How the Best Peptides Skincare Can Deliver Botox-Like Results
If you’ve been clued into the peptides conversation, you might also be wonder what the best peptide skin-care products can do for you. This “silent powerhouse” (there are in fact various types of peptides) is a derm favorite for healing skin, slowing aging, and stimulating collagen and elastic production. At their most basic, peptides are short chains of amino acids that form the building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin. These proteins are essential for firm, youthful-looking skin.
Below, we asked experts to explain what peptides are, whether they recommend them in a skincare routine, and what to look for when shopping the best peptide skin-care products, from creams and serums to essences. We also rounded up our favorite peptide products for both the face and body in the guide ahead.
Vogue’s Favorite Peptide Skin-Care Products
In This Story
Best Drugstore: Olay Collagen Peptide Face Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: This fragrance-free moisturizer is a top pick for sensitive skin types. It feels great on the skin and layers nicely under sunscreen or makeup. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth, it’s packed with palmitoyl pentapeptide, a peptide known for helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production. “It works by mimicking the skin’s own repair signals, essentially signaling the skin to renew itself, which makes it effective for improving fine lines, firmness, and overall skin texture,” she explains. Because it’s small and lipid-linked due to the palmitoyl group, she notes that it penetrates the skin more easily than some other peptides, allowing it to deliver anti-aging benefits deeper into the dermis.
- Key Ingredients: Collagen peptide, niacinamide, pro vitamin b5
- Best for: Dry, aging, textured skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best for Wrinkles: Skinceuticals P-TIOX
- Why We Love It: A new favorite in the skin-care community—Vogue contributor Deanna Pai described it in her review as “the next best thing to a needle”—this formula contains biomimetic peptides and 10% argireline to target expression lines while smoothing and refining skin texture over time. While Dr. Ruth doesn’t like to compare any topical product to Botox, she says the results are promising and that it can help soften fine lines. “Argireline helps inhibit neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, which can soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.”
- Key Ingredients: Hexapeptide, dipeptide, 5% PHA, niacinamide, laminaria
- Best For: Mature skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1 fl oz
Best Serum: Medik8 Liquid Peptides
- Why We Love It: If you want to supercharge your skin=care routine, Dr. Ruth says, “this is a more high-tech serum featuring a 30% peptide complex that is formulated with micro molecules to better penetrate into the skin.” While it’s on the pricier side, she explains that it’s a great option for patients looking to smooth fine lines while also hydrating the skin and adding a healthy glow. Unlike some skin-care products that take time to show results, this one delivers noticeably plumper, more hydrated skin within a week.
- Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid
- Best For: Mature skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1 fl oz
Best for Beginners: The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
- Why We Love It: “The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum is great for people who are just starting their skincare journey or anyone looking to keep their routine minimal,” says holistic esthetician Amity Murray. She recommends it to clients who want a clean, effective formulation that “provides hydration, smooths lines, and is safe for sensitive skin.” It’s also priced under $20, so you won’t wince every time you use it, and you can generously apply it to your face, neck, and décolletage (as we all should be doing).
- Key Ingredients: Collagen peptides
- Best For: Dry, dull skin
- Fragrance-Free: No
- Size: 1.01 fl oz
Best for Mature Skin: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
- Why We Love It: Murray explains that the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is a strong option for dry or mature skin. However, it’s safe for all skin types and helps improve the appearance of coarse wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and texture. While it errs on the pricier side, she says it’s ideal for anyone looking for a cosmeceutical-level product that delivers visible results. Clinical tests have shown improvements in as little as two weeks, provided it’s used consistently.
- Key Ingredients: TNS-MR, renaissance (RSC) advances
- Best For: Mature skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1 oz
Best Viral: Rhode Skin Peptide Glazing Fluid
- Why We Love It: If you’re already a Belieber in Hailey Bieber’s Rhode lineup, then you’re probably familiar with the Glazing Serum. If not, it’s an easy addition to your existing routine and doesn’t require much adjusting. It really depends on what you’re looking for, but if you want a minimalist serum with a dewy finish and barrier-boosting peptides, Dr. Ruth says this one is a favorite for patients aiming to achieve that hydrated, glass-skin glow without irritation.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptices, hyaluronic acid, marula oil
- Best For: All skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
Best French Pharmacy: Filorga Time-Filler 5XP Cream Clean
Filorga
Time-Filler 5XP Cream Clean
- Why We Love It: At times, we’re convinced the French know something we don’t when it comes to skincare, which is why every time we’re abroad, we stock up on French pharmacy staples. Thankfully, many of them are now available stateside, like the Filorga Time-Filler 5XP Cream Clean. Murray says, “It combines French research with luxury. This hydrating cream leaves skin looking and feeling plump.” With its creamy-gel texture, it’s especially well-suited for oily skin types, helping to hydrate while gently mattifying the complexion.
