Ask any beauty editor, and they can probably list off a handful of treatments designed to give your skin a more youthful and glowy appearance. Whether you want to get a monthly facial or try botox, there’s no shortage of options out there.
Admittedly, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become curious about how to keep my fine lines and wrinkles practically invisible. At the same time, I’m someone who’s apprehensive about going for injections. It truly comes down to personal preference, but if you prefer to go the natural route, a peptide serum might be your closest thing to magic in a bottle.
The list of benefits is long (more on that below), but one of the biggest appeals is the way these serums boost collagen. In case you didn’t know, collagen makes up 30 percent of your body’s protein and provides strength for bones, muscles, connective tissue, and skin, per The Cleveland Clinic. Over time, our body’s collagen production slows down and reduces in quality, which is why so many derms recommend peptide serums.
Still, finding the right serum for you can be a hassle. To get the full rundown, I spoke with four leading dermatologists to find out which peptide serums rival injectables. Keep scrolling for their top picks.
The Best Peptide Serums, at a Glance
The Best Peptide Serums of 2026
Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
Best Hydrating: Korres Black Pine Primus 6xHA Wrinkle Smoothing Youth Activator
Korres
Black Pine Primus 6xHA Wrinkle Smoothing Youth Activator
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Collagen Bank Vitamin C Face Serum
If you know that peptides are good for you but you aren’t quite sure why, just know you’re not alone. “Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as the building blocks for important proteins in the skin, including collagen and elastin,” explains Reszko. “In skincare, they function as signaling molecules that help support the skin’s natural repair processes and maintain overall skin integrity.”
How do peptides benefit the skin?
The benefits of peptides are relatively straightforward. For starters, they support the skins ability to repair and renew itself. “By encouraging collagen and elastin production, they can improve firmness and soften the look of fine lines over time,” says Reszko. “Many peptides also help reinforce the skin barrier, improving hydration and overall skin strength, while certain peptide formulations may help calm inflammation and support clearer, more balanced skin.”
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best peptide serums for this roundup, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients and fragrance. We’re aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
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