When I recently sat down to map out the skincare trends set to define 2026, one ingredient category kept resurfacing—peptides. Whilst they are not a new skincare ingredient (but previously very much a supporting player), peptides are now proving to be a central focus of some of the most talked-about new beauty launches across skincare. From reformulated cult favourites to entirely new peptide technologies, it’s clear the industry is well and truly entering its peptide era.
While they previously took a backseat to actives like vitamin C, retinoids and exfoliating acids, today’s peptide-focussed formulas are smarter, more concentrated, and engineered to work across multiple pathways at once—supporting collagen, strengthening the skin barrier, and softening the appearance of lines, all in a single step.
Skincare conversations are moving away from instant fixes and toward what actually holds up over time—you've probably heard the term 'skin longevity' being thrown around. It's all about products that promote resilience, elasticity and skin that behaves better in the long term, and peptides answer that brief perfectly. They’re generally gentle, suitable for almost every skin type, and easy to use morning or night alongside your other favourite ingredients. As facialist and skincare expert Charlie Perry puts it, peptides are “a great cornerstone ingredient in both clinical and at-home skincare,” and judging by the launches lining up for the year ahead, brands agree.
What Are Peptides?
“Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are essentially the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin,” explains Perry. These proteins are what give skin its firmness, elasticity, and strength, but as we age, their production naturally slows. Peptides work by acting as signalling molecules, communicating with skin cells and encouraging them to function more efficiently.
Rather than forcing change, peptides support the skin’s own repair and renewal processes. “They encourage the skin’s natural processes to work more effectively,” explains Perry, which is why they’re so widely used in both professional treatments and at-home skincare routines. Importantly, not all peptides behave in the same way. Some stimulate collagen and elastin production, others support barrier repair or help calm inflammation, while some are designed to soften expression lines by reducing surface muscle tension—often described as having ‘botox-like’ effects.
What Are the Benefits of Using Peptides?
One of the biggest advantages of peptides is their versatility. Because they work with the skin rather than aggressively pushing it, they’re generally well tolerated and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive or breakout-prone skin. Over time, consistent use can support firmer-feeling skin, improved elasticity, smoother texture and a stronger skin barrier.
According to Perry, peptides align perfectly with the current shift towards longevity-led skincare. “People are moving away from quick fixes and towards barrier health, resilience and prevention,” she says. For clients who want to support firmness without stepping into invasive treatments or who can’t tolerate stronger actives like high-strength retinoids or acids, peptides offer a science-backed, gradual approach. They’re also easy to integrate into both morning and evening routines, making them a minimal-risk, maximum-reward addition.
What to Look for
The latest launches are far more advanced than their earlier counterparts, so formulation matters. Today’s best peptide serums are designed with improved stability and absorption, meaning peptides are more likely to reach the layers of the skin where they can actually have an impact. Many formulas now combine multiple peptide types in one serum, allowing them to address collagen support, inflammation and barrier strength simultaneously.
“This multi-pronged approach is key,” says Perry, particularly as people look to streamline their routines. If you’re choosing a peptide serum, look for products that clearly outline the peptide technology used, rather than relying on vague marketing claims. Supporting ingredients like humectants, antioxidants or barrier-strengthening actives can also enhance results. Above all, peptides reward consistency—they’re not about instant gratification, but visible improvements that build steadily over time.
The Best Peptide Serums
- Best Overall Peptide Serum: Medik8 Liquid Peptides
- Best Peptide Serum for Breakout-Prone Skin: NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum
- Best Beginners Peptide Serum: Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum
- Best Peptide Serum for All Skin Types: Tatcha The Longevity Serum
- Best Peptide Serum for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Booster Serum
1. Medik8 Liquid Peptides
This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum uses multiple peptide complexes to visibly smooth fine lines and boost skin resilience over time. It layers effortlessly and works well in both my morning and evening routines. Everyone I've recommended this to has not only loved it, but has seen results before they've even finished their first bottle.
Pros
- Quick and noticeable results
- Layers well
Cons
- Expensive price point
2. NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum
Now in its third iteration (the brand reformulate it as peptide technology improves) this high-strength copper peptide serum is one of personal favourites as it massively helped in my acne and scarring-healing journey. It's designed to reduce inflammation and support skin repair without clogging pores.
