9 Best Peptide Serums to Improve Wrinkles, Dark Spots, and More

These days, you can’t scroll, shop, or even walk down the street without hearing about peptides. And while they’re in everything from supplements to IVs, the best peptide serums stand apart for their ability to boost hydration, increase collagen and elastin, and deliver smoother, more youthful skin—with the evidence to back up many of their claims.

Vogue’s Favorite Peptide Serums:

• Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
• Best for Dry Skin: Medik8 Liquid Peptides, $64
• Best Affordable: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum, $32
• Best for Deep Wrinkles: Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum, $78
• Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals P-TIOX, $150
• Best Multitasking: COSRX 6X Peptide Collagen Skin Booster, $25
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Serum, $199

But even in skincare, these ingredients are enjoying newfound attention. “Peptides have graduated from the fine print to the front of the bottle,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut. They’re quickly approaching hyaluronic acid-territory—which itself has become a household name—in part due to their versatility. “Many peptide formulas offer improvements in the appearance of fine lines and firmness while being relatively easy to tolerate and incorporate into a routine,” she says. “They also pair beautifully with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants.”

For the uninitiated, peptides are short chains of amino acids. “Certain ones can act as messengers, helping signal processes involved in maintaining skin’s structure, including collagen,” Dr. Gohara explains. The various types of peptides can work differently: Some kickstart collagen production, others inhibit enzymes that break down collagen and elastin (preserving what your skin already has), and certain peptides can improve the penetration and function of other ingredients, such as that all-important hyaluronic acid. (“Hyaluronic acid helps give skin that immediate cushion; certain peptides aim to support the framework over time,” says Dr. Gohara.) Being a team player is part of the reason peptides have found popularity—and why that’s unlikely to wane anytime soon.

Moreover, depending on how they work in skin, peptide serums can offer a variety of benefits, such as lasting moisture, increased collagen production, and a reduction in pigment production. With that, scroll ahead for the best peptide serum for every skin concern and goal.

In This Story:

• What is a peptide serum?
• What are the benefits of using a peptide serum?
• What to Look for in a Peptide Serum
• Who is peptide serum for?
• How We Tested
• Meet the Experts

Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

SkinMedica

TNS Advanced+ Serum

• Why We Love It: “This was one of the first peptide serums to be actually effective,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY, who also likes that it works for all skin types. “It combines growth factors and peptides to help boost collagen, which can smooth out fine lines over time.” It uses two chambers—one housing the growth factors and collagen-stimulating peptides, and another brimming with botanical extracts that support skin renewal—to effectively help skin act more youthfully. That combination “makes this a sophisticated, comprehensive option for the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture, and loss of firmness,” says Dr. Gohara, who considers it an investment for anyone who wants several concerns addressed in one serum. All told, the formula yields results in as soon as two weeks, all while being gentle enough for twice-daily use.
• Editor’s Experience: It’s not only convenient that this one, compact bottle contains two powerhouse serums—it’s also fun. I get to feel like a chemist when I pump both serums onto the back of my hand and mix them up, morning and night. While testing this derm-loved salve for the past couple of days, I’ve noticed just how hydrating and creamy it feels on application, and that it leaves my skin with a subtle glow. I’m curious to see how its growth-factor technology will kick in over time. —Jenny Berg, contributor

More to Know:

• Best for: Aging skin, all skin types
• Key Ingredients: Dimer Tripeptide-43, green microalgae, apple fruit extract, growth factors
• Size: 30 ml

Best for Dry Skin: Medik8 Liquid Peptides

Medik8

Liquid Peptides

• Why We Love It: When it comes to peptides, more is often more—as is the case with this peptide serum, which offers 10 different peptides to firm, plump, and smooth skin. They’re housed in a copper peptide that delivers them exactly where they’re most needed in the skin to provide results effectively and quickly (think weeks, not months). To immediately improve the appearance of fine lines; not to mention, the formula also features several weights of hyaluronic acid to amplify skin’s hydration.
• Editor’s Experience: I keep this peptide serum on hand at all times, and reach for it most when I’m on a no-fuss routine kind of night. You know those moments when you don’t want to think so much into what you’re applying without sacrificing efficacy. It’s gentle, nourishing, and layers well with other products and ingredients. A skin-care staple! —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor

More to Know:

• Best for: Mature and dry skin types
• Key Ingredients: Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, acetyl hexapeptide-8, tetrapeptide-21, pentapeptide-18, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, pantolactone, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14, heptapeptide-15 palmitate, hyaluronic acid
• Size: 30 ml

Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals P-TIOX

SkinCeuticals

P-TIOX Serum

• Why We Love It: While many products claim to be “Botox in a bottle,” SkinCeuticals P-Tiox is one of the few that has the science to back it up: It uses neuropeptides—a type of peptide that inhibits neurotransmitters in the skin, thus reducing muscle movement—to soften the look of expression lines like forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines, also known as the 11s. (However, it’s worth noting that the effect is far more subtle than that of actual injectables.) Alongside those peptides are polyhydroxy acid for gentle exfoliation—giving it the immediate effect of brightening and smoothing the surface of skin—as well as niacinamide to help even out skin tone, giving this serum multiple benefits in a bottle.
• Editor’s Experience: “I’ve gone through several bottles of this serum, and while it doesn’t entirely replace my need for injections twice a year, it does make my forehead lines (which are my most obvious expression lines) look softer and less noticeable once the neuromodulators wear off. Plus, I love that it brightens my skin at the same time—the best of both worlds.” —Deanna Pai, contributor

More to Know:

• Best for: Fine lines and wrinkles
• Key Ingredients: Hexapeptide, dipeptide, 5% PHA, niacinamide, laminaria
• Size: 1 fl. oz.

Best Affordable: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum

The Ordinary

Multi-Peptide Serum

• Why We Love It: This peptide serum is proof that results don’t always have to come at a cost. It contains five peptides, including a copper peptide found to stimulate production of collagen and elastin, as well as hyaluronic acid to draw in water for immediate plumping. The copper peptide does more than that, however: It can also double as an anti-inflammatory agent and support skin’s immune function.

More to Know:

• Best for: Dry or sensitive skin types
• Key Ingredients: Copper tripeptide-1, acetyl hexapeptide-8, pentapeptide-18, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, hyaluronic acid
• Size: 30 ml

Best for Deep Wrinkles: Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum

Dr. Dennis Gross

Derminfusions Fill + Repair Serum

• Why We Love It: While topical products can make quick work of fine lines and more shallow wrinkles, they often aren’t powerful enough to lift lax skin—which, in many cases, calls for injectables. This formula sets out to change that, with four peptides—including palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, and oligopeptide-2—that trigger collagen and elastin production, as well as four molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to sink into various layers of skin and draw in moisture. Together, they work immediately and over time to restore volume and lift. The formula also has a unique delivery system that shrinks the size of water molecules, allowing the solution to sink deeper into skin.

More to Know:

• Best for: Mature or sun-damaged skin
• Key Ingredients: Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, oligopeptide-2, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ectoin
• Size: 30 ml

Best Multitasking: CosRx 6X Peptide Collagen Skin Booster

CosRx

Peptide Collagen Skin Booster

• Why We Love It: Peptides are only part of the story in this toner serum, which is so watery-light that it layers nicely with other products and absorbs into skin almost instantly. For immediate hydration, glycerin and hyaluronic acid pull in moisture, while natural moisturizing factors replenish the skin barrier. The peptides, meanwhile, round out the formula to give it added versatility: “For example, palmitoyl tripeptide-8 helps balance, oligopeptide-68 helps brighten, and SH-polypeptide-121 helps boost collagen,” Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously shared with Vogue.

More to Know:

• Best for: Dry or dehydrated skin
• Key Ingredients: Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, oligopeptide-68, SH-polypeptide-121, hyaluronic acid, amino acids
• Size: 5.07 Fl. oz.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Face Serum

Allies of Skin

Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Face Serum

• Why We Love It: Copper peptides are known for their ability to usher other actives deep into skin, where they can better work their magic. But the copper tripeptide in this serum also works to help soothe skin and support repair, keeping it calm and comfortable. That benefit is amplified by the addition of 2% ectoin, a protective ingredient that defends skin against external irritants (like pollutants) and internal stressors (like hormonal changes) alike. Its easygoing nature—as well as its fragrance-free formulation—make it especially helpful for those prone to eczema, in addition to anyone putting together an anti-aging routine.

More to Know:

• Best for: Sensitive or eczema-prone skin
• Key Ingredients: Copper lysinate, acetyl hexapeptide-8, copper tripeptide, ergothioneine, ectoin, saccharide isomerate
• Size: 1 fl. oz.

