Ah, 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 are 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 am 40 and also going through premature menopause, I’m relying on them now more than ever.
To get you the lowdown on peptides, I’ve spoken to two leading dermatologists – Dr Shendy Engelina, a Consultant Dermatologist and Clinical Service Lead at Dermatica, 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 adding them into your routine. Peptides aren’t the easiest thing to understand (is anything in skincare ever?), so I’ve got the experts to break the topic down in the simplest way possible for you.
So, keep reading for an all-round guide to peptides and why they’re your friend, as well as 10 of my favourite peptide products, tried and tested by me. From serums to moisturisers and eye gels, at all price levels, I’m sure we’ll find you something to add to your basket and start your peptide journey with. Let’s get going…
What are Peptides and What Do They Do?
Collagen, one of the building blocks of our skin that keeps it firm, smooth and plump, is a protein. Dr Granite explains that “our skin is composed of a number of structural proteins including keratin, collagen and elastin, and peptides are the building blocks of these proteins”.
Peptides, which are strings of amino acids, are crucial for the production of the structural proteins that our skin needs to stay firm with good elasticity. Unlike collagen, whose molecules are too large to penetrate the skin when applied topically, peptides are small and “generally able to penetrate into the skin effectively when used in topical preparations” according to Dr Granite.
Dr Granite goes on to explain that “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 they also “improve skin resilience, support the skin barrier, soothe irritation and inflammation, hydrate, and can 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 that the “safety profile of peptides is excellent, so there is little risk there.” However, Dr Shendy says that while peptides are generally well tolerated and safe for all skin types, there is something to keep in mind – 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 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?
It is true that some skincare ingredients hinder the efficacy of peptides if applied alongside each other. 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 that these acids can break down peptides, diminishing their benefits. She also goes on to advise against use with retinoids and Vitamin C too – “while 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 also says that “some research suggests that L-ascorbic acid (the acidic 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.”
Personally, after 20 years of writing and testing beauty, I think I’ve perfected my peptide routine. In the mornings, I use AHA & 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 personally). I also use niacinamide at night too, as well as some hydrating and skin soothing ingredients.
What’s the Difference Between Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid?
As mentioned earlier, 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. Dr Shendy explains that “in contrast, hyaluronic acid is primarily responsible for retaining moisture in the skin, providing plumping and smoothing effects without directly affecting collagen production. Using both peptides and hyaluronic acid together can offer beneficial short and long-term effects for hydration and anti-aging.”
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. Dr Granite says that “a boost in hydration and radiance may be almost immediate, but improvements in tone, texture and skin firmness will take at least 6-8 weeks.” 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 Sensetive 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
Biossance
Biossance Squalane and Peptide Eye Gel 15ml
This award-winning peptide product has a whole host of other amazing ingredients too – Swiss apple stem cell extract minimises the look of fine line 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: It’s pretty much love at first sight with this one.
Customer Review: “This eye cream really works on wrinkles and dark circles, while being suitable for super-sensitive eyes & skin.”
2. The Best Peptide Product for Lips: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in Unscented
rhode
Peptide Lip Treatment Unscented
Don’t forget your lips when it comes to your skin care. This peptide lip treatment deeply nourishes and replenishes dry lips, whilst also plumping them with hydration. There’s the peptides that work longer term in keeping your lip structure full and smooth, shea butter to moisturise, cupaçu to boost skin suppleness and maintain elasticity, and babassu to support the skin microbiome and replenish moisture.
Pros: Doubles up as a lip gloss as it gives you the shiniest, plump 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, 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
Kate Somerville
Kate Somerville Kateceuticals Supercell Rejuvenation Serum 30ml
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 perfect-for-this rollerball applicator. It really firms and tightens, and is so light and cooling.
Cons: It is a pricey option, but it is designed to give clinical results at home and comes with cutting edge science and 20 years of skin clinic expertise.
Customer Review: “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). Not only is this super easy to use, as the metal applicator is built into the product, but this makes lazy-girl-me more willing to grab this (not to mention, it feels cool and lovely to use). 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
Allies of Skin
Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & Gf Advanced Lifting Serum
As well as the firming and lifting peptides, there’s 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 skin barrier. This serum is designed to visibly reduce even the most stubborn wrinkles and fine lines, with ingredients such as its copper lysinate.
Pros: It focusses 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 2 weeks now. Seen overall improvement on my crows feet and my skin appears brighter and firmer. I’ve also received compliments from friends that skin is looking radiant.”
5. The Best Peptide Product for Hydration: The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum
The Inkey List
The Inkey List™ Collagen Peptide Serum 30ml
This deeply hydrating serum contains the collagen-boosting Matrixyl 3000™ peptide, which plumps and firms skin, and decreases the appearance of line and wrinkles. There’s also a 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 have.
Customer Review: “I’m convinced this has helped with my deep line between my eyebrows! My skin looks much plumper! I have been using for about 6 months now with no sensitive issues.”
Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Booster 20ml
This peptide complex serum gives both immediate results and lasting results after 4 weeks. It contains 6 different pro-collagen peptides to target multiple layers of the skin. There’s also immediately hydrating and skin plumping hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Pros: Clinically proven to give a remarkably younger appearance overall, dramatically diminished appearance of wrinkle depth & volume and reduced crow’s feet within 28 days.
Cons: There aren’t any. Paula’s Choice are 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
Ole Henriksen
Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser 50ml
This powerhouse contains 8 peptides and 8 amino acids, which all boost collagen in the skin to increase firmness and elasticity over time. Amino acids also greatly increase skin hydration. The 3 ceramides in the formula moisturise and fortify the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid hydrates.
Pros: The texture of this is divine and 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
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 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
Dermatica
Dermatica Anti-Wrinkle Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturiser 50ml
This light peptide moisturiser also has ceramides to moisturise and strengthen your skin barrier to keep that 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’s doesn’t feel luxurious to apply and the packaging is basic.
Customer Review: “I am a combination 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/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
SkinCeuticals
Skinceuticals P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum 30ml
This potent serum contains Hexapeptide and Dipeptide to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It’s scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of 9 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 skin.
Pros: It contains a combination of different peptides. Dr Emma Craythorne from Skinceuticals says that “SkinCeuticals P-Tiox is a combination of peptides, and these peptides 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. I love how easy it is to layer with other products in my routine, whether it’s in the morning or evening. One of the main reasons I love this product is its powerful antioxidant blend. I feel like it’s helping to protect my skin from daily damage caused by pollution and UV rays. Over time, I’ve noticed my skin looking brighter and smoother, and the fine lines I had seem less noticeable. I think it’s worth the investment because I can see the long-term benefits. It’s especially good for those who want to prevent early signs of aging and keep their skin looking healthy. Overall, I’m really happy with this serum and would recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality, antioxidant-rich product!”
