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
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.
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.
“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.
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
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.
“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.”
For tired under eyes$undefined$44.00
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Best peptide skin care, according to experts and editors
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.
“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!”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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!
The Face Reality Cran-Peptide Cream is a true treat for dullness and dryness, containing a blend of peptides and antioxidants that deeply nourish and restore the skin. “In particular, the cranberry extract in it boosts the antioxidant power, which protects the skin from free radical damage and reduces premature signs of aging,” Lamb notes.
But even if you don’t have dry skin, the brand claims the moisturizer is suitable for acne-prone skin, since it is also non-inflammatory for controlling redness and more.
“I love this for days when I want to wear makeup but don’t want to wear makeup that will interfere with my sunscreen,” suggests editor Vivien Moon. “I love how lightweight it is, and how much coverage it provides.” However, she recommends being mindful of the applicator when applying since it can be runny.
Best peptide neck cream:
Another pick from Dr. Lamb, this protein peptide-based neck cream promises to boost collagen production to help prevent and combat crepey texture and loose skin. It also contains ingredients like green tea and vitamin B5 to target sun damage, hyperpigmentation and similar concerns.
For long-lasting hydration:
With a milky, creamy texture, this peptide serum promises to deliver 24/7 hydration for a bouncier complexion. It also contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and more skin-loving ingredients to offer other benefits like evening skin tone and firming the skin. I [San Miguel] love that it can be used alone, or even as a primer for makeup prep.
A peptide eye cream for tired under eyes:
From deputy managing editor Jess Bender to former production coordinator Camryn Privette, this Beauty Award-winning eye cream from Summer Fridays is a clear favorite amongst the Shop TODAY team. “Since it’s packed with vitamin C, it makes my skin feel so soft and smooth to the touch,” raves Privette. Bender adds that the eye cream has also done “a great job ironing out some finer lines that come along during my everyday” and that it has been “a good addition to my nightly skin care routine.”
Commerce producer Eden Strassburg complimented the lightweight feel of Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer, adding that “it didn’t feel too heavy on my skin.”
“It definitely made my skin feel plump and hydrated after using, and it works well under makeup. I feel like it did help with skin dehydration, too!,” she adds. “I also recommend using this at night to wake up with hydrated skin. It did not break me out — and I was able to use it while I was dealing with a bad breakout without making it worse.”
Tired under-eyes? Bender also recommends this eye cream from Alpyn for sleepless nights. “Nowadays I need to put a little extra effort into the area, and I’ve found that this tinted eye cream does an effective job instantly blurring the area while hydrating it,” she claims.
Regardless of the season, SPF is important to wear year-round. The HydroPeptide Solar Defense Tinted SPF 30 protects your skin from UVA, UVB and infrared rays, while simultaneously leaving a soft glow and tint (it will come out as while, but will adapt to your skin tone!).
“Dermatologists say mineral sunscreens are great because they contain safe ingredients like zinc oxide to create a ‘physical’ barrier between your skin and the sun’s UV rays,” explains Lamb. “So it sits on your skin to protect, rather than being absorbed by it.” Plus, the peptides in the formula will lock in moisture without clogging your pores, so you’ll get an extra dose of hydration while you use.
Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Corey L. Hartman and Dr. Anna Chacon consider this peptide-rich cream from SkinFix as a favorite. Chacon noted in our best skin barrier creams coverage that the moisturizer’s nutri-peptide blend is a trusty ingredient for firming and reducing redness, especially if you’re healing after lasers and other in-office procedures. “It helps heal the skin and make it look so youthful and plump,” she previously said.
Signs of a damaged skin barrier can be redness and dryness. Peptides can reduce inflammation and retain moisture, leading to barrier repair, just like this moisturizer from OleHenriksen was intended to do.
“Right off the bat, though, my skin was immediately satisfied by how effortlessly it melts into it along with the level of hydration it provides,” raves Bender. “While I introduced this into my skin care routine right as we entered the early days of fall, I could easily see this being a great option for wintertime when your skin needs a product that’s a little thicker to tackle extra dryness that comes from the season.”
Frequently asked questions
“Peptides are basically a short chain of amino acids,” Dr. Susan Massick, a board-certified dermatologist at Ohio State University says. “Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, so peptides are a generic term for small chains of these amino acids.”
Studies have shown that peptides can help repair your skin barrier or produce collagen when used in certain products or combinations. How peptides do this is by signaling the skin cells “to perform certain functions, like boosting collagen production, improving elasticity and decreasing inflammation,” Lamb explains.
However, with surrounding science still being so new, there’s no concrete long-term evidence of its anti-aging benefits yet. “While they may be nourishing, hydrating [or] moisturizing [for your skin], in terms of [whether] they really reverse aging? It may not necessarily be as effective as they’d hope,” Massick explained.
Despite the lack of current data available on the ingredient, she assured us that peptides are very safe to use. “They’re not harmful in any way and I think that’s important in terms of trying to find all these products,” she says.
Unlike other ingredients that can irritate your skin, Massick says that’s typically not the case with peptides. In fact, certain peptides have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, according to a 2018 study.
But again, don’t expect to see miracles from solely using products with peptides. “Some of them look really interesting in terms of all the things that they promise on their packaging but in terms of 100 percent age reversal, it’s probably not going to happen,” she advised.
When looking for a product with peptides, Massick recommends opting for creams and serums. “I don’t think they’re necessarily as effective when they’re in the washes because they don’t really have enough time to penetrate the skin when you just put them on and directly rinse them off,” she elaborated.
When you find a product you want to try, Massick stresses the importance of starting with a test area to assess any irritation that may arise and checking the other ingredients that are in the formula. She says that oftentimes peptides work synergistically with ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamides, so you should keep an eye on the ingredients list to see if any of these or other beneficial skin care ingredients are present.
Like every dermatologist, Massick also stressed the importance of making sure you have proper sun protection in your skin care regimen. “That’s really what’s going to be driving … the changes to the skin that we’re trying to combat and reverse with these products,” she says.
How we chose the best peptide skin care
We leaned on the recommendations and expertise of dermatologists to select the best peptide skin care. We also tapped into the knowledge of Shop TODAY editors, asking them to share their favorite peptide-based products, from peptide serums to toners, they own and love.
Meet the experts
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Dr. Angela J. Lamb.
- Dr. Angela J. Lamb, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She’s currently the Vice Chair of Clinical Operations at Mount Sinai Dermatology.
- Dr. Susan Massick is board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, global dermatology innovator, teledermatology pioneer and founder of Miami Derm in Coral Gables, Florida.
