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Oct 20, 2024

The 10 Best Peptide Serums of 2024

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. From Drunk Elephant, Paula's Choice, and more In This Article People / Lecia Landis

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

From Drunk Elephant, Paula's Choice, and more

In This Article

People / Lecia Landis

While science class may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the purpose of peptides is one lesson we all should pay attention to. "Peptides are a short chain of amino acids that are the building blocks of collagen, elastin, and keratin," board-certified and celebrity dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss tells PEOPLE.

Serums are one of the easiest ways to deliver peptides to the skin, as the lightweight formulas can better penetrate beneath the skin's surface than a rich moisturizer. So, we spoke with top dermatologists to find the absolute best peptide serums for different skin types and skincare routines.

“Peptides help with texture, skin strength, and overall resilience of your skin. They work by tricking your skin into believing there is an issue. For example, they can trick your skin into believing it has a wound, and therefore, collagen will get stimulated in the process, boosting your overall production.” — Dr. Shereene Idriss

This serum works for people with dry, balanced, and combination skin who are looking for hydration, radiance, and overall skin clarity.

It might not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

One of the most popular peptide serums available, this Drunk Elephant gem tackles a variety of concerns and was recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. It tightens, refines texture, and adds just a hint of moisture and glow so you look your best while your skin feels its best.

Formulated with peptides as well as amino acids and a bit of lactic acid, this serum sparks collagen and keratin growth so your skin gets a fresher appearance. It works for most skin types (except for super sensitive skin), including dry, balanced, and combination skin, and as such, is beloved by shoppers of all ages.

“This serum delivers a blend of ingredients to strengthen and support the skin,” Dr. Zeichner tells PEOPLE. “Peptides and growth factors stimulate collagen production, while amino acids help hydrate the skin and lactic acid offers exfoliating benefits to brighten and even skin tone.”

Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All skin types

This is good for people who want smooth, tight, and even-toned skin.

It shouldn’t be used in tandem with vitamin C.

Copper peptides are known for smoothing and tightening skin texture and decreasing pigmentation. They act like antioxidants to reduce damage and free radicals in the skin, as well as stimulate collagen growth. This serum also contains Matrixyl and Argirelox, which are types of peptides that work to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Peptides in general help with discoloration, so this serum is also ideal for those who have any redness or hyperpigmentation. Keep in mind that this serum should not be used in tandem with products containing vitamin C because using them together can make both less effective.

“I started using this peptide serum about six months ago and have definitely seen a noticeable difference in my skin,” says PEOPLE's associate director of growth and content strategy, Hannah Freedman. “It’s plumper, firmer, more hydrated, and has a healthy glow."

Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All skin types

This serum is ideal for all skin types — especially those looking to improve texture and firm the skin.

The small size is great for travel but will run out more quickly than others on the list.

If your skin is feeling a bit dull lately, then this peptide booster is just what you need to reinvigorate it. Using a concentrated dose of eight peptides, this serum targets specific areas on your face to improve firmness and texture, smooth out wrinkles, provide hydration, lessen discoloration and redness, and help with cell renewal.

And it’s so easy to add to your skincare routine — simply mix it into your favorite face moisturizer or serum or use it as a standalone product. We think this product is a great value because the cost is fairly average among popular serums, and it works well for what you’re paying. It also comes in a size that's ideal for travel but may run out more quickly than your average size serum.

Size: 0.67 ounces | Skin Type: All skin types

This product is designed for those with mature skin who want to target fine lines and wrinkles and hydrate the skin.

It's not really necessary for younger skin.

If you want to help strengthen your skin, this Clinical Skin serum is truly a wonder, and was recommended by Dr. Zeichner. Using peptides as well as a host of other unique ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this peptide serum treats deep wrinkles, fine lines, and loose skin. It's truly designed for mature skin, so those with younger skin may not need this product.

Results take about four weeks to notice a marked difference, but they will speak for themselves. Just be wary if you’re on a budget, because it’s pricey and, once you start using it, you won’t want to stop.

“The Clinical Skin Poly Peptide Firming Serum contains a blend of skin-firming peptides with antioxidants and ceramides to protect and hydrate the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “The product has gone through extensive clinical testing with proven improvements in elasticity, hydration, and appearance in fine lines.”

Size: 1.7 ounces | Skin Type: Mature skin, balanced skin

This glazing fluid is ideal for those who want smooth texture and radiance.

