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The 13 best peptide serums for firm, glowy skin – tried and tested
Dermatologists and editors agree – these peptide serums give your skin a youthful glow.

The best peptide serums are my go-to for keeping fine lines and wrinkles in check – no injectables required. Absolutely no shade to them, but I’m now well on the other side of 35, and I haven’t tried filler... yet. That doesn’t mean I want my fine lines and wrinkles to be on full display though.
My skin can be reactive, which makes me cautious about cosmetic procedures and not exactly devoted to retinols (even if experts crown them the MVP of rejuvenating actives). Instead, I lean into gentler topical skincare to hydrate, firm, and replenish my complexion – and that’s exactly where peptide serums come in.
What are peptides?
A class of skincare products that use peptides, or tiny amino acid chains, as their chief ingredients, peptide serums are power-plumpers that address a variety of skin concerns, including some of the common signs of aging, like sagging and wrinkling.
According to dermatologist Kate Edwards, they do this by penetrating the skin and sending messages to its cells, signalling them to do everything from make more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to repairing UV damage. With use over time, your skin will be firmer, more hydrated, and better equipped to handle environmental stressors. And that’s why you’ll appear more youthful on the whole.
They’re even gentle enough to be part of a proactive anti-aging regimen in your 20s and early 30s. No, they’re not going to make you look like a teenager again. But with consistent application, you may find they’re worth the extra step.
All peptide serums aren’t created equally. That’s where this editor- and expert-led guide will come in handy. Get ready to learn all about peptides as active ingredients so you can find the best peptide serum for your skin goals and budget.
Best peptide serums for glowy, plump skin
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.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.

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