10 of the best peptide serums you can add to your skincare routine
Rachael Martin
Beauty & Skincare
Reading time: 4 minutes
Peptide power, anyone? We’ve found the best peptide serums that give serious results
Peptides are having a moment. And with studies suggesting they have the power to help improve the appearance of skin’s texture, tone, elasticity and firmness, is it any wonder they’re generating such a buzz?
They can be found in a variety of different skincare products, ranging from moisturisers to eye creams. However, for a more potent dose, try adding a peptide serum into your routine. Here, we shine a spotlight on the best peptide serums you can get at Boots, from budget-friendly picks to those brimming with multi-peptide tech.
But first, let’s embark on a whistle-stop recap on the answers to some of the most Googled questions on peptides. If you fancy a deep dive, then check out our peptides 101 guide for the full scoop on what they are and how they can help bring you a step closer to complexion perfection.
What are peptides?
Peptides are crucial for the function and appearance of the skin, but what exactly are they?
“Peptides are chains of amino acids that serve as the building blocks for proteins (such as collagen, elastin and keratin), which are responsible for skin health,” says Dr Sonia Khorana, a GP with a special interest in dermatology.
These proteins can help skin appear smoother, firmer and more supple, which is why we’re seeing them pop up in a bevy of new products.
How can peptides benefit your skin?
There are four main types of peptides used in skincare to help reduce the signs of premature ageing: signal peptides, carrier peptides, enzyme inhibitor peptides and neurotransmitter peptides.
Copper peptides in particular (a type of carrier peptide) are receiving particularly high praise right now.
While there’s more research to be done, several studies suggest that certain types may help increase blood circulation to the skin (including on your scalp) and may even help improve the appearance of hair thickness. The benefits keep growing.
How do I use a peptide serum?
Most dermatologists advise applying serums after cleansing, but before moisturising.
“For maximum effectiveness, peptide serums should be applied during both morning and night-time skincare routines,” explains Dr Ellie Bradley, No7 Science credentialing manager.
Find more top application tips (and how to find a product to match your needs) in our 101 guide to face serums.
10 of the best peptide serums available at Boots
Feeling inspired? From eye to face and hair serums, here are ten of our favourite peptide serums suited to all budgets to add to your routine.
Best all-rounder
Try: No7 Future Renew Serum
• Size: 50ml
If you’re a lover of skincare layering, then look out for lightweight formulas like this restorative serum. Combining hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide, it targets everything from fine lines to wrinkles, uneven skin tone and dry skin to help boost overall texture and luminosity.
Best peptide serum for eyes
Try: StriVectin Tighten & Lift Peptight 360° Tightening Eye Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Fragrance-free
• Cruelty-free
Tired-looking peepers? Look no further than this non-sticky eye serum from StriVectin that helps depuff in an instant, thanks to its cooling applicator. Simply apply around the eye contour and let the infusion of peptides, caffeine and microalgae extract help fade away signs of fatigue.
Best peptide & ceramide serum
Try: No7 Advanced Ingredients Ceramide and Peptides Facial Capsules
• Size: 30 capsules
Oh hey, wonder capsules. Simply open one up to reveal the perfect dose of serum. We’re obsessed with the formulation of soothing ceramides and plumping peptides that work to help skin look smoother and feel more supple.
Best peptide serum for hair
Try: Grow Gorgeous Intense Hair Growth Serum
• Size: 60ml
• Vegan*
• Silicone-free
• Cruelty-free
For some root stimulation, apply this serum directly onto the scalp and hairline – around 20 drops should do it. Massage well and smooth any excess over lengths and leave to work its magic overnight.
Best hyaluronic acid & peptide serum
Try: Wishful Thirst Trap Juice
• Size: 30 ml
Great name, great formula. Think hyaluronic acid for help plumping up your skin’s appearance, as well as aloe vera, a well-known skin soother. Don’t forget to sweep down to the neck and chest area for further skincare benefits.
Best affordable peptide serum for hair
Try: THE INKEY LIST™ Peptide Volumizing Hair Treatment
• Size: 100ml
• Silicone-free
• Vegan*
• Cruelty-free
Help hair feel fuller with a peptide hair serum. This treatment from THE INKEY LIST™ is incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for the finest of strands. Use once or twice a week to give limp-looking hair a boost.
Best multi-peptide serum
Try: Origins Plantscription Multi-Powered Youth Face Serum
• Size: 50ml
• Vegan*
Bursting with active ingredients (we’re talking peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid), this rejuvenating face serum fuels hydration and leaves behind a bright, beautiful and plumper-looking complexion. Count us in.
Best skin-firming peptide eye serum
Try: Wishful Eye Lift & Contour 1% Bakuchiol & Peptide Serum
• Size: 12.8ml
• Fragrance-free
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Vegan*
If you’re on the hunt for a new eye cream but you aren’t sure where to start, then this lightweight number could be just the ticket. It’s incredibly hydrating and helps soothe and depuff the delicate eye area thanks to an expert cocktail of bakuchiol (a great retinol alternative) and peptides.
Best luxury peptide serum for mature skin
Try: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum 2.0
• Size: 50 ml
A big beauty investment, but the reviews don’t lie. A peptide blend, vitamins C and E and more helps firm, soothe and calm. Just pump a few drops onto your palm, then massage into the skin to see the appearance of your skin’s texture improve.
Best copper peptide serum for face
Try: The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
• Size: 30ml
• Vegan*
• Cruelty-free
An affordable copper peptide serum for the face, this concoction has won an army of fans thanks to its skin-enhancing formula. Copper peptides and hyaluronic acid combine to help improve the appearance of skin’s elasticity and smoothness.
Want more peptide action? Us too. Find more great options in our full skincare range.
*Contains no animal derived ingredients or by-products.