Best for Volume Loss: Vichy LiftActiv Collagen Specialist 16 Serum

Vichy

LiftActiv Collagen Specialist 16 Serum

• Why We Love It: A mere wrinkle serum? It’s old news compared to this potent formula, which goes above and beyond to address 16 signs of aging (hence its name), including sagging, fine lines, dryness, and uneven texture. Vichy’s peptide serum uses a blend of peptides, rhamnose (a type of sugar), and mushroom-derived maitake extract to address skin changes on multiple levels, according to Dr. Gohara, and can even restore the density and volume that skin loses over time (though it’s not comparable to an injectable filler). “It’s French pharmacy sophistication at an approachable price, with collagen-focused science behind the elegance,” she says.

More to Know:

• Best for: Mature skin, dry skin
• Key Ingredients: Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, SH-polypeptide-69, niacinamide, rhamnose, maitake extract, adenosine
• Size: 1 fl. oz.

Best for Early Signs of Aging: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex

Alastin

Restorative Skin Complex Anti-Aging Peptide Serum

• Why We Love It: If you’re just starting to see signs of aging, among them fine lines or changes in your facial volume, reach for this serum. “Its peptide-based TriHex technology is designed to support the skin’s natural production of healthy collagen and elastin,” says Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, CA, who also appreciates that the brand has published clinical research around the ingredient technology. The TriHex complex she mentions is powered by Octapeptide-45, a peptide that helps support the skin’s production of new collagen, elastin, and even hyaluronic acid. It also contains magnolol, which helps boost skin’s fat over time, helping it look smoother and plumper.

More to Know:

• Best for: Thinning skin, fine lines, dry skin
• Key Ingredients: Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, acetyl hexapeptide-38, octapeptide-45, magnolol, ceramides, niacinamide, squalane
• Size: 1 fl. oz.

Everything You Need to Know

What is a peptide serum?

Peptide serums are concentrated formulas that contain molecules called peptides, which are naturally found in skin. “Peptides act as messengers for the skin by sending signals to skin cells to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and other components of the extracellular matrix,” says Jeanette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Unlike other ingredients, peptides “operate at the level of a cell receptor — and, due to their small size and specificity, can fit in whereas most other active ingredients don’t,” she says.

What are the benefits of using a peptide serum?

Peptide serums can address a wide variety of concerns, such as “reducing the appearance of wrinkles, improve the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote elasticity,” says Dr. Palm.

Their exact benefit, however, largely depends on the peptide in question. “Signal peptides enhance production of collagen and elastin, while carrier peptides can help vital ingredients get to their target sites to increase collagen production,” says Dr. Castilla. Meanwhile, enzyme-inhibitor peptides can inhibit the enzymes that break down collagen, leading to lax skin and wrinkles.

One increasingly popular type of peptide is a neuropeptide, or “neurotransmitter inhibitor peptides,” says Dr. Castilla. This peptide can “block the release of neurotransmitters that relay muscle signals.” In other words, it acts similarly, albeit on a much smaller scale, as neuromodulators, relaxing the facial muscles to minimize expression lines.

What to Look for in a Peptide Serum

Dr. Graf recommends using a formula that “combines the benefits of peptides with other skin-benefitting ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin,” she says. These help protect the skin barrier, and leave skin feeling plump and smooth.

It’s also helpful to consider the peptide in the serum. Signal peptides and carrier peptides currently have the most evidence to back up their anti-aging benefits—with copper peptides being among the most common and best studied signal peptides, says Dr. Castilla.

Finally, consider your skin concerns. For instance, “if you are looking for plumper, smoother skin, choose a signaling peptide in a formulation that also provides hydration, such as hyaluronic acid,” she says.

Who is peptide serum for?

If you already use an antioxidant serum, a retinoid, and a sunscreen, then a peptide serum is a good addition to enhance your anti-aging skin-care routine, according to Dr. Castilla. “In general, peptides play more of an additive role, rather than an ingredient that will provide comprehensive benefits,” she says.

They can also offer a preventative effect. “The longer you use peptides, the more benefits you will see for the skin,” says Dr. Graf. “By stimulating important proteins, like collagen, skin is left firmer and brighter—and signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, are slowed.”

Finally, peptide serums are also a good option for those who can’t tolerate irritating ingredients, such as retinoids, as they offer a similar ability to stimulate collagen production—although to a lesser degree. But they don’t come with the risk of irritation, making them a good option for those with sensitivities.

Meet the Experts

• Carmen Castilla, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York at the New York Dermatology Group.
• Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, CA at Art of Skin.
• Jeanette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.