The 7 best peptide serums for fine lines

Key takeaways

• Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Skincare uses a few types, from signal peptides linked to collagen to copper peptides and peptides aimed at expression lines.

• Our top pick is The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum: seven peptides plus hyaluronic acid for $19.90.

• For the biggest blend, Medik8 Liquid Peptides packs 10 peptides into what Medik8 calls a 30% complex.

• For peptides and a retinoid in one step, The SMOOTH Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum from U Beauty combines five peptides with two retinol esters.

• Peptide research is thinner than retinoid research, so give any serum at least six weeks and don’t skip sunscreen.

What to look for in a peptide serum

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins like collagen. A review in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science sorts the ones used in skincare into four groups: signal peptides, enzyme-inhibitor peptides, neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides and carrier peptides, the group that includes copper peptides.

The evidence has limits. A 2017 review found that “clinical evidence for efficacy is often weak,” that peptides may be poorly absorbed, and that “prices can be quite high.” It’s also worth knowing what “clinically proven” means on a label. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says it means the product was given to consumers to try, not that it went through clinical trials or FDA approval.

We compared each serum on its published ingredient list, not on hands-on testing. We looked at how many peptides it contains and which types, whether the brand discloses any concentrations, what else is in the formula, whether fragrance is listed, and the price.

1. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum: best overall

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum puts seven peptides and hyaluronic acid into one water-based serum. Its ingredient list includes acetyl hexapeptide-8, pentapeptide-18, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, and The Ordinary describes it as combining “five well-studied peptide technologies.”

Key features:

• Seven peptides. They cover signal peptides and peptides aimed at expression lines.

• Hyaluronic acid for hydration. It sits comfortably under a moisturizer.

• No fragrance on the ingredient list. The formula can be used morning and night.

Tradeoff: The Ordinary says not to use it in the same routine as direct acids or direct vitamin C, which takes some planning if you already use either.

Best for: anyone trying peptides for the first time who doesn’t want to spend much.

Price: $19.90 for 30 ml.

2. Medik8 Liquid Peptides: best multi-peptide blend

Medik8 Liquid Peptides is built around 10 peptides in what the brand calls a 30% complex, including acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and a copper peptide (copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14), plus carnosine, which Medik8 counts among the 10. Medik8 says it’s “clinically proven to visibly smooth fine lines in just 7 days.”

Key features:

• 10 peptides. It’s the longest peptide list on this page, and it includes a copper peptide.

• Fragrance-free. Medik8 labels it fragrance-free.

• Face, neck and chest. Medik8’s directions call for six drops morning and evening, followed by moisturizer.

Tradeoff: at $68 it costs more than three times our top pick. Medik8 also sells Liquid Peptides Advanced MP, with 13 peptides, for $95.

Best for: people who want the widest mix of peptides in a single serum.

Price: $68.

3. U Beauty The SMOOTH Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum: best peptide and retinoid serum

The SMOOTH Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum is U Beauty’s serum for fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck, which you press on morning and evening. Its ingredient list pairs five peptides, including copper tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-5 and acetyl hexapeptide-8, with two retinol esters (retinyl linoleate and retinyl palmitate), centella and silk. U Beauty says its two patented peptide complexes help enhance the appearance of skin smoothness and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Key features:

• Peptides plus retinol esters. It combines the benefits of a peptide serum and a gentle retinoid step in one formula.

• Copper peptide included. Copper tripeptide-1 sits alongside peptides aimed at the look of expression lines.

• Made for face and neck. U Beauty’s directions have you pressing one to two pumps onto the face and neck using upward motions.

Tradeoff: at $248 it’s the most expensive serum on this list. Because it contains retinol esters, wear sunscreen during the day, and if you’re pregnant, check with your doctor first.

Best for: people who want peptides and a retinoid in a single step, morning and night.

Price: $248 for 30 ml, or $148 for 15 ml.

4. Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster: best for mixing into your routine

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster is a concentrated serum you can use on its own or mix into a serum or moisturizer you already like. It contains six peptides, including palmitoyl tripeptide-5 and tridecapeptide-1, and Paula’s Choice says it’s free of natural and synthetic fragrance.

Key features:

• Six peptides. Paula’s Choice calls them pro-collagen peptides.

• Mixes into other products. You don’t have to add a whole new step.

• Face, eye area and neck. The brand’s directions cover all three, once or twice a day.

