Skin

Peptides Are Everywhere And With Good Reason

Peptides have taken over beauty shelves, and these 10 products prove why they deserve the spotlight.

Text Başak Ulubilgen

May 20, 2025

Peptides might be tiny, but they’re your skin’s ultimate multitaskers. Think of them as mini messengers, telling your skin to stay firm, smooth, and resilient. These amino acid chains are what make up collagen, elastin, and keratin—the proteins that keep skin looking and feeling strong.

As we age, our natural peptide production slows down, and that’s when fine lines, dullness, and sagging start creeping in. Peptide-packed serums and creams step in to help. Whether they’re boosting collagen, calming inflammation, or helping the skin hold onto moisture, peptides pull their weight and then some.

The best part? They mix well with others. Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide… you name it. Peptides are team players. Whether you’re dealing with barrier drama, dryness, or tired-looking skin, there’s probably a peptide formula that can help. Below, 10 smartly formulated serums and creams worth adding to your shelf.

Editor’s Note: Peptides might all sound similar, but they don’t all do the same thing. Some signal your skin to make more collagen and elastin, others help carry essential minerals, and some calm irritation or help strengthen the skin barrier. The smartest products combine multiple types to tackle different concerns in one formula. When looking at ingredient lists, keep an eye out for what the peptides are actually doing—whether it’s firming, hydrating, soothing, or rebuilding. A little peptide decoding can go a long way.

Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP, $92

This one’s for expression lines and bounce loss. It features a mix of signal peptides, which help boost collagen production, and carrier peptides that improve ingredient delivery deeper into the skin. Lightweight and silky, it’s a smart upgrade to Medik8’s original formula.

Cream Co. Hyaluronic Acid Peptide Serum, 499,90 TL

This hydrating serum pairs collagen-supporting and soothing peptides with niacinamide, caffeine, and aloe. It’s barrier-friendly, layerable, and made for thirsty skin that’s also feeling a little stressed.

Youth to the People Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum, $57

This serum blends firming and calming peptides that help improve elasticity while reducing signs of inflammation. Hydrating cactus stem extract and hyaluronic acid add a layer of juicy moisture that sticks around.

Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N-300 Peptide Cream, $100

This luxe cream combines hundreds of collagen- and elastin-boosting peptides to visibly smooth, firm, and brighten the skin. It’s big science in a surprisingly soft, wearable cream.

Fenty Skin Thicc N Smooth Rich Peptide Eye Cream, $42

Designed to soften expression lines, this one features a line-relaxing peptide often referred to as a gentler alternative to injectables. Add in caffeine and niacinamide, and you’ve got a smoothing, brightening under-eye hero.

Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, $54

This one focuses on barrier-repairing and soothing peptides that help calm redness and rebuild the skin’s natural defenses. Rich but breathable, it’s ideal for dry, sensitive, or post-treatment skin.

Prequel Skin Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer, $26

This fluid moisturizer uses firming and elasticity-supporting peptides, along with ceramides and amino acids, to keep skin smooth, soft, and resilient. It’s a great lightweight option that still gets results.

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA Serum, $10,90

A classic for a reason. This serum uses a well-studied signal peptide complex to support skin firmness and reduce fine lines over time. If you’re just starting with peptides, this is a wallet-friendly pick that keeps things simple and effective.

Skinceuticals Metacell Renewal B3, $130

Targets early signs of aging with a firming peptide complex that helps improve elasticity and texture. It’s lightweight, silky, and backed by derms for a reason.

Klairs Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop, $30

Powered by growth factor-like peptides that help support skin regeneration, this night serum works while you sleep to smooth fine lines and boost elasticity. The texture is light, but the overnight glow is real.

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