Peptides have quietly become a cult ingredient in modern skincare – less established than retinol and vitamin C, but arguably just as popular. These amino-acid chains work behind the scenes, signalling skin to behave in a young, healthy way: to produce more collagen, elastin and strengthen the skin barrier.
The results aren’t necessarily instant, but peptides do work long-term to improve skin health on a cellular level. And we all know that serums are often the workhorse of any skin routine thanks to high concentrations of active ingredients, so a peptide serum is absolutely worth your attention. From viral hits like rhode, to compelling clinical brands like Medik8 and Dr. Diamond Metacine, here’s the RUSSH edit of the best peptide serums for bright, healthy-looking skin.
What is a peptide serum?
A peptide serum is essentially a targeted treatment designed to deliver short chains of amino acids – known as peptides – deep into the skin to support its overall health and integrity. Peptides basically act as cellular messengers, signalling the skin to produce more collagen, elastin and other essential proteins responsible for firmness, bounce and resilience. Because collagen production naturally declines with age, topical peptides help encourage a smoother, plumper appearance over time. Many formulas combine multiple peptide types (including signal peptides, copper peptides and carrier peptides) alongside hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to enhance penetration and results.
The main benefit of a peptide serum is skin that looks fresh, firm and rejuvenated.
Dua by AB Supercharged Glow Complex
Best for: Scars and dark marks
Augustinus Bader is famous for its pioneering use of peptides. The brand uses a signature trigger factor complex that improves cell communication, reducing visible signs of damage. Dua by AB uses similar technology (it’s slightly less powerful or concentrated, hence the reduced price tag) for younger skin so you can experience the benefits of a peptide serum without the hefty investment. This serum is especially great for tone and texture – think acne scars, discolouration and fine lines.
Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid
Best for: Instant hydration
Rhode isn’t as clinical as some of the other brands on this list, but the very viral Peptide Glazing Fluid does boast several skincare benefits. Not only does it leave the skin visibly dewy, but there’s acetyl hexapeptide-8, or argireline, a peptide known to smooth the skin’s surface.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
Best for: Lines and wrinkles
If you want a serious product with a high concentration of peptides, Medik8’s best-seller has 13 different ones at 30%. The formula works immediately to smooth surface wrinkles, but also overtime to firm deeper creases.
SkinCeuticals P‑TIOX Peptide Serum
Best for: Lines, wrinkles and texture
Another cult peptide serum, Skinceuticals P-TIOX does a little bit of everything. It’s packed with hexapeptide and dipeptide to support collagen and elastin synthesis, as well as salicylic acid, niacinamide and poly-hydroxy acid to gently refine the skin’s surface for a smoother, bouncier complexion.
Biologique Recherche Progeskin
Best for: Tired-looking, sagging skin
Biologique have focused on skin longevity with this serum, combining trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 with its signature raw, cold-pressed plants to improve cell health for firmer, more radiant-looking skin.
Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Best for: Redness, irritation, signs of damage
This concentrated peptide serum has ectoin, copper lysinate, acetyl hexapeptide-8 and copper tripeptides to completely overhaul blotchy, damaged, ageing skin. Not only does it prevent environmental damage, but helps the skin to self-repair for a radiant, even-toned complexion.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
Best for: Dehydration lines
If you want to dip your toe int peptides without spending a bomb, look towards The Ordinary. This serum has multiple peptides plus hyaluronic acid to instantly smooth the look of surface lines and creases, plumping the skin while improving firmness long-term.
Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum
Best for: Overall skin ageing
Dr Diamond’s Metacine is a new-ish skincare brand in all the right hands at the moment. The signature product is the Instafacial Plasma Serum – inspired by Dr Diamond’s signature in-clinic PRP procedure, uses bioengineered human identical growth factors to stimulate the skin’s own repair mechanisms. Essentially, it tells the skin to function optimally, reducing the look of lines, wrinkles, dullness and sagging.
Auteur Definitive Collagen Activator Serum
Best for: Sagging, loss of volume
Auteur is another cult brand out of Germany famous for its innovative use of peptides to reduce cellular skin ageing. This serum combines peptides with antioxidants to prevent environmental damage and cell ageing, while reducing visible damage as well. Expect lifted, smoother-looking, glowy skin.
