The 8 Best Peptide Serums for Firm, Plump, “Botox-Free” Skin

ProsDeveloped to work synergistically with neurotoxins to address areas traditionally considered “off-label” for injectionsBacked by clinical trials where testers saw improvement more quickly than other peptide products (in as little as one week)ConsExpensive (especially relative to the size of the bottle and the recommended use of 4 to 6 drops twice a day)Won’t work on very deep-set wrinklesWhy we love it: This is the formula you want if you’re looking for a Botox in a bottle-like effect. It contains neuro-inhibitory peptides, which are known expression line interrupters. This serum isn't going to do the heavy lifting of injectables (no topical can), but it’s a solid in-between solution and great at targeting areas of the face that Botox isn’t officially approved for, like lines around the mouth. It’s also perfect for someone looking for something less invasive but still wants a smoothing effect. Rounding out the formula, niacinamide and laminaria extract brighten and even your skin tone, while PHA gently exfoliates for better ingredient penetration. “This is nice because it combines gentle resurfacing with antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects,” says Dr. Edwards.Cosmo editor review: "A lot of anti-aging serums can feel heavy on my oily, acne-prone skin. But juuuust because I'm not dry doesn't mean I don't wanna prevent wrinkles, dammit. My face immediately drinks up P-Tiox's lightweight, watery consistency—no sticky residue left behind. But I also notice it definitely helps smooth out my skin. I've been using this serum on and off for a year, and my forehead is so smooth—and I haven't topped up my Botox in nearly a year." —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a GlanceKey ingredientsAdvanced peptide complex, PHA, niacinamideSize1 ozSkin typeAllProsQuick absorption means it's a great primer for makeupPacks a ton of peptide power for a relatively low price pointExcellent for helping get that "glass-skin" lookConsThere’s a faint peachy scent to this one, which isn’t everyone’s cup of teaThis formula is more of a firmer than a hydrator, so you might want to follow it up with moisturizerWhy we love it: K-Beauty brands don’t mess around with skincare—especially when it comes to peptides. For its $22 price tag, this product is stacked with potent ingredients. Let’s start with the 10 peptides, each chosen to perform the type of work protein derivatives are known for: Firming, smoothing, and plumping. And if visible or clogged pores are a concern, this serum was clinically tested to improve texture in the T-zone and cheek area, for glass-like, glowy skin.Cosmo editor review: "This is actually the first Biodance product I’ve ever used (yes, before the viral face masks—sue me!) and I can see why the K-beauty brand is so hyped up by every skincare fanatic. The pinky serum is non-comedogenic and great for promoting smooth skin and collagen production. While I don’t have super visible fine lines and wrinkles (yet), I love this serum as a preventative product to keep my skin bouncy and glassy for as long as possible. It feels slightly sticky—it has that classic K-beauty consistency—but it goes away once you start to rub it in." —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a GlanceKey ingredientsCollagen, 10-peptide complex, hyaluronic acidSize1.01 oz.Skin typeNormal, dry, combinationAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFeatherlight and absorbs instantlyLeaves behind a glassy finishConsThis isn't moisturizing enough on its own if you have dry skinWhy we love it: Any time Hailey Bieber talks about her skincare line, she mentions peptides. The powerhouse ingredient is the star in most of Rhode’s products, but the Glazing Fluid is where its benefits shine. This lightweight gel serum quickly absorbs into skin and instantly plumps your complexion while leaving behind a glossy, glass-like finish. It constantly sells out, and we think it has everything to do with the results rather than the celeb behind the brand.One Cosmo editor says: “I kind of rolled my eyes at the Rhode line as a whole until one of my beauty editor friends convinced me to try this. I’m sorry I ever doubted Bieber, because this stuff is legit. My skin looks like a dewy dumpling when I use it, and admittedly, there’s a direct correlation between how many skin-focused compliments I get when this is a regular part of my routine.” —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITORKey features at a glanceKey ingredientsPeptide, niacinamide, glycerinSize1.7 oz.Skin typeAllProsCan be used with other serums if you want to stack for multiple skin benefitsLightweight, fast-absorbing formulaConsThe bottle and dropper can get a little slippery during application Why we love it: Sometimes the key to an effective peptide serum is what other skin-loving ingredients it’s packaged with, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side. Dr. Edwards calls this one from Biossance a “smart pairing,” thanks to its copper peptides and sugarcane-derived squalane combo, since squalane is a stable, skin-soothing emollient. While the “rapid plumping” effect is likely from the humectants in the formula, the peptides present will gradually help increase cell turnover. That means a firmer, healthier-looking complexion in just a few months.Cosmo editor review: "I’ve been using this serum on and off since it came out a few years back, typically during the winter, and it always gives me an instant volume boost and takes care of any dry patches that have popped up. It has a lightweight gel-like texture so it absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving behind radiance without any residue."