Peptide cosmetics have become a staple in skincare routines, with peptide serums leading the charge. There’s a good reason for it: due to their lightweight texture, serums are the perfect way to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to your skin, allowing you to target specific skincare concerns with ease. If you consider that most serums–even peptide-based serums!–feature a cocktail of several ingredients, we can see how this makes them powerful all-in-one allies in any skincare routine.
We’ll show you some of our favorite peptide serums in a moment–but first, let’s brush up on our peptide knowledge.
Peptides: What you need to know
What are peptides for?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids; depending on the specific amino acids that form them, they can be very different and perform a variety of different functions.
In skincare, many of the most interesting peptides are used for anti-aging. Some peptides, such as Matrixyl, already have a long history, with many scientific publications confirming their benefits; other peptides are a little newer, and may not have the firm backing of a seasoned veteran like Matrixyl. In the end, each peptide is its own thing, and should be considered its own ingredient.
Who should use peptide serums?
Peptides can offer many benefits, but they are most often discussed in the context of their anti-aging action. With that in mind, we believe you can get the most out of peptides in the following scenarios:
- You’re about to start your very first anti-aging routine. Peptides are a great way to reap anti-aging benefits without the hassle of using retinoids. If you’re considering trying an antiaging routine, this is a great way to do it;
- You’re looking for an anti-aging routine that doesn’t include retinol. Maybe you don’t like it, or maybe your skin doesn’t tolerate it. Either way, peptides can be a great alternative!
And now for a slightly different scenario: what if you’re satisfied with your existing anti-aging routine? Peptides can be a good complement to any anti-aging routine. Indeed, some formulas include both peptides and retinol, for maximum compatibility and efficacy.
When should you use a peptide serum?
Peptide serums can usually be used at any time of the day–they are not photosensitive nor do they sensitize the skin, so there’s no need to avoid them in the daytime. Still, the other ingredients in the formula can define the best time to use your peptide serum. If the formula combines peptides and vitamin C, for example, it may be a better fit for the morning; if it combines peptides and retinol, it may be a better fit for the evening.
When it comes to their order in your skincare routine, peptide serums should be used after cleansing. If you use toners or essences in your routine, apply them after cleansing and then follow with your peptide serum. Finally, finish with your moisturizer and/or sunscreen.
The best peptide serums
Now that you know the benefits of peptide serums, it’s time to find the right one for you. There’s no shortage of options these days, from clinical formulas and viral Korean products to affordable alternatives that won’t break the bank, so it’s never been easier to find the best fit for each skin type and concern:
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
The multi peptide serum
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
Looking for something that combines several peptides for maximum efficacy, but doesn’t feel heavy on the skin? Look no further than the COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum: this lightweight formula has gone viral and people can’t get enough of it.
It’s suitable for all skin types, particularly oily or combination skin, and perfect for anyone who wants a serum that plays well with the textures of other products without compromising the entire skincare routine. Additionally, it’s also a safe bet for people with sensitive skin.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30% Complex Multi-Peptide Serum
The copper peptide serum
Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30% Complex Multi-Peptide Serum
With a blend of 10 different peptides, the gel-like Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30% Complex Multi-Peptide Serum features some renowned ingredients, including copper peptides and Matrixyl 3000.
Copper peptides have shown that they can fight wrinkles and fine lines; associated with Matrixyl 3000, they provide the perfect combo for those who want to reduce the appearance of signs of aging. This serum is also a great dupe for a makeup primer, due to its texture–so why not use it in the morning, to wrap up your skincare routine just before sunscreen?
RVB LAB Meso Fill Plumping Skin Renewal Serum
The perfect serum for oily skin
RVB LAB Meso Fill Plumping Skin Renewal Serum
The elegant RVB LAB Meso Fill Plumping Skin Renewal Serum contains anti-aging peptides, but it’s so much more than an anti-aging serum. The formula also contains salicylic acid, making this the perfect serum to target signs of aging while promoting skin exfoliation and minimizing the appearance of imperfections.