This product works well on surface-level improvements, but it might not be as effective for those seeking deep anti-aging results.

For those who prefer a more viscous serum, this gel-based peptide glaze is ideal. This serum highlights four ingredients (including peptides) that work to transform the surface of your skin. It boosts radiance, tightens, and drenches your skin with hydration to create a dewy appearance.

The peptides also aid in plumping the skin, making it look and feel more supple. This might not be the right product if you're looking for deep anti-aging results. But if you aim to refresh your skin each morning and night, and develop a smooth texture and a glowy complexion, Rhode is worth the waitlist.

“The peptide glazing fluid gives my combination skin a subtle dewy glow and feels so hydrating and lightweight on my face," says PEOPLE editor Madison Yauger. "And the peptides are doing their thing — I’ve noticed a significant improvement in texture and fewer bumps and imperfections on the surface of my skin. I’m so impressed.”

Size: 1.7 ounces | Skin Type: All skin types

This formula is good for pore reduction, smoothing texture, and oil control.

Since it’s meant for a specific skin type, it’s not effective for those with fairer skin tones.

Specially designed by dermatologists of color for people with melanin-rich skin, this Melé peptide serum targets issues like hyperpigmentation and dark spots as well as excess oil and pore size. Dr. Zeichner recommends using this serum to minimize the appearance of pores.

Serums with niacinamide and peptides also reduce unwanted rough texture, and this serum contains both ingredients. You should use it in the morning and can even use it as a primer before applying your makeup. Since it's meant for melanin-rich skin, it may not be effective for those with pale and light skin tones.

“The serum minimizes the [appearance] of pores and modifies the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It contains a peptide to balance oil production along with rosehip extract to reduce shine.”

Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: Combination, oily, mature, melanin-rich skin

This serum is good for people seeking anti-aging products that will give them a fresh glow.

Since this has retinol, it might not be the best for those with sensitive skin.

If you don’t have time to think about beauty products, but still crave the effects, use your time wisely — let them work while you sleep. This retinol peptide serum from Olay works overnight so you can consistently wake up with smoother, radiant skin, fewer dark spots, and the appearance of smaller pores. It’s also fragrance-free and absorbs quickly so there’s no tacky residue or scent while you’re trying to go to sleep.

Described by users as a “fountain of youth,” this serum is definitely a crowd-pleaser. Since it contains retinol, you may want to avoid this product if you have super sensitive skin, and always follow up with SPF in your morning routine the following day.

Size: 1.3 ounces | Skin Type: All skin types, mature skin

This serum is ideal for those searching for anti-aging remedies, because it boosts collagen production, firms the skin, and improves texture and tone.

It has a highly-concentrated retinol, so it's not suitable for those with sensitive skin.

If you're looking for a great anti-aging serum, this retinol peptide serum that was recommended by Dr. Idriss is like a knockout punch to your skin. It works fast to improve skin texture and tone — minimizing pores, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and boosting radiance on the surface of your skin. Since it’s a stronger serum, it’s not intended for those with sensitive skin, and you should only use it once a day. With this serum, a little goes a long way but yields big results.

“Kiehl's has a Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum that contains 0.1% retinol, which is pretty high,” says Dr. Idriss. “It has Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, which tricks your skin into signaling collagen production and instantly helping your skin.”

Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All skin types

Anyone looking for anti-aging benefits should consider this serum.

This product is made with pure retinol which can be too strong for sensitive skin.

There’s a refined beauty to aging — seeing memories in the form of laugh lines, scars, and other marks of life across your face, but that doesn’t mean you want to see every wrinkle all the time. Consistently using products like this peptide serum designed to target wrinkles can help remove some of that texture and firm up your facial skin along the way.

This serum was recommended by Dr. Zeichner, and in clinical trials, it was proven to make a difference in smoothness and firmness after four weeks of use. Because it's made with pure retinol, this product may be too strong for those with particularly sensitive skin.

“Bliss Youth Got This serum contains a stabilized form of retinol along with peptides to offer complementary benefits and strengthen the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Skin-protecting ingredients like squalane help maintain a healthy skin barrier.”

Size: 0.7 ounces | Skin Type: All skin types

This is a good choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, firming, and hydrating formula.

If you're looking for fast results, this product, which takes up to six weeks to work, might not be the best choice.

