The 8 Best Peptide Serums for Firm, Plump, “Botox-Free” Skin

Cosmo editors and contributors are constantly testing and gathering intel on new, old, and trending peptide serums to find the best options on the market. To compile this list, I...

• Vetted hundreds of peptide serums to determine which ones deliver the best results
• Personally tested them on my skin, as well as polled other Cosmo staffers for their top picks.
• Asked dermatologists and skincare experts for detailed feedback on our selections.
• Read thousands of reviews from testers to discover common pros and cons with each formula that made it onto our list.

“Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the essential building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin,” says dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Nathan Newman, MD. “In skincare, peptides function as signaling molecules, prompting skin cells to perform specific tasks like producing collagen or reducing inflammation. This supports skin firmness, smoothness, and healing.”

The thing to understand about peptides is that the skin benefits they offer are a slow burn. They’re not as aggressive as retinol or other active ingredients, so it can take time to see results from peptide-forward formulas (and the effects will always be less drastic than in-office procedures and injectables). “Most people can expect subtle improvements in texture, firmness, and fine lines after about 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use,” says Dr. Edwards. ”The changes are typically gradual, but they support long-term skin health and can enhance the effects of other actives.”

Their gentleness and versatility, though, can make peptides somewhat like skincare unicorns, particularly if you get regular in-office treatments or use products with retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and/or ceramides, since peptides complement these ingredients. All of the pros I spoke to said any skin type can tolerate peptides because they’re generally non-irritating, which makes them especially ideal for sensitive, dry, and UV-damaged or mature skin.

As protein derivatives, peptides support the strengthening and repair of our skin cells—think of them as helping to kick your cells into action for rejuvenation and rebuilding (both functions tied up with collagen production to some degree, which starts decreasing around the age of 25). This can benefit the skin in a myriad of ways. “Peptides are used for anti-aging, healing, and hydration, and can decrease skin inflammation and support and maintain the skin’s microbiome,” says LoGerfo. Dr. Newman agrees, adding that peptides can plump, firm, and smooth fine lines with two to four months of consistent use. It’s even been suggested that peptides can help with wound healing and skin barrier reconstruction.

To reap these benefits, consistency is key. And you’ll want to make sure you’re selecting the best quality peptide-based product that you can afford from the jump. “It is important to remember that peptides need good delivery systems to penetrate the skin to work and be effective,” says LoGerfo. Dr. Edwards suggests targeting products with well-known peptides backed by science (think: matrixyl, or palmitoyl peptides; GHK-Cu, or copper peptides; and Argireline). (More on these types of peptides is coming just below).

Other ingredients in the product and its packaging matter, too. “The formula should be stable, ideally in an opaque, air-tight bottle, and include ingredients that support skin health like hydrators and antioxidants,” adds Dr. Edwards. “Products that list peptides high on the ingredient list (and not buried among fillers) tend to offer better value. Also, don’t be fooled by high prices alone—some affordable brands formulate well and deliver solid results.”

According to Dr. Newman, peptides vary in function, with certain types of peptides addressing specific skin concerns. If you’re looking for a “Botox-like” peptide, for example, you’d want a neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptide, which works to relax muscle contractions to soften expression lines (Argireline is a popular example of this peptide category). “Effects are subtler than Botox injections but can help with mild wrinkles,” says Dr. Newman.

Other key classes of common peptides include:

● Signal Peptides: These peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production and include Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, commonly known as matrixyl, as an example.

● Carrier Peptides: This class delivers trace elements to support cell renewal (think: copper peptides delivering copper to cells).

● Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides: These attempt to prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin, so skin stays firmer and plumper.

No matter the type of peptide(s) in your chosen serum, you’ll want this step to hit at the right time in your routine. “For best results, apply peptides after cleansing and lightweight, water-based serums but before heavier creams and oils, as these can hinder peptide absorption into the skin,” says Dr. Newman.

Anything with a very low pH, like some vitamin C serums, and exfoliating acids such as the popular AHA/BHAs, including glycolic, lactic, and/or salicylic acid. AHAs and BHAs in particular can destabilize and weaken peptides, but they’ll work with peptides if you space out their use. “As a rule, you should wait 10 to 15 minutes after using a topical acid to apply the peptide or use the peptide at a different time of day,” says LoGerfo. “For example, use the acid at night and the peptide in the morning.” This allows the skin’s pH to normalize again, so the peptides won’t be rendered ineffective.

Determine your skin type.

The right peptide serum for you (and any skincare product ever, really) comes down to your skin type. So if you've got oily skin, then you probably won't love a peptide serum filled with sealing oils and heavy moisturizers. In this case, opt for a lightweight peptide serum with humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) to hydrate your skin without making it greasy.

However, if you're working with dry, dehydrated skin, obviously, the more moisture a formula can provide, the better. Look for peptide serums that are loaded with hydrators, plus sealing oils to help lock in all that water and hydration you're flooding into your skin.

Look for additional benefits.

Peptides are great, but it's even better when the formula combines them with hydrators, soothers, and sometimes even exfoliants. Generally, your best bet is a peptide serum with hyaluronic acid, which will also help pull water into your skin to make it look even more plump. But I've also included a mix of options above—including exfoliating peptide serums to combine a bit of gentle, chemical buffing to get rid of dead skin that can make your skin look dull, as well as calming options that use aloe vera, cica, and/or allantoin to bring down swelling and inflammation.

• Kate Edwards, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Edwards specializes in general adult and pediatric dermatology as well as cosmetic and surgical dermatology, including skin cancer treatment, cyst removals, and more.
• Nathan Newman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and the founder and medical director of the Orchid Surgery Center in Beverly Hills, CA. He is known for his expertise in stem cell therapy.
• Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, is a doctor of nursing practice and a family nurse practitioner with the Orentreich Medical Group in Manhattan, NY. She’s certified in both family medicine and dermatology.

Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including definitively ranking CeraVe vs. Cetaphil products and rounding up the most delectable gourmand perfumes. She’s an authority in all beauty categories but a bit of a skincare nerd. For this story she consulted with dermatologists and the Cosmo beauty team to bring you the top peptide serum recommendations.

Danielle Blundell is a New Jersey-based lifestyle writer and editor who has written on topics ranging from home and health to beauty for a variety of publications, including Rachael Ray Every Day, Redbook, Family Circle, This Old House, Elle Decor, Esquire, Domino, and Apartment Therapy. She's a graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism and has appeared as an on-air expert on Today, The Doctors, The Celebrity Page, and other local news programs.