Tradeoff: at $59 for 0.67 fl oz it’s the priciest per ounce after the U Beauty serum, and Paula’s Choice notes a natural scent from one of the peptides.

Best for: people who’d rather add peptides to a product they already use.

Price: $59 for 0.67 fl oz.

5. Geek & Gorgeous Power Peptides: best for stated concentrations

Geek & Gorgeous Power Peptides lists a percentage for each of its main peptide ingredients: 4% TEGO Pep 4-17 (tetrapeptide-21), 3% Matrixyl 3000 (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7) and 2% Matrixyl synthe’6 (palmitoyl tripeptide-38), plus a small amount of copper peptide.

Key features:

• Stated amounts. You can see how much of each peptide ingredient is in the bottle.

• Fragrance-free. Geek & Gorgeous says it’s free of fragrance and essential oils.

• Plays well with others. The brand says it can be used alongside acids and retinoids.

Tradeoff: the percentages refer to branded peptide ingredients like Matrixyl 3000, not to the pure peptides themselves.

Best for: ingredient-list readers who want to know what they’re paying for.

Price: $18.80 for 30 ml.

6. Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum: best copper peptide on a budget

Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum pairs encapsulated copper peptides with acetyl hexapeptide-8, which Naturium lists as Argireline Amplified, and a third peptide. It’s labeled fragrance-free, and Naturium says to expect visible results in 6 to 12 weeks.

Key features:

• Encapsulated copper peptide. Copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14 is on the ingredient list.

• Fragrance-free. Naturium labels it fragrance-free.

• Morning and night. The directions call for one to two drops, then moisturizer.

Tradeoff: it has three peptides, fewer than most serums on this list, and it includes rosemary leaf extract.

Best for: people who want a copper peptide serum for under $30.

Price: $25 for 1 fl oz.

7. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum Fragrance Free: best drugstore pick

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum Fragrance Free is a creamy serum that Olay describes as an “ultra-lightweight, creamy moisturizer.” It combines palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 with niacinamide, and it’s widely sold in drugstores.

Key features:

• Serum and moisturizer in one. Its texture is creamy enough to use on its own.

• Niacinamide included. It sits alongside the peptide.

• Fragrance-free. This version is labeled fragrance-free.

Tradeoff: it contains a single peptide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, so it’s a lighter peptide dose than a dedicated multi-peptide serum.

Best for: people who want one easy drugstore product for face and neck.

Price: $36.65 for 1.7 fl oz.

How to use a peptide serum

• Apply it after cleansing and before moisturizer. Thinner products go first, as our guide to skincare routine order explains.

• Check what it can be layered with. Some brands, like The Ordinary, say to keep their peptides separate from direct acids and vitamin C.

• Pair it with sunscreen. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect against the sun exposure behind many fine lines, and it’s especially important if your serum contains a retinoid.

• Give it time. The AAD says most products for lines and wrinkles take at least six weeks to show results, and sometimes up to three months.

• Consider a retinoid too. If you’re ready for one, our list of the best retinol products for beginners covers gentle starting points.

Frequently asked questions

Do peptide serums actually work?

Some peptides have trial evidence behind them, but the overall research is limited. In one randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 60 people, acetyl hexapeptide-8 applied twice daily around the eyes scored 48.9% for overall anti-wrinkle efficacy after four weeks, against 0% for placebo. Reviews still describe the evidence for most peptides as weak, so treat them as a supporting step.

Which peptide is best for wrinkles?

There’s no single winner. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) has the most direct trial evidence for expression lines, while signal peptides like palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and copper peptides are aimed at firmness. Multi-peptide serums hedge by combining several types.

Are peptides better than retinol?

Retinoids have the longer research record. A dermatologist interviewed by Cleveland Clinic says hyaluronic acid and retinoids “are very effective and tend to be less expensive” than peptides. Many people use both, and U Beauty’s The SMOOTH combines the two.

Can you use peptides with retinol?

Generally, yes. Geek & Gorgeous says its peptide serum can be used alongside retinoids, and U Beauty’s The SMOOTH combines peptides with retinol esters in one formula. Check each product’s directions for pairing advice.

How long do peptide serums take to work?

Plan on at least six weeks. The AAD says that’s the minimum for most products for lines and wrinkles, and Naturium gives a window of 6 to 12 weeks for its serum.