This cruelty-free peptide serum from The INKEY List contains two collagen-boosting peptides — Matrixyl 3000™ and Syn-Tacks™ — that help support natural collagen production. In addition to boosting collagen, the formula is also lightweight, firming, and hydrating, thanks to the addition of glycerin and hyaluronic acid. You can use the formula twice daily (morning and evening), and it takes around six weeks to see results. Another bonus: It's very reasonably priced.

Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All skin types

After looking through our expert-recommended picks, take a look at some of the other top-rated peptide serums we've found in our research.

While you find your next peptide serum, check out these other PEOPLE-Tested skincare must-haves. Our team of editors and independent testers put these products through rigorous testing and ranked them above numerous competitors.

The first consideration is the type of peptide serum you’re looking for. “There are different types of peptides and not all peptides are created equal,” says Dr. Idriss. “Some help to boost collagen production, others even out pigmentation, and some can even inhibit the breakdown of collagen so that your skin can stay firmer longer. The PCA Skin ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum, our best pick for smoothing the skin, also boosts collagen. There are also some that act like 'Botox', but are not a replacement for Botox whatsoever. They temporarily slow down the contraction of your muscles. The biggest drawback is that there is no miracle cure and no single peptide is a miracle.”

Your skin type will also dictate which peptide serum you should look for. Some are designed to help mature skin, sensitive skin, and melanin-rich skin, like the Melé Pore Minimizing Serum. So looking at your skin type and your specific areas of concern related to it (fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and redness, respectively) can help you choose the right serum. In addition, your skin type may interact better with different consistencies — for instance, oily skin might prefer a gel-based serum, and dry skin, a barrier-repairing oil-based serum. "Think of peptides as signals that tell your skin cells to perform a specific function. The majority of peptides that we use for the skin work by revving up collagen production. This improves the experience of fine lines and wrinkles and helps strengthen the foundation of the skin,” Dr. Zeichner says.

Think about how simple or complex your skincare routine is. Some peptide serums are easily combined with other products, such as a moisturizer with sunscreen, making them easy to add to an existing regimen. Others have to be applied separately in the morning and night, which, depending on your preference, might be absolutely fine or an annoyance. All peptide serums come with use instructions somewhere on the packaging, so just be sure to read to make sure the application frequency is something you’re comfortable with and capable of doing.

“Peptides are a great ingredient to combine with retinol for an increased well-aging benefit, says Dr. Idriss. "If you have sensitive skin and you're looking to add retinol into your skincare routine, you can first start with peptides and slowly graduate to retinol. Argireline serums also pair well with peptides. They are not interchangeable, but they both offer well-aging benefits." If you have sensitive skin, our top pick for a peptide serum that's gentle enough for sensitive skin is the Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum.

“Peptides can be used in combination with other actives like vitamin C,” adds Dr. Zeichner. “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage. It helps brighten dark spots, even skin tone, and protect the skin from environmental damage. [Unless marked otherwise] most peptide serums can be used alongside vitamin C serums,” he says.

With regular peptides, AHAs or alpha-hydroxy acids do not mix well. While vitamin C pairs well with most peptides, it does not mix well with copper peptides, because it makes both ingredients less effective. If you already use a vitamin C serum regularly, you should consider adding a non-copper peptide serum to your routine. Additionally, niacinamide (an ingredient in many of the serums on our list and a form of vitamin B3), should also not be mixed with vitamin C for the same reasons. However, there are ways to incorporate both into your routine — just use one in the morning and one at night.

“Peptides are hearty ingredients and generally mix well with other products,” says Dr. Zeichner. “That being said, as a general rule, more is not better when it comes to skincare. It’s important to understand what your skincare products do and to choose products that complement each other.”

Like many other anti-aging products, including hyaluronic acid serums, vitamin C serums, and more, generally, these serums are safe to use daily — either once or twice a day depending on the product instructions. Our pick for the best retinol peptide serum, Kiehl's Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum, recommends using it once a day, morning or night.

However, if you have sensitive skin, and you opt for a peptide serum with retinol, you may want to work your way up to using it regularly so your skin can get used to it. Perhaps start by using it twice a week and work up to daily use.

Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer at PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she spoke to Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified celebrity dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology, as well as Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. She also consulted several PEOPLE editors and heavily researched the market of peptide serums to determine the best picks for different needs. This story was most recently updated by shopping writer Cai Cramer, whose passion for skincare is backed up by 3 years of product research and writing.