The Best Peptide Moisturizers for Glowy Skin

Last Updated: August 24, 2022

Our skin is one of the first things our bodies reflect our age as we continue to get older. Whether it’s our wrinkles, lack of firmness, or rough texture that let people on to our age—there’s a constant battle to delay such eventualities.

If you are like many people in the world looking to minimize the appearance of aging skin, continue reading to discover what viable solutions we have in store for you.

Before we go any further, we must broach the topic of peptides and their importance to skincare products thanks to their uncanny ability to firm, smooth and plump skin without the drawback of skin irritation.

It’s not uncommon for people to be clueless about the ingredients in their skincare products; however, it’s crucial to comprehend how peptides work to select the best peptide moisturizers for your skin.

What Are Peptides?

Peptides consist of short-chain amino acids, otherwise known as the building blocks of proteins such as keratin, elastin, collagen, etc. This substance is produced naturally by our skin, but as we age, the production of this substance decreases.

Types of Peptides

Within the skincare world, there is a point of concern when it comes to peptides and the different variations that it has. More specifically, each kind has its own unique function and level of efficacy.

It would be incorrect to lump them all together as if they serve the same functions. A technical explanation of polypeptides is needed to explain the nuances of peptide research.

Continue reading to learn about the most popular peptide ingredients on the skincare market today:

Pentapeptides

Pentapeptides, when used topically, were the first peptides to demonstrate skin-enhancing attributes. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 or matrixyl is a pentapeptide that is known to stimulate collagen. However, concerning this pentapeptide, more studies need to be conducted.

Hexapeptides

Maybe, you’re someone who keeps up with the latest beauty trends. If that’s the case, then perhaps you have that peptide creams are considered the new Botox.

Although this may be a bit of an exaggeration, there are still significant benefits to using a cream—it acts as a much milder version of Botox. Hexapeptides can thwart the release of neurotransmitters, preventing the muscles in your face from forming wrinkles.

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

If barrier support is paramount to your skincare routine, then Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is the peptide for you. This versatile peptide helps protect your skin from UV rays and their damaging effects while promoting hyaluronic acid and collagen production in your skin.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A known culprit for causing premature aging effects within the skin is inflammation. Researchers believe that Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 can possibly stimulate skin regeneration and reduce inflammation. If you have sensitive skin, this is an excellent option for you as well.

Copper Peptides

Copper peptides

are tripeptides naturally found in plasma. The thought is that they can increase firmness and skin elasticity and improve skin regeneration. Therefore, a copper peptide moisturizer is excellent for mature skin types.

Best Peptide Moisturizers

Here are the top peptide facial moisturizers for dry skin:

WINNER: Derma-E Advanced Peptides Moisturizer

The Derma-E Advanced Peptides Moisturizer is a revolutionary peptide cream that is effective for penetrating the skin for ultimate hydration and producing visible results for smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles while increasing skin firmness places Derma-E at the top of the list for best peptide restoration moisturizer.

Derma-E contains Argireline™ and Matrixyl™synthe’6™, two combination peptides that work wonderfully to tighten skin, boost collagen, and restore elasticity. This product features Pycnogenol™, a powerful antioxidant that also supports collage production. Lastly, get brighter, more radiant skin with the addition of green tea and vitamin C.

You’ll want to use Derma-E twice a day in the morning and the evening, each time after you’ve ready cleansed your face and neck. This formula works by drawing moisture into your skin, acting as a humectant while simultaneously offering a conditioning barrier.

Combat redness and promote cell turnover with vitamin A, making your skin look fresh and firm. If you’ve damaged your skin from dune closure, this product will calm, soothe, and restore your skin to optimal health.

Specs

Item Form: Cream

Skin Type: Facial Skin, Dry Skin

Size: 2 oz

Pros

It reduces fine lines and deep wrinkles
It smoothes and softens skin
It brightens dull skin
It calms skin that has been exposed to constant sunlight
It promotes cell turnover and collagen production
It improves skin’s elasticity

Cons

It is a small container
It can sometimes feel like it burns after you’ve exfoliated

RUNNER UP: Bliss Bright Idea Tri-Peptide Cream

Pesky dark circles and wrinkles around your eyes? Say hello to Bliss Bright Idea Tri-Peptide Eye Cream!

This formula, developed specifically to reduce signs of aging around the eyes, is both budget-friendly and effective. It contains multiple peptides, the least irritating form of clinical-grade vitamin C, plant extracts rich in antioxidants, and more.

You also get the refreshing properties of green tea and niacinamide for smoother skin. All of these ingredients work together to leave your eyes looking young again. If you want to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots while tightening the skin near your eyes, Bliss is the best option.

The tri-peptide combination works wonders to improve the elasticity around your eyes, make your skin feel soft and smooth, and boost collagen.

While it takes some time to see visible results, many people that used this product would recommend it to a friend for its hydrating and brightening properties. Wash your face before use, and apply a light layer underneath and around the eyes before bed and in the mornings.

