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A fountain of eternal youth doesn't exist, but the best peptide serums are pretty good fill-ins for targeting sagging skin. That’s because peptides are powerful agents for boosting collagen production—you know, the process that slows down as we age—and thereby minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Here's the science in a nutshell: Peptides are an umbrella term for tiny chains of amino acids. These chains act as molecular-level messengers between skin cells, directing them to address skin elasticity and hydration—two key factors in wrinkle severity. Think of peptide creams and serums as your behind-the-scenes crew, helping to direct your skin towards a plumper, more resilient future.
Our Top Peptide Serums
- Best Overall: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum, $94
- Best for Expression Lines: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
- Best for Nighttime: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, $85
- Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power 3% Peptides Serum, $22
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What are peptides?
- How do peptides benefit the skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
While they won't stop the clock, they can still be an effective way of slowing down signs of aging. If that's what you're looking for, we tested dozens of formulas to find the absolute best peptide serums on the market. Ahead, we rounded up their recs—along with editor-loved formulas—that smooth, hydrate, and give your skin a little extra support.
Best Overall: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum
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Medik8
Liquid Peptides Advanced Face Serum
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Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: While some peptide serums have a specialty, Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum covers all of the bases. An alternative name for it could be "Liquid Magic”—of course, no skin-care product is capable of straight-up magic. But when there are 13 peptides involved—including copper peptides and Matrixyl 3000, two of the most well-studied versions—we know something's working. The special sauce is a proprietary technology called Dual MiniProteins, which pairs those peptides with proteins in micro molecules to ensure deep penetration into the skin and promote elasticity. It also features two other technologies, Growth Factor MiniProtein and Expression Line MiniProtein, which promote smoothing even further. “[Growth Factor MiniProtein] relaxes expression lines in just 10 minutes and visibly reduces deep wrinkles within eight weeks,” says New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, who adds that it delivers “filler-mimicking” results.
The serum is also super hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid, so your skin is smooth and taut. As far as where this serum fits into your skin-care routine, you can use it day and/or night before your oil-based serums (like the brand's vitamin C or retinal serums) and moisturizers.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“I was so excited to try this product (not least because of the “Botox in a bottle” conversation surrounding it) and let me tell you: This is something worth making room for in your routine. Especially if you're pregnant and can't use retinol, or are simply too sensitive for the likes of vitamin A! This formula impressed me right away since it includes peptides that are both fast-acting (as in, you can see an immediate skin-plumping effect) and those that work over time to smooth out deeper-set wrinkles. The texture is gel-like and lightweight. It can feel a smidge tacky on the fingers but once it dries down, you don't notice it. Part of my love for it comes from that bounce of light you get off the skin right after applying! I haven't experienced pilling with foundation or other moisturizers but i have to admit: I hesitate to add anything to my routine that'll make me wince come repurchasing time, and because of that, I'm tempted to hoard it like Gollum and only use it during the PM instead of both night and day. It's all worth it if it means warding off actual Botox for a bit longer!”—Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptide complex (13 types, including Matrixyl 3000 and copper peptides), multi-weight hyaluronic acid, carnosine, growth factor miniprotein, expression line miniprotein
- Who it’s for: people with deep-set wrinkles or expression lines
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Expression Lines: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
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SkinCeuticals
P-Tiox
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Bluemercury
SkinCeuticals
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: We can go on about the science of the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox’s powerhouse peptide duo, but here are the basics: The neuropeptides in this formula, which signal skin cells to repair damage and boost collagen, target expression lines that are too risky to treat with neuromodulators like Botox, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines). That said, Justine Park, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Westlake Village, California, says this serum complements Botox treatments to help relax lines it can treat even further. On top of its sag-reducing properties, the 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning P-Tiox is infused with brightening niacinamide and laminaria extract, a seaweed-derived ingredient rich in skin tone-evening antioxidants. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, notes that the formula includes sensitive-skin-friendly gluconolactone (also known as polyhydroxy acids or PHA), which provides gentler resurfacing than BHAs or AHAs as they can’t penetrate the skin as deeply. The results over time are glowy, glass-reflective skin.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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"A plastic surgeon once told me that I have a very expressive face, which was a nice way of saying my face is a hotbed for expression lines. That's where this stuff comes in handy. The lightweight serum uses peptides to inhibit signals to the facial muscles, kind of like neuromodulators, but on a much weaker scale. Still, I've found that it works wonders for all the little expression lines where injectables just can't help, like around my mouth." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, acetyl hexapeptide-8), niacinamide, laminaria extract, polyhydroxy acids
- Who it’s for: all skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Nighttime: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
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Estée Lauder
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
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Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode, but it's also a time when your moisture barrier is more permeable—meaning water can more easily escape, leaving skin dry and dehydrated by morning. Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair takes advantage of both with a proprietary ingredient, Night Peptide (also known as tripeptide-32); it helps increase cellular turnover overnight, supporting the skin’s natural renewal process and lock in hydration. The formula also centers on a mix of fermented, sensitive skin-friendly extracts—including Bifida ferment lysate, yeast extract, and Lactobacillus ferment—that help fortify the skin barrier following exposure to environmental stressors.
