Shop TODAY independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more. Add TODAY to Google From bakuchiol to hyaluronic acid to niacinamide, there is no shortage of tre
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Add TODAY to Google From bakuchiol to hyaluronic acid to niacinamide, there is no shortage of trendy ingredients to choose from in skin care.
Peptides, while not exactly new, are another ingredient you’ve probably seen listed on countless product packages.
The reason: Peptides can strengthen the skin barrier, help boost collagen, combat redness, among other benefits.
You might still be wondering whether peptides are an ingredient you should be incorporating in your skin care.
That’s why board-certified dermatologist Dr.
Angela Lamb joins TODAY to explain the benefits of peptides and reveals her favorite peptide-based beauty products to use.
So, whether you are new or experienced to the ingredient, peptides treat a variety of concerns that all skin types can benefit from.
Below, dermatologists explain more of what to know of this star ingredient, including both expert- and editor-recommended formulas to begin your peptide journey.
Best peptide beauty products seen on TODAY Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream $30.00
Amazon $30.00
Ulta What to knowLift, sculpt and snatch the neck with this gua sha-inspired neck cream.
Size: 2.7 oz | Key ingredients: Retinol capsules, collagen and peptides Consider this a skin care and self-care treatment in one.
The applicator itself is shaped like a gua sha to encourage a gentle “lifting” massage as you apply.
The formula, on the other hand, retinol capsules, collagen and peptides to address firmness on the jawline and neck area.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density $24.00
The Ordinary $19.20
$24.00
Ulta Now 20% off $19.20
$24.00
Amazon Now 20% off What to knowUse this serum daily for visibly thicker, healthier and more voluminous hair.
Size: 2 oz | Key ingredients: Redensyl, procapil, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, acetyl tetrapeptide-3 | Application: Dropper “This is a great option for anyone looking for a non-prescription approach to fuller-looking hair,” explains Lamb.
“This hair serum contains multiple peptide complexes designed to promote a healthy scalp environment and healthier-looking hair by enhancing hair follicle vitality.
When hair follicles are healthy and functioning optimally, it can contribute to healthier-looking hair.” It’s a great option for those experiencing early signs of thinning as peptides signal the hair follicles to increase hair growth, per the dermatologist.
Neutrogena Collagen Bank Glass Skin Hydrogel Face Mask $19.97
$22.29
Amazon Now 10% off $19.97
Walmart What to knowAchieve "glass skin" with this hydrating face mask.
Comes with: 4 face masks; 1-pack available | Key ingredients: Collagen, micro-peptides and niacinamide You might’ve heard the term “glass skin” thrown about the Internet, but it isn’t just a trend.
With the right product, “glass skin” reflective and hydrated skin can be achievable, including with the face masks above from Neutrogena.
The ultra-hydrating formula is infused in a unique hydrogel mask that plumps and smooths for a radiant glow post-use.
Londontown Peptide Serum Concentrate $22.00
LONDONTOWN $22.00
Free People What to knowRepairs and strengthens dry, damaged nails.
Size: 0.34 oz | Key ingredients: Cranberry peptides, aloe, glycerin and D-panthenol Nails need hydration just like our skin.
A few signs of dryness are brittle, cracked and peeling nails.
To repair damaged nail beds, Lamb recommends the hydrating serum above for the cuticles and nails.
One of our producers saw improvement in her nails in just two weeks of consistent use, as seen below.
Lancer Eye Contour Lifting Cream Exclusive deal $68.00
$97.00
Lancer Now 30% off $97.00
Amazon $97.00
Dermstore USE PROMO CODE TODAYCode Copied
to receive 30% off at checkout through 8/7.
What to knowDe-puffs, firms and brightens the under eye area.
Size: 0.5 oz and 0.17 oz | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, caffeine, peptides, diamond powder and winged kelp The under eye area is the thinnest part of the facial skin.
Lancer’s Eye Contour Lifting Cream fits the bill of skin care for this specific area, as it is made with hydrating, firming and de-puffing ingredients to improve the overall appearance of the under eyes.
The formula is finished with Diamond Powder and minerals to add subtle luminosity.
Plus, viewers can receive 30% the eye cream on the brand’s site when using our exclusive code TODAY — valid until Aug.
7.
Face Reality Antioxidant Peptide Serum $56.00
Face Reality What to knowA gentle yet effective formula for addressing common signs of aging.
Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, pichia/Resveratrol ferment extract and more “Dermatologists, including myself, have recommended this brand for years,” Lamb shares.
“This is worth considering if you’re looking to invest in a multitasking serum — it has a blend of peptides and antioxidants that help support the skin barrier and defend against environmental stressors.” She continues, “Antioxidants like Resveratrol are well known for protecting against free radical damage, while the copper peptides help with cellular signaling, which supports the skin’s natural repair processes.” Add TODAY to Google Peptide Products to Help Keep Your Skin Looking Firm and Smooth
05:03 Our Top Picks Best peptide skin care Add a touch of gloss
Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
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$20.00 Sephora Learn more For tired under eyes
Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream
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$44.00 Amazon Learn more Multi-dermatologist loved
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
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$54.00 Amazon Learn more Best peptide skin care, according to experts and editors Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum $12.00
Amazon $12.00
Good Molecules What to knowFilled with copper tri-peptides and peptides to target multiple signs of aging.
Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: Copper tripeptides, acetyl hexapeptide-8 and acetyl octapeptide-3
What we like
Lightweight
Absorbs well Something to note
Let sit before more products Consider this a serum that does it all.
Lamb says the product hydrates, reduces wrinkles and promotes collagen in one, all thanks to the copper tri-peptides inside.