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, sea fennel extract
- Best For: Oily skin
- Fragrance-Free: No
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best Copper Peptides: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
The Ordinary
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
- Why We Love It: Think of copper peptides as multitasking repair agents for your skin. Dr. Ruth explains that this serum helps boost collagen and elastin while also calming inflammation and supporting healing, making it a must-have for restoring bounce and glow, especially in aging or compromised skin. Like all of The Ordinary’s products, this serum is relatively affordable and easy to add into your routine. However, the research is still evolving, and Dr. Ruth notes that more studies are underway to fully understand the role of copper peptides in dermatology.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides
- Best For: All skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1 fl oz
Best Cream: InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream
- Why We Love It: Touted as one of the best peptide creams, InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream is an affordable option for anyone in search of a clean, effective formula. “It provides profound hydration while minimizing lines and wrinkles,” says Murray. If you’re used to lighter water creams, this one might feel slightly heavier at first, but it doesn’t cause breakouts or leave behind a tacky residue. With consistent use (it’s safe to use both morning and night, despite containing retinol), it helps skin appear firmer and leaves behind a healthy, radiant sheen.
- Key Ingredients: Bio retinol, lifting peptides, ceramides, unique reverse emulsion technology
- Best For: Dry skin, mature skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best With Growth Factors: Eighth Day Regenerative Serum
- Why We Love It: Developed by a dermatologic surgeon, the Eighth Day Regenerative Serum is “a results-driven product for clients who have a more advanced regimen,” says Murray. It’s formulated with all the essentials: GABA, an active neuropeptide that supports healing and repair; moisturizing hyaluronic acid; niacinamide to reduce inflammation; and glycolic acid to improve texture. As for peptides, it features a complex composed of 24 bio-identical peptides designed to leave the skin visibly renewed.
- Key Ingredients: Growth factors, peptides, amino acids
- Best For: Mature, sensitive skin
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 0.5 oz
Best for Body: U Beauty The Super Body Hydrator
- Why We Love It: Peptides aren’t just great for the skin on your face—they benefit the entire body. If you’re already a fan of U Beauty’s facial products, you’re in luck because the same high-performance formulas are also available in body care. Murray says the Body Hydrator is an excellent option for anyone struggling with dry or dehydrated skin. “This body moisturizer delivers smoothness,” she says. It’s also super lightweight, so you don’t need to worry about spending extra elbow grease rubbing it in, and it leaves behind a subtle glow.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Best For: All skin types
- Fragrance-Free:
- Size: 6.8 oz
Best Essence: Mara Algae + Beta-Glucan Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating Facial Essence
Mara
Algae + Beta-Glucan Facial Essence
- Why We Love It: Mara—the algae-based skincare line that feels quintessentially Los Angeles—sources its clinically-tested algae through wild collection in France and Ireland, making each formula as thoughtful as it is effective. As Dr. Ruth puts it, “Think of this as your skin’s pre-serum smoothie. Beta-glucan calms inflammation, algae hydrates, and peptides help maintain a healthy and hydrated skin barrier.”
- Key Ingredients: Pearl powder, algae, marine collagen peptides
- Best For: All skin types
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Size: 3.4 oz
Everything You Need to Know
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as the building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. According to Murray, “They communicate with our skin cells to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which gives the skin its youthful, bouncy appearance.” Studies show that peptides can help boost collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and calm inflammation. They also pair well with other active ingredients, like retinol and vitamin C, making them easy to incorporate into both morning and evening skin-care routines.
Do dermatologists recommend peptides?
They sure do—Dr. Ruth confirms that peptides are a scientifically supported class of ingredients in dermatology. “As a dermatologist, I often recommend topical peptides because they offer a gentler approach to skin rejuvenation, particularly for patients who can’t tolerate retinoids. They’re usually well tolerated, non-irritating, and can be layered with other actives, making them ideal for sensitive or aging skin.”
What is the most effective peptide for skin?
According to Dr. Ruth, there isn’t one single “most effective” peptide, as different peptides serve different purposes. Still, a few stand out in the dermatology world. She explains that matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) has some of the strongest clinical evidence for stimulating collagen and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Copper peptides are widely praised for their ability to boost collagen and elastin, accelerate wound healing, and reduce inflammation, making them especially useful in post-procedure skincare.
Meanwhile, argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8) has gained popularity for offering a neuropeptide-based approach that helps minimize muscle contractions at the skin’s surface. “What’s most compelling is that peptides often work synergistically with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants, making them an elegant addition to a well-rounded skin-care routine,” says Dr. Ruth.
How do peptides benefit the skin?
Peptides benefit the skin in a number of ways, most notably by supporting that youthful, bouncy look we all seem to chase. They work by essentially “talking” to skin cells—sending signals that encourage collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, or reduce inflammation, depending on the type of peptide used.
For example, Dr. Ruth explains that signal peptides help boost collagen synthesis and have been shown in studies to reduce the depth of wrinkles and improve skin firmness over time. One of the most well-studied examples is palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (also known as matrixyl), which has been clinically shown to reduce both wrinkle volume and depth with consistent use. Others, like acetyl hexapeptide-8 (also known as argireline), can mimic the effect of Botox by inhibiting neurotransmitter release to help soften expression lines. While no topical cream can fully replicate the results of Botox, the science behind peptides is promising. “In short, peptides work at a cellular level to help skin look and behave younger without the irritation that often comes with stronger actives,” says Dr. Ruth.
