The 10 Best Peptide Moisturizers for Plump, Radiant Skin

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For so long, Mount Rushmore of the best anti-aging ingredients included retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and of course, sunscreen. If there ever was room for a fifth figure, add peptides to the mix. Like the aforementioned skin care powerhouses, peptides offer a boost in elasticity and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.

“Peptides are short-chain amino acids that work as signaling molecules to trick your skin into regenerating, forming new collagen, hyaluronic acid, and fibronectin to improve skin tone, firmness, and hydration. These restorative proteins stimulate the cellular renewal process to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and enhance the ability to hold onto water. [Peptides] also help calm inflammation and irritation,” explains Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center and founder of AziMD Skincare.

The best thing about a buzzy ingredient is the phalanx of chemists itching to throw it in any and every formula. Peptide serums have surged in popularity, and these 10 peptide-packed moisturizers are the latest to get the treatment. We consulted dermatologists, parsed our skin care stashes, and turned to customer reviews to find the best peptide moisturizer formulas your skin will drink up.

Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream

Key ingredients: Prebiotic peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Size: 1.6 fl oz

Medik8’s moisturizer envelops skin with a burst of hydration powered by a blend of plumping peptides, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and nourishing ceramides. The creamy texture seeps into the skin to impart an instant glow; however, with continued use, your skin will appear softer, smoother, and makeup-ready.

Medik8 rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Medik8 reviewer said: “This moisturizer quickly sinks into your skin. It’s effective like a rich cream but with a lightweight texture. My skin is normal to dry, and when it’s feeling dehydrated, I grab this cream—it’s like a glass of water for my skin. I recently gifted this to a friend who has more mature skin and she is hooked—she said its transformed her skin.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director

Peptide Glazing Fluid

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides,

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Queen of a plump, hydrated glow, Hailey Bieber, gave us her secret: the Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid. Featuring a silky, gel texture, the Glazing Fluid feels cooling on the skin, the perfect soother for stressed skin. “This is lightweight and fast-absorbing peptide gel-serum formulated with niacinamide and marula oil to deeply hydrate the skin and soften fine lines and texture,” says Dr. Shirazi.

Rhode rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Rhode reviewer said: “The glazing fluid and glazing milk have done wonders to my skin! I have sensitive dry skin and this keeps my skin looking glowly (plus a moisturizer) all day! I highly recommend this product.”

Restore

Key ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, resveratrol

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Tucked in this formula is another R word you likely aren't too familiar with: resveratrol. It is an alternative to retinol, an antioxidant that works similarly to retinol in that it expedites skin renewal and evens tones. Coupled with niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, Restore by AziMd Skincare is basically your new skin in a bottle.

AziMd Skincare rating: 5/5 stars

Our expert says: “Deeply hydrating cream formulated with one of the most powerful peptides, including Tetrapeptide-21, to improve skin tone, texture, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s more than a peptide cream as it also has resveratrol to improve discoloration and sun damage, Niacinamide to brighten complexion, plant-based stem cells, and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.”—Dr. Shirazi

Rénergie H.P.N 300-Peptide Face Cream

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide

Size: 2.5 fl oz

This moisturizer is powered by skin care’s big three: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Together, this starting lineup slows signs of aging and visibly plumps to prevent sagging and dullness.

Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our expert says: “A daily moisturizer combining over 300 different peptides along with Hyaluronic Acid and niacinamide to improve firmness, hydration, and fine lines. Lightweight yet nourishing clinical studies found 86% of subjects reporting their skin appearing more youthful.”—Dr. Shirazi

Peptide Skinjection Moisture Infusion Refillable Cream

Key ingredients: Peptides, squalane, hyaluronic acid

Size: 1.7 oz

A common sign of aging skin is a loss of elasticity. This Peter Thomas Roth’s does its best to “inject” the skin with a surge of peptides and moisture to keep your skin lifted and full of life for as long as possible—or until your jar runs low and it's time to restock.

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “PEPTIDE AND NEUROPEPTIDES! Holy Grail for expression lines. Plus, it has great long-lasting hydration. I’m on my 3rd jar. My skin is firmer and smoother than ever. Can’t beat it.”

