Peptides are emerging as a hero skincare ingredient, boosting collagen, improving elasticity, and reducing fine lines without the irritation often linked to retinol. This story explains how peptide-based formulas support the skin barrier and highlights standout products—from Laneige’s cerapeptide toner to COSRX, The Ordinary, The Face Shop, and d’you serums—for hydrated, firmer, healthier-looking skin.
One skincare ingredient that works like a charm when it comes to making the skin look healthier, is peptides. It boosts collagen production, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and supports the skin barrier. For all the nerds out there, peptides are basically short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin, leading to better skin elasticity and texture. Unlike some other anti-aging ingredients that can be harsh on the skin (ahem, retinol), it provides anti-aging benefits minus the irritation. If you too, would like to include this ingredient in your skincare routine, here are our top picks.
One of our favourites on the list, this 2-in-1 product is perfect for you if you like to have a less-is-more approach to your skincare routine. This toner, which doubles up as a moisturiser, brings together ceramides and peptides, making it great for barrier repair. It has a smooth, milky formulation, which makes it super hydrating, and perfect for dry skin. It soothens the skin, calms irritation, makes the skin more firm, provides hydration, besides restoring the skin barrier. Bonus? It also gives a dewy finish.
Brought to you by the brand best known for popularising snail mucin, the 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum is packed with 6 different kinds of peptides that help improve skin firmness, smooth fine lines, control excess sebum, minimise the appearance of pores, and boost hydration. It’s also suitable for all skin types.
This serum targets multiple signs of ageing, including fine lines, dullness, and loss of firmness. Additionally, it refines the skin texture, and provides hydration, making the skin look more radiant and plump.
If you’re a vegan who’s looking for a plant-based alternative for the snail mucin, this is a great pick. The Face Shop Alltimate Vegan Mucin Peptide 8 Serum is derived from wild yam root, making it not only super rich, but also, cruelty-free. It has ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and eight potent peptides that are said to reduce the appearance of fine lines and make the skin look brighter. K-beauty brands just get it right!
While K-beauty is great, there are several homegrown beauty brands getting it right, when it comes to barrier repair. Exhibit A: d’you. The d’you Hustle Serum is enriched with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, and peptides. It strengthens the skin barrier, helps with hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen production, and hydrates the skin.