When it comes to antiaging skin care products, few are as highly regarded as the hardworking, concentrated formulas in the best peptide serums. Peptides have collagen-stimulating and skin-smoothing benefits, and while different types serve different functions, they all have the same backstory. As Tiffany Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, explains, peptides are short chains of amino acids, which act as the building blocks of proteins and help with processes such as cell signaling, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis, which then helps improve skin elasticity and hydration (more on that below).
The bottom line: Adding a peptide-packed antiaging face serum to your skin care routine is a great way to firm and tone the skin while boosting the skin’s repairing process for a more resilient glow with no downsides. We tested dozens of formulas on the market (including everything from TikTok-viral K-beauty serums to drugstore options), and our top overall pick was by far the Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum. This $15 formula is packed with powerhouse ingredients and smooths out skin after just a few applications. It’s easy to incorporate into a skin care routine, doesn’t leave behind residue, and does a great job at firming fine lines. Other options made this list for their ability to support the specific needs of oily, dry, or mature skin and beyond. These are the best peptide face serums worth trying, according to dermatologists and Glamour editors.
The best peptide serums, at a glance
Featured in this article
Best Drugstore
No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Face Serum
Jump to reviewBest for Oily Skin
Beauty of Joseon Revive Firming Snail Mucin Serum
Jump to reviewBest for Dry Skin
Youth to the People Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum
Jump to review
How we tested peptide serums
We tested peptide serums by evaluating ingredients, absorbency, and efficacy. The best serums had powerful peptide ingredients including Matrixyl 3000 (which helps boost collagen and elastin to smooth skin), snail mucin, and proprietary blends that work to soften fine lines, reduce wrinkles, and make skin look plump and taut (à la Botox in a bottle). The serums we chose were also lightweight and absorbed into the skin easily and quickly, without leaving any sticky residue behind. Finally, the serums that made the cut made noticeable changes in our skin by minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
Best Overall: The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
- What we like: Accessible price
- What could improve: Slightly tacky texture
This gem is best overall on our list because of its affordability, ease of use, and quick results. Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, is a huge fan.“The price can’t be beat for the active ingredients, and the collagen peptides in the formula mimic those found in the skin,” he says. “The [molecules] are also smaller, which means they’re better absorbed into deeper layers of the skin for maximum efficacy.” By plumping the skin, the serum visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for both immediate and long-term effects. The serum goes on like water and hydrates skin from the inside out.
“I was really impressed with this peptide serum because, for $15, it performs just as well as the more expensive formulas on this list. It’s really lightweight and nonsticky, and I found that it smoothed some of the fine lines on my forehead after using it for a little over a week. It’s easy to incorporate into any skin care routine (I like to apply it just before my moisturizer), and I also found that it’s not overly sticky the way some serums with peptides can be. My skin looks more plump and firm, and I can’t wait to see results as I keep using it,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best Drugstore: No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Face Serum
No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Face Serum
Original video from Charlotte Twine testing No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Face Serum
- What we like: Super affordable; effective
- What could improve: You go through the bottle quickly.
If you have mature skin and are looking to address wrinkles, we love this drugstore pick. It contains hyaluronic acid, plus niacinamide and peptides to plump skin and minimize the appearance of sagginess. We love that it’s reasonably priced at $13 and available on Amazon too.
“No7 Damage Reversal serum’s superpower is that it plays well with others—it absorbs into my skin in the blink of an eye, paving the way for other skin care such as moisturizer and sunscreen—with no pilling. Ditto for layering foundation and makeup on top. The fact that it lessened the appearance of dry, spiderwebby lines around my eyes and mouth is a huge plus, of course. While I only tested this for a few days and can’t speak to the long-term effects, I am definitely encouraged and look forward to using the serum more to find out,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine.
Best Korean Beauty: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
- What we like: Helps boost elasticity and corrects dark spots
- What could improve: Some might find it a bit sticky; may pill if you use too much
You may or may not have seen this TikTok-viral Korean serum on your FYP, and we’re here to tell you it’s worth the hype. It has a blend of niacinamide, peptides, and holy basil extract to improve skin resilience, giving you a bouncy, plump finish—everything you want out of a PDRN serum.
“This serum does exactly what it says it does,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It has a jelly-like consistency, which some might find a little sticky, but I actually found it to be rather lightweight. It sank right in pretty quickly when I first tried it, and after letting it settle (and applying moisturizer and SPF on top), I noticed my skin looked and felt super smooth and firm. I’d definitely recommend this for anyone starting to struggle with fine lines around the eyes or nose—I saw improvement in these areas after using the serum for about a week.”
Best for Oily Skin: Beauty of Joseon Revive Snail Mucin Ginseng Serum Hydrating Peptide Serum
Beauty of Joseon Revive Firming Snail Mucin Serum
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Beauty of Joseon Revive Firming Snail Mucin Serum
- What we like: Addresses dark spots, acne scars, and marks
- What could improve: Slightly runny consistency