Hydration Peptide Cream

Key ingredients: Peptides, squalane

Size: 2.5 oz

If you’re skin could use some fine-tuning, Shani Darden’s peptide moisturizer has you sorted. With squalane and peptides providing the ultimate support, your skin's barrier is replenished and nourished without any disruptions.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “Love anything by Shani Darden, and this product is no exception. I have normal to dry skin that shows first signs of ageing, such as fine lines. This moisturizer has a rich texture (but not thick) that sinks right into the skin and locks in that moisture. It's not heavy at all, and feels very nice on the skin. My skin instantly looks more hydrated and glowy.”

Barrier+ Strengthening and Moisturizing Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

Key ingredients: lipids, peptides, vitamins

Size: 1.7 oz

This moisturizer acts as an armor that restores your moisture barrier and plumps the skin, with help from the brand’s signature blend of peptides, lipids, and vitamins.

Sephora rating: 4.2.5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I like my nighttime creams thick and full of hydration, and the Skinfix Barrier+ cream is just what the doctor ordered. To ensure my skin is properly supported after retinol or acid usage, I go in with this rich cream for extra cushion.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Protini Polypeptide Firming Refillable Moisturizer

Key ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants

Size: 1.69 oz

Harsh winter chills or sweltering summer heat are no threat for this Drunk Elephant favorite. The main function of this moisturizer comes from nine different peptides to lock moisture in, as antioxidants and vitamins improve elasticity and plumpness.

Sephora rating: 4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I received this cream in one of Drunk Elephant The Littles kits and instantly fell in love. One of my travel staples, the Protini moisturizer coats my skin in a blanket of soothing nourishment that sits well under makeup or on its own.”—Nerisha Penrose

Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream

Key ingredients: Arctic berries, peptides

Size: 2 fl oz

In this formula, the benefits of peptides are propelled by arctic berries and hibiscus extract, which work to restore radiance, slow fine lines and wrinkles, and calm inflammation.

Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer said: “I use this as a night cream and have noticed a hugeeee difference in hydration level. The smell is pleasant and luxurious. It’s a very rich cream so I don’t know if I’d wear this during the day but for a night time routine, I highly recommend it.”

Polypeptide-121 Future Cream

Key ingredients: Peptides, plant protein, ceramides

Size: 2 fl oz

Think of the most fulfilling smoothie you can drink, then imagine experiencing all that nourishing goodness from a moisturizer. The Polypeptide-121 cream is basically a peptide-packed smoothie for your face. The lightweight formula takes ceramides and plant proteins to restore moisture and firm the skin.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “Hands down the best of the best in my opinion and I’ve spent a lot of money and time trying to find a great moisturizer. It leaves my skin fresh feeling and dewy looking plus it makes my makeup smoother.”

What skin type do peptides benefit most?

While peptides can help improve all skin types, they are especially effective for mature skin. “Peptides are most beneficial for individuals with mature or aging skin, as they aid in collagen synthesis, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Peptides have the ability to stimulate cellular turnover and promote a more youthful complexion, which is ideal for aging skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen.

Are peptides or ceramides better?

“In comparing ceramides and peptides, it’s essential to recognize their distinct roles. Ceramides are lipid molecules that support the skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss, while peptides target specific skin concerns by boosting collagen production and enhancing skin texture. Both ceramides and peptides offer unique benefits and can complement each other in a comprehensive skincare regimen,” Dr. Shokeen adds.

Can you use peptides every day?

Since peptides are great for all skin types, it’s gentle enough to be used daily. “Peptides can be used daily in skincare routines, as they are generally well-tolerated and suitable for regular use. Consistent usage can provide cumulative benefits, such as improved skin firmness, reduced fine lines, and a more radiant complexion,” Dr. Shokeen explains. However, like most skin care ingredients you introduce into a routine, caution is always welcomed.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center and founder of AziMD Skincare.

Dr. Divya Shokeen is a board-certified dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose spoke to a dermatologist to find the best peptide moisturizers for healthy, smooth skin.

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