Key ingredients: peptides (tetrapeptide-21, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 acetate), ceramides, growth factors,, argan oil | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dark Spots: Kinship Brightwave 10% Vitamin-C + Peptide Brightening Serum
Why it’s worth it: The Kinship Brightwave 10% Vitamin C + Peptide Serum earned a 2023 Best of Beauty Award in the Clean Beauty category for its ability to bottle vitamin C—a famously finicky ingredient—in its most stable, concentrated form.. It pairs tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a super-potent concentration of ascorbic acid, with peptides and antioxidant-rich red algae extract to firm skin and even tone in one seamless application.
Key ingredients: peptides (n-prolyl palmitoyl tripeptide-56 acetate), vitamin C (10% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), red algae extract | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Dryness: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
Why it’s worth it: Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Mohs Surgery at Brown Dermatology in Rhode Island, recommends Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex, which she likes for its patented TriHex peptide technology. This proprietary blend supports collagen and elastin production by maintaining an optimal environment for new batches of skin cells to flourish. On top of that, the gel-like formula contains barrier-restoring ceramides and squalane that will ensure your skin looks and feels its most supple..The addition of niacinamide gives it brightening properties, making it a good option for treating signs of sun damage or overall discoloration concerns.
Key ingredients: peptides (palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, acetyl hexapeptide-38), niacinamide, tremella mushroom | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dullness: Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum
Why it’s worth it: Best of Beauty Award-winning Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum uses a potent 10% concentration of lactic acid (a form of exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid or AHA), which effectively dissolves the bonds holding together dead surface cells to leave behind a more radiant, even skin tone and texture. This milky serum has an elasticity-boosting complex that is made up of—as you might imagine—11 signal peptides and plant-derived growth factors to stimulate elastin and collagen production, promoting plump, healthy skin.
Key ingredients: peptides (sh-oligopeptide-1, sh-oligopeptide-2, sh-polypeptide-1, sh-polypeptide-9, sh-polypeptide-11, copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14, heptapeptide-15 palmitate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, tripeptide-1), lactic acid (10%), squalane, green tea seed oil, snow mushroom extract | Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, “like glycine, arginine, histidine, et cetera,” says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “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, in their smaller stature, peptides can reduce the appearance of fine lines and leave skin firmer, according to Dr. Kim. Plus, 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.
How do peptides benefit the skin?
The abundance and quality of our body’s natural collagen production decreases over time, as board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, who is based in Birmingham, Alabama, 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. Mature skin in particular can benefit from peptides for their ability to improve skin firmness.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, depending on how they work. For example, copper peptides activate wound healing, which, in turn, stimulates collagen production. (Keep in mind, however, that labs and brands can and often do trademark their own peptide complexes.) While you can often find “peptides” placed front and center on the actual product packaging, you can also seek out ingredients like dipeptide, tripeptide, and hexapeptide. It’s also not uncommon to see multiple peptides strung together to maximize their collagen-boosting benefits.
