.
For more skincare-related content, shop our edit of the best hydrating serums for dry skin, ceramide serums to boost your delicate skin barrier, and the best retinol serums to elevate your nighttime routine.