Unlike more intensive nighttime staples that can leave skin dry or irritated (looking at you, retinol and exfoliating acids), this serum leans more nourishing with humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to attract and retain water, and emollients, such as squalane, lecithin, and jojoba esters, that lock it all in. Antioxidant-rich chamomile adds a soothing touch to the lineup, calming irritation as you snooze. The result is a serum that lets the rest of your routine do its thing while you sleep, leaving your skin prepped, calmer, and softer come morning.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“If I could only use one serum for the rest of my life, it would be this one. I use it every morning and every night, and I absolutely notice when I skip a day. It feels so lightweight and nourishing, sinking in quickly without leaving a sticky residue behind. In addition to the nice glow it gives me, it calms my super-sensitive skin, prevents pesky flakes in the chronically dry spots around my nose, and keeps breakouts at bay. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? You bet!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, Bifida ferment lysate, Lactobacillus ferment
- Who it’s for: all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Face and Neck: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
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Allies of Skin
Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
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Han applying the Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Allies of Skin’s Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum takes a high-tech approach to firming, especially in areas where sagging tends to show first: the face and neck. This concentrated formula features a 9% peptide complex and 3% SH-oligopeptide-1 (growth factor) complex to enhance elasticity and strengthen the skin’s structure. Add in growth factors, and you’ve got yourself a powerhouse formula that bolsters your barrier and targets loss of volume and firmness. The lightweight texture is nothing to overlook—it absorbs quickly, making it easy to layer under the rest of your skin-care routine. You’ll also notice instant hydration and glow, a perk we always appreciate.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Ok, the serious and immediate glow I get from this ultra-silky Allies of Skin serum alone was enough to sell me on it. (My face is freshly rinsed with water in the video—no toners or essences applied beforehand.) But of course, the ingredients are what do the heavy lifting, and when I first read into this product, I knew it meant business. While I'm only 32, I don't plan on getting injectables or Botox to stave off any fine/expression lines, so this is one of the many preventative topical measures I plan on using consistently to keep my skin looking as firm, lifted, and smooth as possible. This serum sinks into my skin immediately and provides a slight gripping effect that's perfect for makeup—an unexpected bonus, but I'll absolutely take it.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 9% LiftingPeptide Complex, 3% sh-oligopeptide-1 growth factor complex, MSM, copper lysinate, phospholipids, glycolipid
- Who it’s for: anyone with signs of aging
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
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SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
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Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: Ask any dermatologist about growth-factor skin care, and they'll likely bring up the repeat Best of Beauty-winning SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, the patented formula (since 2000) that started it all. "It's one of the most clinically supported growth-factor serums on the market, offering firmer-looking skin in as little as two weeks," Blair Murphy Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explained. But what are growth factors, anyway—and how do they benefit mature skin? "These naturally occurring proteins stimulate cellular repair and regeneration, boosting collagen and elastin production to improve skin firmness, texture, and overall vitality," Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Encinitas, California, explained. But that's not all for TNS Advanced+'s name. Though TNS (tissue nutrient solution) is, in fact, related to the main event, the innovative growth factors are paired with a peptide duo to boost elasticity and plumpness even more.
Oh, you thought we were done? In the other chamber of the serum's bottle is an antioxidant treatment stocked with marine extract, green microalgae, and more to support cellular turnover for that fresh-faced glow. One pump dispenses both chambers seamlessly into one silky, lightweight, and fragrance-free formula.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“A dermatologist once told me that this stuff was the reason she was well into her 40s before she started using Botox, so I, being in my late 30s, see it as my alternative, too. And while, okay, I do get Botox, I supplement it with this every morning, which keeps my skin firm and smooth. I see it as more preventative than reparative at this point, but I really like the lightweight texture and nonexistent scent. My only gripe is with the dual applicator; sometimes, it only pumps product out from one side, which means I can be left using only one of the enclosed serums for weeks." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides (trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 and dimer tripeptide-43), human fibroblast conditioned media, Lactococcus ferment lysate, shea butter, glycerin
- Who it’s for: people with mature skin or those looking to prevent signs of aging
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power 3% Peptides Serum
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L'Oréal Paris
Revitalift Triple Power 3% Peptides Serum
Amazon
Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying the L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power 3% Peptides Serum
Madison San Miguel
Why it’s worth it: These days, a skin-care regimen can rack up more steps than the average glass-skin routine. L’Oreal’s Revitalift Triple Power 3% Peptides Serum, however, takes a more streamlined approach to smoothing and firming skin. Its multitasking blend of peptides—Matrixyl 3000 (a combination of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7) and argireline amplified peptide (which derms often call “Botox in a bottle”)—work together to improve the appearance of wrinkles and restore bounce, while hyaluronic acid replenishes moisture to dehydrated skin. The serum is also loaded with vitamin C to brighten and even skin tone over time—just in case you’re dealing with dark spots, too. The result: Plumper, more hydrated skin over time, proving that a good skin-care routine doesn't have to cost a fortune (or take a ton of time).
Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel
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“As soon as I felt the rich, milky texture of this serum, I knew it was going to meet expectations. I have dry to very dry skin, which often needs thick, silky formulas to soothe any ‘tightness’ and dry patches that may appear. This was an instant win—it calmed my skin and layered seamlessly with the rest of my skin care. Beyond its hydrating peptide blend, it also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C that I typically use individually. Because it combines all three, I can see myself swapping this in place of my other skin care, streamlining my routine in the midst.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 (palmitoyl tripeptide-1and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7), argireline amplified peptide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C
- Who it’s for: anyone with signs of aging
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum
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Caudalie
Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum
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Sephora
Revolve
Why it’s worth it: If your skin is lacking its usual bounce, Caudalie’s Best of Beauty-winning Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum pairs peptides with a potent antioxidant—resveratrol—in a formula that those with dry skin will especially appreciate. Its impressive lineup of peptides (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, tripeptide-1, and hexapeptide-9) supports both barrier function and collagen production, while resveratrol, an antioxidant extracted from grapes, helps smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The serum also pairs two forms of hyaluronic acid (hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid) with vegan collagen, yet another humectant, to draw moisture to the skin, while squalane and sunflower seed oil moisturize for a smooth, radiant finish. While it has a velvet feel, the serum absorbs quickly, leaving dry skin comfortable, hydrated, and ready for the next step in your routine.
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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"Have I had to check my carry-on suitcase after a trip to France because I got carried away at a pharmacy stocking up on this favorite serum? I will not confirm nor deny! It’s this serum I measure every other one against, and so far, nothing has beaten it. It’s hydrating even on my eczema-prone skin, and the silky finish makes a great base for makeup. I can visibly see my skin looks smoother and glowy with consistent use. If the glass bottle weren’t refillable, I’d feel guilty about how many I’ve gone through over the past few years!" —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, tripeptide-1, and hexapeptide-9), resveratrol, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, squalane, sunflower seed oil, and vegan collagen
- Who it’s for: all skin types, especially dry skin
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, "like glycine, arginine, histidine, et cetera," says Dr. Kim. “They're designed to boost and replenish amino acids, which are the building blocks for collagen production.” You might recognize amino acids as the building blocks of protein, but peptides tend to be shorter chains than proteins. And compared to topical collagen, peptides have a small particle size that allows them to penetrate the surface level of your skin at a deeper level. In turn, they’re great at reducing the appearance of fine lines, soothing dehydrated skin, and leaving skin firmer, Dr. Kim says.
How do peptides benefit the skin?
The abundance and quality of our body's natural collagen production decrease over time, as Dr. Hartman previously explained. As a result, wrinkles start to form and skin begins to sag, but peptide chains mimic the structure of amino acids to diminish the look of these concerns over time. People with mature skin, in particular, can benefit from peptides for their ability to improve skin firmness along the jawline, smooth expression lines, and even out skin tone.
That said, not all peptides are created equal. The most common types of peptides consist of signal peptides, carrier peptides, enzyme-inhibitor peptides, and neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides, which all have specific functions. (Also, keep in mind that labs and brands can and often do trademark their own peptide complexes.)
- Signal peptides: These peptides signal your skin cells to go into repair mode, helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- Carrier peptides: Carrier peptides carry other ingredients to skin—copper peptides being the best-known of these. They deliver copper to the skin, which activates wound healing and collagen production.
- Enzyme-inhibitor peptides: These peptides block the naturally occurring enzymes in your body that can break down collagen.
- Neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides: Think of these as the topical (though far less powerful) cousin of Botox—they smooth expression lines by temporarily relaxing the look of muscle movement.
While you’ll often find "peptides" placed front and center on the actual product packaging, ingredient lists often categorize peptides by how many amino acids a peptide contains, such as dipeptide (two), tripeptide (three), and hexapeptide (six). It's also not uncommon to see multiple peptides strung together to maximize their collagen-boosting benefits.
Peptides seldom cause skin sensitivity or irritation, but you should still be discerning of your serum’s formulation. "If someone has a [negative] reaction, it's most likely from the preservatives, other chemicals, or essential oils in the formula, not the peptides," Dr. Kim says. So, it’s always best practice to do a patch test before applying.
Meet the experts
- Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
- Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at SOM Aesthetics based in Encinitas, California
- Blair Murphy Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- May Hall, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best peptide serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, determined that every product excelled in each category—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.