Peptides are having a major skincare moment and these are the products to buy

Peptides are having a major skincare moment and these are the products to buy I asked skincare experts about peptides and now I’m adding these products to basket. (Picture: Metro/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more A seriously structurally important protein, collagen plays a key role in keeping the skin looking and feeling firm and plump. However, from around the age of 25, our bodies naturally produce roughly 1-1.5% less of it every year – which explains why it’s become such a must-have ingredient in anti-ageing skincare products. It’s also possible to stimulate collagen production with topical ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C – but peptides are the deeply hydrating and gentle alternative taking the skincare market by storm in 2026. So, what are they? Essentially tiny little messengers, these small chains of amino acids absorb deeply into the skin, and trigger it to keep making more collagen and elastin. And – unlike retinoids and exfoliating acids – there’s no risk of redness, peeling, and irritation. ‘The most common peptides used within skincare products are signal peptides like palmitoyl pentapeptide, which encourage collagen and elastin production,’ explains Founder and Lead Injector of Dr Hass Clinic, Mr Hasaneen Al Janabi. ‘Meanwhile, copper peptides also help with wound healing, and neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides like argireline help smooth wrinkles and fine lines caused by micro-expressions like smiling or squinting.’ Like the sound of a firmer and more youthful-looking complexion? These top peptide skincare formulas will get your collagen working overtime – all while still being deeply hydrating and gentle on the skin. Win, win! The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum This seriously advanced formula from The Ordinary boasts impressive mixed peptide technology. As well as containing a blend of sophisticated signal peptides that help support collagen production and promote firmer looking skin, it deploys carrier copper peptides to help with skin healing and repair, and argireline to smooth over fine lines. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid provides ageing skin with a much-needed boost of hydration. Buy Now for £28.90 Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Face Moisturiser A cult-favourite cream for a reason, this luxurious yet lightweight gel moisturiser is famous for leaving the skin seriously bouncy, hydrated, and supple. Packed with a potent blend of nine signal peptides, collagen production is supercharged – and the result is skin that looks and feels firm and re-energised. Buy Now for £62 Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum While it’s not specifically marketed as a peptide formula, this popular eye cream uses a peptide complex – alongside 2% retinal liposome – to boost collagen production and smooth out the appearance of wrinkles. Meanwhile, ginseng root extract and niacinamide help to brighten up any dark undereye patches. Buy Now for £15 Olay Collagen Peptide Day Cream Definitely one of the most affordable peptide-infused moisturisers on the market, this Olay day cream is a bestseller for a reason. As well as its smoothing collagen peptide complex, it’s crafted with deeply penetrating niacinamide which helps to activate surface cell renewal, and Vitamin E – a proven antioxidant. Buy Now for £18.99 Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum Alongside a hydrating and plumping multi-peptide complex, this surprisingly pink serum has been formulated with PDRN – a trending skincare ingredient extracted from salmon DNA, which helps accelerate cell turnover and tissue repair. The result? A far more radiant and plump complexion. Buy Now for £24 Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen+ Peptide Cream A seriously luxurious product to apply, this Medik8 cream targets fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging with its potent formula of collagen, anti-ageing peptides, and NAD+ longevity booster. Together, these ingredients can help increase collagen production by an impressive 45%. Buy Now for £82 Byoma Longevit-8 Peptide Serum A brilliant budget-friendly option, the BYOMA Longevit-8 Peptide Serum combines firming copper peptides, niacinamide and a barrier-boosting Tri-Ceramide Complex to help improve elasticity, smooth fine lines and deliver lasting hydration. Lightweight yet hardworking, it's designed to leave skin looking plumper, brighter and more radiant without upsetting the skin barrier, making it a great choice for sensitive skin types too. Buy Now for £21.99 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below Arrow MORE: I tried Byoma’s new anti-ageing serum and it made my skin look smoother and brighter Arrow MORE: Holland & Barrett shoppers can save up to 50% on skincare, supplements and wellness buys Arrow MORE: The best skincare products for men – 10 essentials for a simple daily routine Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!