Pros
- Helps calm inflammation
- Supports barrier repair
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Can't be used alongside retinoids
3. Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum
This serum combines peptides, antioxidants and hydrators to tackle fine lines, dullness and dehydration in one step. It might not be the most potent or advanced of formulas, but its mid-range price point makes it a great choice for those who are new to using peptides and want to try out the ingredient without spending too much.
Pros
- Good value
- Hydrating formula
- Works for all skin types
Cons
- May pill if applied too heavily
- Slightly sticky texture
4. Tatcha The Longevity Serum
Like all Tatcha products, this serum is not only luxurious to use but also a highly efficacious formula. The gentle, calming solution blends peptides with botanical extracts to support long-term skin health, improve texture, and boost radiance without irritation.
Pros
- Luxurious texture
- Long-term benefits
Cons
- Small bottle
5. Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Booster
This lightweight booster serum is packed with peptides and soothing ingredients to improve firmness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without triggering sensitivity. It only launched last year, but has already received rave reviews.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Small bottle
6. Skinceuticals P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum
This targeted peptide serum is especially effective when it comes to addressing expression lines, especially around the forehead and eyes. It's not the most hydrating of formulas, but oily-skin users will appreciate its ultra-light, non-greasy finish.
Pros
- Absorbs fast
- Great to target expression lines
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Not very hydrating
7. Allies of Skin Multi Peptides GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Allies of Skin is one of my go-to brands when I want to see results fast. This powerful formula is no exception—combining peptides, growth factors, and antioxidants to visibly firm and lift. If you're looking for something to address loss of collagen and improve skin density and bounce, this is it.
Pros
- Works fast
- Visible results
Cons
- Small bottle
- Expensive price point
8. Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Dewy Gel Serum
This dewy gel-serum focuses on hydration, plumping and barrier support with peptides and humectants. I love using this in the winter when my skin leans dry and dull—it appreciates the instant glow and cushiony feel.
Pros
- Very hydrating
- Glowy finish
- Sits well under makeup
Cons
- Can feel sticky
- Not necessarily for advanced or long-term results
9. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
This cult-favourite serum is one of the most accessible entry points into peptide skincare, combining multiple peptide technologies with hyaluronic acid to address early signs of ageing and dehydration. It’s designed to subtly support skin firmness and smoothness over time rather than deliver dramatic, instant results, but it is ideal for younger skin or anyone building a preventative routine on a budget.
Pros
- Noticeably hydrating
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Slightly tacky texture
- Can pill under makeup
10. Trinny London Plump Up Peptide + HA Serum
This luxury peptide serum focuses on surface smoothness and hydration alongside longer-term skin support. The combination of peptides and hyaluronic acid gives skin a visibly plumper, more cushioned appearance—I find that this layers beautifully under makeup.
Pros
- Instant plumping effect
- Lightweight silky texture
Cons
- Expensive price point
- More impressive for short-term rather than long-term results
11. Sachi Skin Peptide Pro-Resilience Serum Concentrate
Rather than targeting fine lines directly, this serum prioritises resilience and skin health—which, for sensitive skin, is often the more effective long-term strategy. Over time, it helps to strengthen compromised, reactive or sensitised skin, with peptides playing a supporting role in long-term barrier repair. I often recommend this to people who want to reduce redness or build their skin's tolerance for active ingredients.
Pros
- Soothing
- Supports the skin barrier
Cons
- Expensive price point
12. Deviant Skincare Pigmentation Corrector Serum
Proving that not all peptide serums are about fine lines and wrinkles, this results-driven serum blends peptides with pigment-correcting actives to support a more even skin tone over time. Rather than relying on aggressive exfoliation, the formula works gradually, making it ideal for those dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or unevenness alongside sensitivity.
Pros
- Helps fade discolouration
- Suitable for sensitive or reactive skin
Cons
- Requires patience and consistency to see results
13. No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum
Designed to support skin’s natural renewal processes whilst targeting loss of firmness, fine lines and texture irregularities, this serum is a bestseller for good reason. Combining peptides with other bioactive ingredients, it helps to visibly improve elasticity and skin smoothness with consistent use.
Pros
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
Cons
- Results are gradual
How We Tested
Peptide serums don’t deliver overnight results, so testing them properly means time, consistency and comparison. Many of the serums featured in this edit have been in my ongoing rotation for months—and in some cases years—as new launches have emerged and peptide technology has evolved. Because peptide serums are rarely one-size-fits-all, I also considered how each formula performed across different skin types and concerns. The final selections balance formulation quality, visible results (with continued use), skin tolerance, and value.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.