The 13 Best Peptide Serums for Firm, Glowy, “Botox-Free” Skin

Why we love it: Topical collagen is too large to penetrate the skin’s surface, but that’s not a problem for The INKEY List’s Collagen Peptide Serum. That’s because it uses matrixyl, a much smaller and well-researched signal peptide, alongside a dual peptide complex, to stimulate collagen and elastin production below the surface of the skin. The result? A more hydrated and plump appearance instantly, and with regular use over time, a slightly more snatched, smooth complexion. Dr. Edwards says it's a good choice for someone just starting out with peptides because it punches above its weight price-wise.

Cosmo editor review: "I love The Inkey List’s no-frills products because they’re ideal for keeping my routine simple for my acne-prone skin. This watery serum is a nice collagen-boosting step when my skin needs a little extra something. It’s not as heavy-duty as other peptide serums, but it does the job for a fraction of the price " —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

Why we love it: Dr. Edwards calls this formula a “reliable go-to” for anyone recovering from an in-office procedure or trying to address some of the more advanced signs of aging, like sagging skin and noticeable dullness. “SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is one I often recommend because it combines growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants in a highly stable, well-researched formulation,” says Dr. Edwards. “The dual-chamber packaging helps preserve ingredient potency, and the brand has strong clinical data behind it.” To truly make this part of your routine, though, cost can’t be a concern.

Cosmo editor review: "I'm a really generous friend, daughter, lover—I'll give away almost every product that comes across my desk, so long as I don't need to test it first. But the one product that I will never part with, no matter how many I already have in my drawers at home, is SkinMedica TNS. The two-chamber dispenser squirts out a combo of growth factors and peptides—both of which are fantastic for wound healing, skin barrier support, and smoothing—as well as hydrating extracts like flaxseed, green algae, and marine. It makes my skin look glowy right away, but over time, it's helped calm down basically every skin ailment I have (acne, irritation, and eczema). Over time, though, it's become my first defense against fine lines and laxity." —BG

Why we love it: If exposure to the sun, inflammation, over-exfoliation, or even skin sensitivity to retinols have done a serious number on your face, Allies of Skin’s repair serum will be a game-changer that can help you hit the reset button. According to Dr. Edwards, it’s one of the stronger formulations on this list, thanks to its 1 percent copper tripeptide and complementary peptide complexes, which work together to reverse skin laxity and improve radiance. Then there’s the ectoin, which acts almost like body armor against future stressors and provides instant hydration. Finally, saccharide isomerate, a humectant, helps to thicken the skin and boost collagen density for that supple, buoyant look we’re all after.

Cosmo editor review: "No matter what's going on with my skin, I can count on this peptide serum to help give me a glow. Not only does it help plump and firm my skin, it's incredibly gentle and calming and has excellent hydrating benefits too." —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Why we love it: There are 10—yes, really 10!—peptides packed into this ultra-lightweight product, so you’re getting the best of what this category has to offer, from argireline, nature’s wrinkle relaxer, to copper peptides, which act like coaches for your collagen production and maintenance at the cellular level. “A well-conceived high peptide load is rare in a consumer formula,” says Dr. Edwards of this superstar serum. “If the stability and delivery are well-engineered, this could deliver meaningful results beyond cosmetic smoothing.”

Cosmo editor review: "I can’t explain it exactly, but when I put this serum on in the morning, I look like I had a decent night’s sleep, even when I haven’t (which TBH is most of the time). I’m guessing that’s the moisture surge provided by the hyaluronic acid, but it’s the peptides working behind the scenes to make skin look more radiant and bouncy in the long run. This is another one that also doesn’t leave any residue under makeup." —DB

Why we love it: There’s a reason countless celebs trust Jason Diamond, MD, with their faces. Maybe you can’t afford one of his legendary facials, but his Metacine Instafacial Plasma Serum? Now that’s potentially doable. Created with bioengineered human growth factors and peptides that mimic plasma’s ability to repair and resurface the skin, this serum excels in terms of its toning, lifting, and brightening capabilities. It’s definitely a splurge, but luckily, a little product goes a long way

Cosmo editor review: "So many peptide serums are too thick and emollient for my acne-prone skin, but Plasma is legit perfect. It has a water-like texture that soaks into skin immediately, and it's excellent at firming my skin and helping to heal scars and marks from old cystic breakouts." —LB

Why we love it: K-Beauty brands don’t mess around with skincare. So you know any serum from South Korea-based BIODANCE is going to be the real deal. For its $22 price tag, this product is stacked. Let’s start with the 10 peptides, each chosen to perform the type of work protein derivatives are known for: firming, smoothing, and plumping. And if visible or clogged pores are a concern, this serum was clinically tested to improve texture in the T-zone and cheek area, in particular for glass-like, glowy skin.

