Given all the buzz about peptides, you might be wondering what the best peptide skin-care products can do for you, and if they really are the gold standard of anti-aging skin care. These “silent powerhouses”—there are, in fact, various types of peptides—are a derm favorite for healing skin, slowing aging, stimulating collagen, reducing puffiness, and boosting skin elasticity. 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.
According to board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, peptides are garnering a lot of attention right now because they offer a range of skin benefits without being harsh or irritating. Unlike some ingredients that have had their moment in the spotlight and since faded from focus, peptides for skin tend to be well tolerated and easy to incorporate into a daily routine, which is why they are likely here to stay. He also notes that peptides can be especially helpful during post-procedure recovery, since they support the skin barrier and aid overall healing.
Vogue’s Favorite Peptide Skin-Care Products
Much of their current popularity comes from a broader shift toward barrier-first skin care and gentler, long-term actives, as consumers move away from harsh, high-intensity routines. Though peptides are often touted as a “miracle” ingredient by the hyperbolic, Dr. Camp says their benefits are more gradual than immediate: “They help the skin improve collagen and elastin function over time, but consistent use is key.” And while “peptides” has become something of a catch-all term, there are actually several different types used in skin care, each serving a distinct purpose. Signal peptides, for example, encourage skin cells to produce more collagen, while carrier peptides help deliver trace minerals that support skin function and repair. Most formulas combine multiple peptides to help target firmness, elasticity, and overall skin health from several angles.
Below, we asked experts to explain what peptides are, whether they recommend them in a skin-care routine, and what to look for when shopping for the best peptide skin-care products, from creams and serums, to essences.
Best Peptide Serum: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
- 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 micromolecules to better penetrate into the skin.” While it’s on the pricier side, she explains that it’s a great option for those 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 tetrapeptide-packed formula delivers noticeably plumper, more hydrated skin within a week.
- Editor’s Experience: “This is like the older sister of my go-to peptide serum—Medik8’s Liquid Peptides. This one amplifies the benefits via 13 peptides, a growth-factor mini protein, an expression-line mini protein, and hyaluronic acid for an incredibly potent, yet gentle cocktail.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
