Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
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. While they won't stop the clock, they do a darn good job at slowing down signs of aging. If that's what you're looking for, we tested hundreds of formulas (and tapped dermatologists) to find the absolute best peptide serums on the market.
Our Top Peptide Serums
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
- Best for Expression Lines: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum, $188
- Best Firming: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best Budget: The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum, $17
- Best for Large Pores: Beplain Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum, $34
- Best for Mature Skin: Laneige Bouncy and Firm Serum, $45
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, $85
- Best Firming: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum, $94
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
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
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SkinCeuticals
P-Tiox
Dermstore
Bluemercury
SkinCeuticals
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 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.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinCeuticals P-Tiox serum to her face
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying SkinCeuticals P-Tiox serum to her face
Deanna Pai
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 Expression Lines: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
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Allies of Skin
Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Revolve
Why it's worth it: Allies of Skin’s Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum takes a hi-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 notice instant hydration and glow, which we always appreciate.
Han applying the Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Sarah Han
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 Firming: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
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SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Why it's worth it: Ask any derm about growth factor skin care, and they'll likely bring up SkinMedica's 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.
You might be wondering, validly so: What are growth factors, anyway? "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.
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.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum
Deanna Pai
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 for Mature Skin: Laneige Bouncy and Firm Serum
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Laneige
Bouncy and Firm Serum
Amazon
Sephora
Kohl's
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Laneige Bouncy and Firm Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Laneige’s Bouncy and Firm Serum stands out with its cheerful pink formula—and an equally energizing approach to mature skin. A multitasking blend of peptides (acetyl heptapeptide-4, hexapeptide-8, tetrapeptide-2, and octapeptide-3) helps improve elasticity and soften the look of fine lines, while soluble collagen restores bounce and resilience. Peony root and flower extracts add soothing, antioxidant power to brighten and even tone. The formula also features the brand’s proprietary encapsulated formula of vitamin C, vitamin E, and algae oil—tiny, antioxidant-rich spheres that melt the second they touch your skin, nourishing and boosting glow with every application.
Lee before applying the Laneige Bouncy and Firm Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Laneige Bouncy and Firm Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“Laneige has always been a win for my sensitive, dry skin, and this serum just proves why. The cherry-pink, bouncy little capsules are super cute on my vanity, but more importantly, the formula is insanely hydrating, gentle, and never sticky. My favorite off-label trick is that I slather it on the backs of my hands to keep dryness at bay.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, peptides (including acetyl heptapeptide-4, hexapeptide-8, tetrapeptide-2, and octapeptide-3, peony, collagen, algae oil
- Who it’s for: people with mature or dry skin
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Budget: The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
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The Inkey List
Collagen Peptide Serum
Amazon
Kohl's
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why it's worth it: Instead of delivering collagen directly—which works well as a surface-level moisturizer but can’t easily penetrate the skin—The Inkey List’s Collagen Peptide Serum relies on peptides to mimic collagen’s plumping effects. “The peptides in the formula are small, which means they are better absorbed into deeper layers of the skin for maximum efficacy,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama. Translation: You’ll see plumper, more hydrated skin almost instantly—and with continued use, firmness and smoothness, proving that bouncy, healthy-looking skin doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Calaor before applying The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after applying The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
Jesa Marie Calaor
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“Maybe I’m looking a little too closely at my face. (I definitely am.) But I’m starting to notice lines on the lower third. I’m using everything I can to smooth my skin, including this serum. It helps hydrate and plump the marionette lines forming around my mouth. The thin formula glides over my skin and dries down to look dewy. That finish is short-lived, though—I usually layer moisturizer, SPF, and a skin-like base on top. Thankfully, it doesn’t disrupt my complexion makeup.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 peptide complex (palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1), hyaluronic acid, radish root
- Who it’s for: all skin types, especially people with dry skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Large Pores: Beplain Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum
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BePlain
Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum
Amazon
Yesstyle
Why it’s worth it: Beplain might not be a household name in the U.S. (yet), but in the South Korean beauty scene, it’s been picking up Hwahae (a top K-beauty review app) and Olive Young Awards left and right. In fact, our tester picked up this Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum while shopping in an Olive Young store in Seoul precisely because it’s a 2024 winner. Along with more popularized ingredients such as Centella asiastica and snail mucin, mung bean is a traditional Korean skin-care ingredient that excels in calming inflammation, curbing excess sebum, supporting collagen production, and drawing moisture to the skin. Mung bean peptides, in conjunction with a proprietary technology called POMEG-Pore, help tighten the look of pores for smooth, glass-skin-like results. While it feels like a lightweight gel upon contact, it melts into a watery essence that absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling extra soft.
Han applying the Beplain Mung Bean Pore Tight Up Serum
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Beplain Mung Bean Pore Tight Up Serum
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“As a heavily-awarded brand (by both retailers like Olive Young and K-beauty review sites such as Hwahae), Beplain has been on my radar for a while. So, while in Seoul, I picked up three of its mung bean products: cleansing oil, cleansing foam, and serum. All were really great, but spoiler alert: The serum was the standout. I love a lightweight gel serum and this one is especially cooling, refreshing, and absorbs like snaps fingers. As someone who's increasingly concerned about pore care—especially around the center of my face—I love how seamless the Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum fits into my daily routine, no matter day or night. It does tighten up the look of my pores when I use it multiple days in the row." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: mung bean peptide, POMEG-Pore, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, allantoin
- Who it’s for: those with acne and large pores
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
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Estée Lauder
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
Sarah Felbin
Why it's worth it: Despite the “night” in its name, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair can be used morning and evening to boost radiance and hydration. The formula centers on a mix of fermented, sensitive-skin-friendly extracts—including Bifida ferment lysate, yeast extract, and Lactobacillus ferment—to help fortify the skin barrier following a day of exposure to environmental stressors. Unlike strong, often irritating ingredients that are more suited for nighttime application (hi, retinol and acids), this serum is chock-full of soothing ingredients: humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate attract and retain water and emollients such as squalane, lecithin, and jojoba esters create a soft, outer layer to lock in said water, and antioxidants like chamomile to calm irritation. And, we can’t forget about the proprietary ingredient, Night Peptide (also known as tripeptide-32), which helps increase cellular turnover overnight.
Felbin before applying Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
Sarah Felbin
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 Firming: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum
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Medik8
Liquid Peptides Advanced Face Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Medik8
Why it's worth it: An alternative name for Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum 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,” according to 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
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. They’re great at reducing the appearance of fine lines 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. 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, which all have specific functions. (Also, keep in mind that labs and brands can and often do trademark their own peptide complexes.) For example, copper peptides are carrier peptides—they activate wound healing and deliver copper to the skin, which, in turn, stimulates collagen production. 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.
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.
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