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Stylist Loves
Everything you need to know about peptides, plus the 13 products we’re picking
Updated 11 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
Looking for better performance from your skincare? Behold the power of peptides.
A lot of ingredients make big skincare claims. Whether it’s vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide or SPF, it can be hard to navigate which ingredients your skincare routine really needs. But if you’re looking to boost your regime with some hardworking, high-potency products, peptides are a good place to start.
If that sounds overwhelming, consider this your peptides crib sheet.
“Peptides are fragments of protein, and it’s these proteins that are the building blocks of the skin,” says Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, medical and cosmetic doctor at Skndoctor.
Collagen, elastin and keratin are the most common proteins that make up our skin. Adding peptides topically can help boost the production of these proteins and reinforce skin’s repair barrier function.
“Peptides are great little messengers,” explains Francine Krenicki, VP of product development at StriVectin. “When they’re applied topically to the skin, they can help send a signal to produce new collagen and elastin. They’re also a bit bossy and have the power to micromanage your cells to get real results.”
Peptides are also great for ageing or menopausal skin as they will stimulate collagen production and boost the skin’s elasticity. They can be blended with other ingredients, such as retinol and niacinamide, bolstering your products and making them work even harder.
Interested? Keep scrolling to see Stylist’s 13 favourite peptide products…
Niod Copper Amino Isolate Lipid
Designed to promote collagen and elastin production and speed up healing, this highly reparative copper peptide serum has been formulated in a unique lipid gel, to ramp up absorption.
Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum
If you liked the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturiser, you’ll love the new Advanced Serum formula. Combining a powerful blend of peptides it works to boost the complexion, promoting younger-looking, radiant skin. Then, collagen and encapsulated ferulic acid help to firm the skin and restore its vitality. The result? Glowy, plump skin in just a few uses.
Decree Peptide Emolient Veil+
Deeply nourishing, this is a great moisturiser for dry and thirsty skin types. A proprietary peptide blend helps to improve collagen production for firmer, more supple skin while a mix of nourishing botanical oils, squalane and hyaluronic acid work to hydrate and soften.
Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser
Packed with peptides, collagen and hyaluronic acid, this plumping everyday moisturiser is formulated to lock in moisture and bring back your complexion’s natural bounce and resilience – no matter your skin type.
Shop Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser at Cult Beauty, from £15
Kate Somerville SuperCell Rejuvenation Serum
With a blend of cell-regenerating peptides and antioxidants – this protective and repairing serum works to boost skin for an overall brighter, firmer and more lifted look.
Shop Kate Somerville SuperCell Rejuvenation Serum at Selfridges, £84
Olay Collagen Peptide24 Day Face Cream With SPF30
Housing SPF30, this Olay collagen peptide cream is a great option for daytime use. Combining vitamin B3 (niacinamide) with a potent peptide blend, it exfoliates the face while giving skin a healthy glow.
Buy Olay Collagen Peptide24 Day Face Cream With SPF30 at Boots, £19
Beauty Pie Biologic Collagen Peptide Cream
With a luxe, rich formula, a little goes a long way. The peptide complex combines with niacinamide, flower ferment filtrate and ume fruit extract to reduce signs of skin damage, maintain moisture and firm up the face.
Shop Biologic Collagen Peptide Cream at Beauty Pie, £44 (members) or £175 (non-members)
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Formulated with a blend of nine peptides, this powerhouse moisturiser boosts elastin and hydration – and also features the brand’s famous product pump to boot.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
The Ordinary is a go-to for bargain beauty and this peptide serum is no exception. Combining peptides, amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes, it deeply hydrates the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid
This lightweight, quick-absorbing gel is one Rhode’s bestsellers, illuminating skin from within and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Peptides work to plump fine lines and leave skin hydrated and firmer looking.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides
This Medik8 serum hydrates with hyaluronic acid while tackling fine lines and wrinkles. Peptide argirelox minimises muscle contraction, helping to prevent the formation of new lines, while other ingredients repair collagen-producing cells.
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturiser
Another bargain beauty brand, The Inkey List has racked up a huge number of fans and this moisturiser is one of the main reasons why. Promoting cell renewal while moisturising, it works to brighten the complexion while reducing fine lines.
Indeed Labs Snoxin II
This Indeed Labs serum is said to reduce muscle contractions and, in turn, prevent additional skin wrinkling. Three peptides work together to boost skin-building essentials such as collagen and increase the rate of skin cell turnover.
Images: courtesy of brands
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