—DANIELLE BLUNDELL, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITERFeatures at a GlanceKey ingredientsCopper peptides, paracress extract, hyaluronic acidSize1.69 oz.Skin typeAllAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSaccharide isomerate can be great to thicken skin that’s thinning due to hormonal changes, pollution, and morePacked with soothing ingredients that can be extra beneficial if persistent dryness or breakouts are an issueConsCan pill under makeup if you use too muchWhy we love it: If exposure to the sun, inflammation, over-exfoliation, or even skin sensitivity to retinols have done a serious number on your face, Allies of Skin’s repair serum acts like a reset button. According to Dr. Edwards, it’s one of the stronger formulations on this list, thanks to its one percent copper tripeptide and complementary peptide complexes, which work together to reverse skin laxity and improve radiance. Then there’s the ectoin, which acts almost like body armor against future stressors and provides instant hydration. Finally, saccharide isomerate, a humectant, helps to thicken the skin and boost collagen density for that supple, buoyant look we’re all after.Cosmo editor review: "No matter what's going on with my skin, I can count on this peptide serum to help give me a glow. Not only does it help plump and firm my skin, it's incredibly gentle and calming and has excellent hydrating benefits too." —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTORFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsCopper tripeptide-1, saccharide isomerate, ectoinSize1 ozSkin typeAll ProsExtremely hydrating for its weightHelps make skin look more plump both immediately and long-termConsThe texture is a little stickyWhy we love it: There are 10—yes, really 10!—peptides packed into this ultra-lightweight product, so you’re getting the best of what this category has to offer, from argireline, nature’s wrinkle relaxer, to copper peptides, which act like coaches for your collagen production and maintenance at the cellular level. “A well-conceived high peptide load is rare in a consumer formula,” says Dr. Edwards of this superstar serum. “If the stability and delivery are well-engineered, this could deliver meaningful results beyond cosmetic smoothing.”Cosmo editor review: "I can’t explain it exactly, but when I put this serum on in the morning, I look like I had a decent night’s sleep, even when I haven’t (which TBH is most of the time). I’m guessing that’s the moisture surge provided by the hyaluronic acid, but it’s the peptides working behind the scenes to make skin look more radiant and bouncy in the long run. This is another one that also doesn’t leave any residue under makeup." —DBFeatures at a glanceKey ingredients30% multi-peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, glycerinSize1 oz.Skin typeAllAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsComes in tester and travel sizes so you can try the product out before committing to a full bottleWeightless liquid sinks right into your skin for quick absorptionGreat for all skin typesConsThe price is pretty steep, even for peptide serumsWhy we love it: There’s a reason countless celebs trust Jason Diamond, MD, with their faces. Maybe you can’t afford one of his legendary facials, but his Metacine Instafacial Plasma Serum? Now that’s potentially doable. Created with bioengineered human growth factors and peptides that mimic plasma’s ability to repair and resurface the skin, this serum excels in terms of its toning, lifting, and brightening capabilities. It’s definitely a splurge, but luckily, a little product goes a long way.Cosmo editor review: "So many peptide serums are too thick and emollient for my acne-prone skin, but Plasma is legit perfect. It has a water-like texture that soaks into skin immediately, and it's excellent at firming my skin and helping to heal scars and marks from old cystic breakouts." —LBFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsBioengineered growth factors, polypeptides, sodium hyaluronateSize1 oz.Skin typeAll, matureProsThe lightweight consistency makes it easy to applyOne of the gentlest anti-aging products I've triedConsThe formula is shiny, which some people think looks almost glittery on the faceWhy we love it: If you can’t tolerate retinols but want a preventive product that’ll make your skin bouncier and super-hydrated, Cetaphil’s Healthy Renew serum just might be your skin BFF. This bead-infused gel is packed with sensitive skin-friendly fine line- and wrinkle-fighting all-stars, specifically purified peptides and B vitamins. One squirt goes a long way; you can pretty much cover your entire face and neck with just that, so the bottle will probably last longer than liquid formats.Cosmo editor review: "I low-key enjoyed applying this serum more than any of the others I personally tried, probably because it has a pump. This made for a way less messy application than bottles with liquid droppers. It also felt nice on my skin—light and velvety. When I looked at myself in the mirror, the lines on my brow appeared less noticeable, which might be less about the peptides and more about the B vitamins in the mix. But I’m not complaining. That’s an area I always want to keep hydrated, especially before putting my foundation on so it doesn’t settle in the creases."—DBFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsPurified peptides, niacinamide, rice lees extractSize1 oz.Skin typeAllAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowHow we tested and selected our favorites:Cosmo editors and contributors are constantly testing and gathering intel on new, old, and trending peptide serums to find the best options on the market. To compile this list, I...Vetted hundreds of peptide serums to determine which ones deliver the best resultsPersonally tested them on my skin, as well as polled other Cosmo staffers for their top picks.Asked dermatologists and skincare experts for detailed feedback on our selections.Read thousands of reviews from testers to discover common pros and cons with each formula that made it onto our list. What are peptides?“Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the essential building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin,” says dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Nathan Newman, MD. “In skincare, peptides function as signaling molecules, prompting skin cells to perform specific tasks like producing collagen or reducing inflammation. This supports skin firmness, smoothness, and healing.”The thing to understand about peptides is that the skin benefits they offer are a slow burn. They’re not as aggressive as retinol or other active ingredients, so it can take time to see results from peptide-forward formulas (and the effects will always be less drastic than in-office procedures and injectables). “Most people can expect subtle improvements in texture, firmness, and fine lines after about 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use,” says Dr. Edwards. ”The changes are typically gradual, but they support long-term skin health and can enhance the effects of other actives.”Their gentleness and versatility, though, can make peptides somewhat like skincare unicorns, particularly if you get regular in-office treatments or use products with retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and/or ceramides, since peptides complement these ingredients. All of the pros I spoke to said any skin type can tolerate peptides because they’re generally non-irritating, which makes them especially ideal for sensitive, dry, and UV-damaged or mature skin.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowHow do peptides benefit skin?As protein derivatives, peptides support the strengthening and repair of our skin cells—think of them as helping to kick your cells into action for rejuvenation and rebuilding (both functions tied up with collagen production to some degree, which starts decreasing around the age of 25). This can benefit the skin in a myriad of ways. “Peptides are used for anti-aging, healing, and hydration, and can decrease skin inflammation and support and maintain the skin’s microbiome,” says LoGerfo. Dr. Newman agrees, adding that peptides can plump, firm, and smooth fine lines with two to four months of consistent use. It’s even been suggested that peptides can help with wound healing and skin barrier reconstruction.To reap these benefits, consistency is key. And you’ll want to make sure you’re selecting the best quality peptide-based product that you can afford from the jump. “It is important to remember that peptides need good delivery systems to penetrate the skin to work and be effective,” says LoGerfo. Dr. Edwards suggests targeting products with well-known peptides backed by science (think: matrixyl, or palmitoyl peptides; GHK-Cu, or copper peptides; and Argireline). (More on these types of peptides is coming just below).Other ingredients in the product and its packaging matter, too. “The formula should be stable, ideally in an opaque, air-tight bottle, and include ingredients that support skin health like hydrators and antioxidants,” adds Dr. Edwards. “Products that list peptides high on the ingredient list (and not buried among fillers) tend to offer better value. Also, don’t be fooled by high prices alone—some affordable brands formulate well and deliver solid results.”What peptides work like Botox?According to Dr. Newman, peptides vary in function, with certain types of peptides addressing specific skin concerns. If you’re looking for a “Botox-like” peptide, for example, you’d want a neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptide, which works to relax muscle contractions to soften expression lines (Argireline is a popular example of this peptide category). “Effects are subtler than Botox injections but can help with mild wrinkles,” says Dr. Newman.Other key classes of common peptides include:● Signal Peptides: These peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production and include Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, commonly known as matrixyl, as an example.