They’re the “key ingredient in collagen formation, which helps with skin elasticity and anti-aging,” the dermatologist adds, by just using twice daily.
Tula Skin Care 24-7 Moisture Day & Night Peptide Lip Mask $18.00
Amazon $18.00
Tula What to knowThis mask can be applied both day or night and is clinically proven to hydrate lips for 24 hours.
Award: Best overnight lip mask | Overall score: 4.83/5 | Size: 0.28 oz.
| Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
What we like
Antioxidant protection
Minimal reapplication needed Something to note
May be difficult to squeeze “I used it morning and night and my lips have never looked or felt better,” raved partnerships editor Kara Quill for our annual Beauty Awards.
“The finish is a nice gloss without the stickiness, and it also helped my lips feel far less dry and more hydrated throughout the day.
I even kept it in my purse in case I needed a little more during the day ” Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Toner $18.30
$20.20
Amazon Now 9% off $22.00
$27.00
Medicube Now 19% off What to knowThis toner is said to improve skin texture while reinforcing the skin's barrier.
Award: Best overall toner | Overall score: 4.5/5 | Key ingredients: Rose PDRN, vitamin B3, peptide complex | Use: Face, body | Size: 8.45 fl.
oz.
A previous Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner, Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Toner was deemed the ‘best overall toner’ by our editors because of multiple benefits.
Regardless of skin type, everything from dark spots, signs of aging and more are addressed, all while leaving your skin with an attractive glow that you’ll notice and feel.
Rhode Peptide Lip Tint $20.00
Sephora $20.00
Rhode What to knowAn Internet-favorite lip treatment that nourishes and plumps the lips, all while leaving a buildable wash of color.
Shades: 11 | Key ingredients: Shea butter, peptide, cupuaçu and babassu | Size: 0.3 fl oz
What we like
Buildable pigment
Very moisturizing
Viral favorite Something to note
Applicator is a bit small Seemingly the OG in peptide products, both partnerships associate editor Erica Marrison and I San Miguel recommend Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment for soothing dry lips.
Both the tinted, seen above, and non-tinted versions of the product equally apply smoothly with an attractive glossy finish.
I even rated it as one of my all-time favorite lip balms
“While I wasn’t convinced until I finally tried it, Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment has earned its spot as my daily go-to,” agrees Marrison.
“It appears glossy, never greasy, and the fine tip makes precision easy — something I appreciate when I’m running around the city without a mirror on hand.” COSRX 6X Peptide Collagen Booster Toner Serum $21.00
$25.00
Amazon Now 16% off $21.00
Ulta What to knowIncludes six types of peptides to calm skin, control pores, reduce hyperpigmentation and more.
Size: 5.07 oz and 1.01 oz | Key ingredients: SH-Polypeptide-121, Copper Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-68 and more
What we like
Brightens skin
Smooths and softens skin
Lightweight Something to note
May cause irritation Containing six types of peptides, the brand claims the Peptide Collagen Booster Toner Serum addresses a number of concerns, including minimizing pore size, improving texture, controlling sebum, among other benefits.
Customers say that all makes it a solid pick for those with acne-prone to oily skin.
RoC Derm Correxion Lip Volumizer $24.99
Amazon $32.99
Ulta $29.99
RoC Skincare What to knowGet the plump lip look with this lip volumizer that uses a topical lip filler.
Size: 0.34 oz.
| Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and peptides | Formulation: Liquid | Fragrance: No
What we like
Non-comeogenic
Hypoallergenic
Paraben free Something to note
Can feel tingling If you want fuller lips but are looking for a non-invasive option, look no further.
This topical lip treatment from RoC “works both instantly and over time to deliver lips,” suggests Lamb.
“We’re talking just three minutes to smooth the look of fine lines, and a lasting plump in just four weeks, according to the brand.” We even had one of our editors’ moms test the product, who noticed instant results after first use.
Rhode Peptide Eye Prep Eye Patches $25.00
Sephora $25.00
Rhode What to knowThese hydrogels help prep, de-puff and brighten the under-eye area for a more awake complexion.
Comes with: 6 pairs | Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptide and Sodium PCA
What we like
Do not slip
Very hydrating
Brightening and awakening Something to note
Not reusable One of my San Miguel favorite products from Rhode are the viral Peptide Eye Prep Eye Patches.
Although the brightening benefits are a perk, the real winner of these eye patches is the design itself: The eye patches perfectly curve around the eyes and have a no-slip grip for comfortable wear.
Kosas Soulgazer Lengthening Mascara + Lash Serum $28.00
Sephora $28.00
Nordstrom $28.00
Kosas What to knowDesign for sensitive eyes, this mascara treats and lengthens the lashes in one.
Size: 0.4 oz | Key ingredients: Myristoyl pentapeptide-17
What we like
Good for sensitive eyes
Natural finish
Long-term wear Something to note
Only one shade available The mascara above contains a unique peptide serum that not only lengthens without smudging, but it also promises longer and fuller lashes in just six to eight weeks.
So by just wearing the mascara, you’ll be treating your lashes, too
Face Reality Cran-Peptide Cream $33.00
Face Reality What to knowClaims to soothe dryness without clogging pores.
Size: 2 oz | Key ingredients: Totarol, cranberry fruit extract, palmitoyl tripeptide-38 and more
What we like
Rich formula
Doesn
Peptides referenced: GHK-Cu, Argireline, Snap-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3.
Related reading: Qnovia licenses novel antimicrobial peptide, Three biotechs with three news updates, What’s behind the peptide boom and why it matters to Switzerland - SWI swissinfo.ch, Eli Lilly to allow more patients to apply for special access to unapproved obesity drug.