Specs

Item Form: Cream

Skin Type: All

Size: 0.5 oz

Pros

It makes the eyes appear more refreshed
It brightens dark circles beneath the eyes
It reduces crow’s feet and other wrinkles near the eye area
It encourages collagen production and smoother skin
It provides an extra boost of moisture
Budget-friendly

Cons

Some people report that it takes too long to see results
The cream may take time to absorb into the skin

ALTERNATIVE: Naturopathica Argan & Peptide Wrinkle Cream

The Naturopathica Argan & Peptide cream is an organic day cream that’s perfect for vegans and others who want a product free of harmful ingredients. It includes peptides that lift and tighten the skin, while the argan oil provides moisture and softness, making the skin more supple.

An ancient herb, edelweiss, is also helpful to combat superoxides that cause lines and wrinkles. Naturopathica prides itself on using only the finest ingredients that won’t irritate your skin. The brand focuses on preventive skin care as opposed to treating symptoms. It smells great, is easy to apply, and effectively keeps signs of aging at bay.

The cream works well when applied correctly, after first cleansing the neck and face area, though you can use it on your whole body. Be sure to avoid getting this product into your eyes, as it can cause irritation. This creamy formula makes an instant difference in your moisture levels, and you can feel your skin tightening minutes after application.

Specs

Item Form: Cream

Skin Type: Normal and mature skin

Size: 0.5 and 1.7 oz

Pros

The cream does a wonderful job of keeping your skin hydrated from morning to night
It helps to tone skin
It firms the skin on your face and neck, making your skin look younger
It visibly reduces lines and deep wrinkles
It contains all-natural ingredients, perfect for vegans and vegetarians

Cons

The product may leave a film on your skin
The cream may start to clump if you touch your skin afterward

ALTERNATIVE: Purvigor Peptide Complex Cream and Serum

The Purvigor Peptide Complex Cream and Serum is unique and effective. It is free of parabens and mineral oil, ensuring you’re only giving your skin the best.

This combo cream is thick and luxurious, protecting your skin from the elements while stimulating collagen production. It contains hydrating and firming ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, and more.

A little goes a long way! You don’t have to worry about going through the product quickly even though it’s a small container because it’s potent enough to deliver results with minimal application twice a day. The peptides efficiently condition your skin and provide a lifting effect.

The Purvigor face and neck cream serum is valuable in your skincare routine because it attacks signs of aging from the inside out. It not only stimulates collagen and boosts activity it also repairs your skin. It softens crow’s feet, lines in your forehead, wrinkles around your mouth, and more. Your skin will retain more elasticity, be softer to the touch, and more even.

Specs

Item Form: Cream

Skin Type: Sensitive skin

Size: 1 oz

Pros

It is a lightweight formula that absorbs into the skin easily
The peptides boost your skin’s elasticity and collagen levels
It makes your skin feel softer and more firm
It drastically reduces fine lines, crow’s feet, and cheek wrinkles with sustained use
It moisturizes your skin
It evens your skin tone

Cons

Some customers say that it doesn’t make much of a difference in your skin’s appearance after three months

It clumps up after application

ALTERNATIVE: Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Moisturizer

Get ready to replace whatever moisturizer you’re currently using in exchange for the Ole Henriksen Peptide Moisturizer. It contains ceramides and peptides that plump the skin and add a layer of moisture that lasts all day. If you want to fortify your skin by using a product that has a Botox effect, Ole Henriksen is perfect for delivering clinical results for a fraction of the price.

This lightweight formula is gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and comes in recyclable packaging. Though it doesn’t feel heavy on your face, this product is thick and creamy and quickly absorbs into your skin.

Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer cream penetrates your skin, infuses moisture, and stimulates collagen to repair your skin. The ceramides and peptides work together to make your skin stronger, firmer, and more toned. The moisture barrier is excellent for keeping your skin intact against the elements and as you age.

Specs

Item Form: Cream

Skin Type: All

Size: 1.7 oz

Pros

It doesn’t contain any fragrances or colorants
It’s lightweight and keeps your skin moisturized from morning until night
It includes the right peptides that work to strengthen the skin
Your skin looks firmer and more youthful thanks to the all-natural ingredients
It’s a clinically-tested formula that doubles skins hydration levels instantly
It’s a thick and creamy moisturizer that spreads on easily

Cons

It’s expensive for a small container
The cream starts to feel sticky after you’ve been in the sun for awhile

How to Choose Peptide Products

Peptides are abundant on the market, so it can be tricky to choose the right supplements. Below you’ll find what to look for when shopping for peptides:

1. Pick the Correct Form

Choose a product such as a moisturizer or a serum that stays on the skin for a prolonged period. For example, choosing a cleaner will prove ineffective because it’ll just wash off. You want a moisturizer, not a moisturizing cleanser.

They serve different purposes. The moisturizer intends to keep your skin hydrated, which is the sole focus. Another product may moisturize your skin, but it could also do other things you don’t need if your goal is to reap the benefits of the best peptide moisturizer.