All in all, this is a perfect all-in-one product for those with oily skin who want to address fine lines and wrinkles while, at the same time, reducing dark spots and patches of hyperpigmentation associated with past acne breakouts.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
The minimal serum for dry skin
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum + HA gets straight to the point, with a minimal formula that contains only the essential ingredients to get the job done.
Featuring a combination of peptides and hyaluronic acid, this serum is the ideal choice for those with dry skin who want to address the first signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Thanks to the minimal formula, it’s also a suitable choice for anyone with sensitive skin.
Martiderm Black Diamond Absolute Lift Firming Global Serum
The firming peptide serum
Martiderm Black Diamond Absolute Lift Firming Global Serum
The Martiderm Black Diamond Absolute Lift Firming Global Serum features the exclusive Duolift Peptide, which provides a tensing effect that helps boost skin firmness. If you’re struggling with loss of firmness and elasticity, give it a try!
One of the best things about this serum is that it can also be used on the eye contour, making it a real skincare 2-in-1. The milky texture is perfect for all skin types: moisturizing enough to comfort the skin, but light enough not to clog pores.
StriVectin Peptide Plump Line Filling Bounce Serum
The peptide serum for mature skin
StriVectin Peptide Plump Line Filling Bounce Serum
If you don’t want to choose between addressing wrinkles or loss of firmness, the StriVectin Peptide Plump Line Filling Bounce Serum is the answer you’re looking for.
With a light and elegant formula, this serum provides a filler-like effect, plumping fine lines and wrinkles for visible results; at the same time, it restores firmness and elasticity to the skin, for a more youthful appearance.
Esthederm Intensive Pro-Collagen+ Face & Neck Serum
The perfect serum for “collagen banking”
Esthederm Intensive Pro-Collagen+ Face & Neck Serum
Starting around the age of 25, our skin loses collagen every single day. One common approach to anti-aging is to try to preserve this collagen and prevent its degradation; another is to stimulate the production of even more collagen, so that the skin can maintain its firmness.
The Esthederm Intensive Pro-Collagen+ Face & Neck Serum is right in the middle, with an anti-aging formula that tries to both preserve and stimulate collagen production. With a water-light texture that all skin types, including oily skin, this serum is the perfect choice for anyone looking to target signs of aging without retinol.
Filorga Time-Filler Intensive Wrinkle Multi-Correction Serum
The anti-wrinkle peptide serum
Filorga Time-Filler Intensive Wrinkle Multi-Correction Serum
If wrinkles and fine lines are your main concern, the Filorga Time-Filler Intensive Wrinkle Multi-Correction Serum is the perfect solution. The formula features hexapeptides that specifically target lines and wrinkles, for a visibly smoother appearance after just seven days.
Based on the principles of aesthetic medicine, this serum is the perfect complement for those who want to prolong the effects of cosmetic procedures.
coxir Intensive EGF Peptide Serum
The Korean peptide serum
coxir Intensive EGF Peptide Serum
Who says peptide serums have to be expensive? There are plenty of affordable alternatives out there, and the coxir Intensive EGF Peptide Serum fits that description to perfection.
This Korean serum combines growth factors, niacinamide, and an anti-aging peptide, for a comprehensive approach to skin aging that doesn’t break the bank.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Tri-Peptides Anti-Correcting Serum
The vitamin C and peptide serum
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Tri-Peptides Anti-Correcting Serum
If you like to keep your morning skincare simple but effective, you may like a serum that combines both peptides and vitamin C, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Tri-Peptides Anti-Correcting Serum.
This relative newcomer to the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser range offers the antioxidant and brightening benefits of vitamin C along with the wrinkle-smoothing action of Argireline, a popular peptide.
As you can see, it couldn’t be easier to add a peptide serum to your skincare routine. You don’t even have to add an extra step if you don’t want to–there are so many formulas that feature peptides alongside other ingredients that you can simply opt for a peptide-infused vitamin C serum in the morning, or a peptide-rich exfoliating serum at night.
And if you want to check out other skincare products featuring peptides? Make sure to drop by the shop, where we have a selection of peptide skincare that ranges from serums to moisturizers, eye creams, and beyond.