Cosmo editor review: "This is actually the first Biodance product I’ve ever used (yes, before the viral face masks—sue me!) and I can see why the K-beauty brand is so hyped up by every skincare fanatic. The pinky serum is non-comedogenic and great for promoting smooth skin and collagen production. While I don’t have super visible fine lines and wrinkles (yet), I love this serum as a preventative product to keep my skin bouncy and glassy for as long as possible. It feels slightly sticky—it has that classic K-beauty consistency—but it goes away once you start to rub it in." —JH

Why we love it: Alongside three major peptides—matrixyl 3000, argireline, and carnosine—which combine to boost skin’s elasticity, smooth fine lines, fight UV damage, and halt the breakdown of collagen, this formula also has hyaluronic acid for plumping and vitamin C to improve texture and skin tone. Rub a few drops into your face and neck area morning and night to start and end the day with bouncy, juicy-looking skin that should feel a bit tighter and firmer if you stick with this product for the long haul.

Cosmo editor review: "The milky texture of this serum made it really easy to see where I was applying it, but it sank into my skin just as easily as any clear formula. If you’re after the glowy, dewy look, this product is a great, luminous base for that. And it earns high marks for its vitamin C inclusion; LoGerfo says peptides often work best when combined with vitamin C, so long as it’s stable and not super-acidic on the pH scale." —DB

Why we love it: Peptides tend to be well-tolerated, even by the most sensitive skin girlies. But ALASTIN’s restorative face serum was developed with total balance in mind. So while its proprietary TriHex peptide technology is all about stimulating collagen and elastin so new skin cells can literally live their best lives, the ceramides in the formula function as a safeguard, preventing it from being too aggressive, even on the dullest, driest skin. On top of all that, niacinamide goes to work brightening. Maybe Dr. Edwards sums it up best: “I like that it combines barrier and antioxidant support with signaling peptides, which mitigates potential irritation.

Cosmo editor reviews: "I've had countless dermatologists tell me they're obsessed with this peptide serum from Alastin. It's a liiiiitle too rich to use on my acne-prone skin every day, but I love using it after a laser treatment or microneedling to speed up the wound healing process and amp up the collagen-boosting benefits." —LB

"After years of battling hormonal acne, I still have some stubborn red marks around my chin, so Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex helps strengthen my skin barrier (without breaking me out). The signature TriHex Technology helps rebuild damaged collagen and elastin, smoothing out texture and softening the look of my lingering spots. I do only really use it around my chin and marionette lines (because it’s v expensive and I like to savor it), but it’s super lightweight and layers well with all my other acne-centric skincare products." —JH

Why we love it: If you can’t tolerate retinols but want a preventative product that’ll make your skin bouncier and super-hydrated, Cetaphil’s reformulated Healthy Renew serum just might be your skin BFF. This bead-infused gel is packed with sensitive skin-friendly fine line- and wrinkle-fighting all stars, specifically purified peptides and B vitamins. One squirt goes a long way; you can pretty much cover your entire face and neck with just that, so the bottle may last longer than liquid formats.

Cosmo editor review: I low-key enjoyed applying this serum more than any of the others I personally tried, probably because it has a pump. This made for a way less messy application than bottles with liquid droppers. It also felt nice on my skin—light and velvety even. When I looked at myself in the mirror, the lines on my brow appeared less noticeable, which might be less about the peptides and more about the B vitamins in the mix. But I’m not complaining. That’s an area I always want to keep hydrated, especially before putting my foundation on so it doesn’t settle in the creases." —DB

Why we love it: Colorescience’s Total Eye Renewal went viral for a reason. Part sunscreen, color corrector, and anti-aging eye treatment, this tinted, serum-like formula relies on a bunch of ingredients to tighten and brighten delicate under-eye skin. Chief among them? SYN-EYE, a special peptide and vitamin complex responsible for erasing wrinkles and fine lines. One swipe, and you’ll instantly look more awake. You never have to worry about caking or creasing, either thanks to its silky texture.

Cosmo editor review: "This is hands-down my favorite eye treatment of all time because it’s such a time-saver and so, so good as an under-eye concealer. The applicator feels cool to the touch, so you get a little depuffing action just from that. And then the formula! Not only does it offer SPF protection and color correction, but the peptides in the mix also do way more than just mask your dark circles, bags, and crow’s feet; they’re communicating at the cellular level to smooth and firm from the inside out. My tip for applying this is to let it really sink into your skin after the initial dabbing and swiping. It looks more natural that way and will melt into your face makeup." —DB

Why we love it: Who doesn’t love a multi-tasker? That’s exactly what this fast-absorbing serum-meet-lotions is. Not only does it contain peptides to plump and firm, it’s also enriched with a cocktail of moisturizers and vitamins that help the skin retain moisture. It’s non-comedogenic, so yes, you can also use it on your face, which LoGerfo says makes it unique in the peptide serum category.

Cosmo editor review: "I’ve been hooked on this hybrid serum lotion since I discovered it at a launch event earlier this summer, and that’s saying a lot. I famously don’t do traditional body lotions because I hate the feeling of getting lotion stuck in between my fingers and on my rings. But there’s no issue with application and absorption here. This just glides onto the skin and isn’t greasy at all. I use it on my arms and legs, and I swear, hours later, they still feel soft, as if I just slathered it on." —DB