● Carrier Peptides: This class delivers trace elements to support cell renewal (think: copper peptides delivering copper to cells).● Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides: These attempt to prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin, so skin stays firmer and plumper.No matter the type of peptide(s) in your chosen serum, you’ll want this step to hit at the right time in your routine. “For best results, apply peptides after cleansing and lightweight, water-based serums but before heavier creams and oils, as these can hinder peptide absorption into the skin,” says Dr. Newman.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhat ingredients should I avoid mixing with peptides?Anything with a very low pH, like some vitamin C serums, and exfoliating acids such as the popular AHA/BHAs, including glycolic, lactic, and/or salicylic acid. AHAs and BHAs in particular can destabilize and weaken peptides, but they’ll work with peptides if you space out their use. “As a rule, you should wait 10 to 15 minutes after using a topical acid to apply the peptide or use the peptide at a different time of day,” says LoGerfo. “For example, use the acid at night and the peptide in the morning.” This allows the skin’s pH to normalize again, so the peptides won’t be rendered ineffective.How to choose the best peptide serum for you:Determine your skin type. The right peptide serum for you (and any skincare product ever, really) comes down to your skin type. So if you've got oily skin, then you probably won't love a peptide serum filled with sealing oils and heavy moisturizers. In this case, opt for a lightweight peptide serum with humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) to hydrate your skin without making it greasy.However, if you're working with dry, dehydrated skin, obviously, the more moisture a formula can provide, the better. Look for peptide serums that are loaded with hydrators, plus sealing oils to help lock in all that water and hydration you're flooding into your skin.Look for additional benefits. Peptides are great, but it's even better when the formula combines them with hydrators, soothers, and sometimes even exfoliants. Generally, your best bet is a peptide serum with hyaluronic acid, which will also help pull water into your skin to make it look even more plump. But I've also included a mix of options above—including exfoliating peptide serums to combine a bit of gentle, chemical buffing to get rid of dead skin that can make your skin look dull, as well as calming options that use aloe vera, cica, and/or allantoin to bring down swelling and inflammation.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowMeet the experts:Kate Edwards, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Edwards specializes in general adult and pediatric dermatology as well as cosmetic and surgical dermatology, including skin cancer treatment, cyst removals, and more.Nathan Newman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and the founder and medical director of the Orchid Surgery Center in Beverly Hills, CA. He is known for his expertise in stem cell therapy.Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, is a doctor of nursing practice and a family nurse practitioner with the Orentreich Medical Group in Manhattan, NY. She’s certified in both family medicine and dermatology.Why trust Cosmopolitan?Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including definitively ranking CeraVe vs. Cetaphil products and rounding up the most delectable gourmand perfumes. She’s an authority in all beauty categories but a bit of a skincare nerd. For this story she consulted with dermatologists and the Cosmo beauty team to bring you the top peptide serum recommendations.Danielle Blundell is a New Jersey-based lifestyle writer and editor who has written on topics ranging from home and health to beauty for a variety of publications, including Rachael Ray Every Day, Redbook, Family Circle, This Old House, Elle Decor, Esquire, Domino, and Apartment Therapy. She's a graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism and has appeared as an on-air expert on Today, The Doctors, The Celebrity Page, and other local news programs.Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.Danielle Blundell is a New Jersey-based lifestyle writer and editor who has written on topics ranging from home and health to beauty for a variety of publications including Rachael Ray Every Day, Redbook, Family Circle, This Old House, Elle Decor, Esquire, Domino, and Apartment Therapy. She's a graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism and has appeared as an on-air expert on Today, The Doctors, The Celebrity Page, and other local news programs.