2. Skin Types

Knowing your skin is essential when using skin care products. It’s easy to get a product, and it seems like it’s not working, but in reality, it doesn’t work for you. If you have dry skin, focus on moisturizing products that add extra hydration layers and provide anti-aging benefits.

The best peptide moisturizer can do a bit of everything. If you have oily skin, avoid products that have a lot of extra added oils because you don’t need help in this department. You’ll want a product that creates balance instead.

The same goes for combo skin—it’s about paying attention to the labels and ensuring that you’ve grabbed a peptide moisturizer that will work with your skin type.

3. Other Ingredients

You’ll find that peptides work well when conjoined with other ingredients such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acids, niacinamide, and vitamin C.

On the other hand, using a peptide in conjunction with alpha hydroxy acid will cause the peptides to function poorly. Take a look at the ingredients because typically, a product with peptides near the top of the ingredient list is a good pick.

Benefits of Peptides

Usually, beauty companies develop products containing peptides for barrier support or mature skin. It will become quite evident why companies advertise them this way as soon as you begin using them. Remember that the benefits of a peptide product depend on the kind of creams or serums you use.

Supporting Collagen Production

Many peptides have been proven to improve collagen production. They do so by signaling to the skin cells to produce more keratin, elastin, and collagen.

Improving Skin Texture

Studies have found that it visibly improves the skin’s texture while lessening the visibility of wrinkles as a byproduct of improving your skin’s proteins.

There’s strong reason to believe that the peptide Argireline may reduce the formation of wrinkles by releasing neurotransmitters that serve to relax the face muscles. Additional research is needed to make these findings more conclusive.

Strengthening the Skin Barrier

Not only can peptides support skin proteins, but there are also specific kinds referred to as oligopeptides, which are capable of stimulating the production of hyaluronic acid and skin regeneration.

Additionally, this enhances the skin’s moisture barrier and helps block UV rays. When it comes to reducing skin inflammation, some peptides such as Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 have demonstrated the ability to reduce its effect.

Preventive Aging

Due to the litany of benefits that peptides possess, they all combine to help you at any point within your aging skin care journey.

Reduce Breakdown

Both vitro studies and clinical data suggest that particular peptides possess age-inhibiting properties; these peptides have enzymes in our connective tissues that break down elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, which is beneficial when signs of aging skin.

Precautions

Generally speaking, most people can tolerate peptides. However, if you have sensitive skin or have experienced side effects from peptide products, be sure to be cautious when using new peptides. Try testing it out on your forearm or outer cheek for a couple of weeks to ensure no adverse reactions before applying it more broadly.

Don’t forget to examine the complete list of ingredients to ensure that there aren’t other ingredients that may cause an adverse reaction to your skin—before using the product, perform a patch test. Of course, you pay special attention to if your skin is sensitive or if you have an inflammatory skin condition.

Ingredients to Avoid

Here are some common toxins found in peptide serums, boosters, eye creams, and moisturizers:

Fragrances

Take note that fragrance isn’t actually an ingredient. Instead, it can be a way that cosmetic companies can hide what’s in their products somewhat deceptively. Therefore be wary of products that contain fragrances and colorants also.

Harsh sulfates and phthalates: Although some sulfates are safe for your skin, both phthalates and sulfates may cause irritation. Phthalates have also been linked with hormonal and allergic reactions.

Chemical Preservatives

Chances are you’ve heard of parabens, a preservative agent one should avoid. Here are some other toxic preservatives to avoid: Benzyl Benzoate, Formaldehyde, Iodopropynyl, Butylcarbamate, and more.

Irritants (Hormonal)

Sometimes toxic ingredients can be hard to identify because they’re difficult to pronounce. Cyclotetrasiloxane and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate are prime examples of this. They are safety concerns concerning its ability to disrupt the endocrine system.

Chemical SPF: If you have a facial cream that contains SPF, examine the product to see if it has chemical filters such as Oxybenzone or Octinoxate. These ingredients can cause skin irritation and even hormone disruption. Try for a mineral filter such as Zinc Oxide.

Peptide Moisturizers FAQ

Below are the answers to the most commonly asked questions concerning peptide moisturizers:

1. Which peptide is best for skin?

Sermorelin is the most commonly used peptide for its anti-aging properties. This ingredient has been proven to produce tighter and firmer skin.

2. Is a peptide moisturizer good?

Peptides are excellent for producing collagen; this in and of itself makes your skin glow and appear more youthful. Many peptide brands have created effective creams to combat signs of aging.

3. Why can’t you use vitamin C and peptides together?

You should not mix vitamin C with peptides because acids have a low pH, which, in turn, can break down the peptides causing them to be considerably less effective.

4. Which is better, retinol or peptides?

When compared to peptides, retinol is the stronger of the two ingredients. They both cause cellular turnover; however, they perform it differently. If you’re looking for skin hydration, peptides will be the better choice, as retinol can cause irritation and dryness sometimes.

Conclusion

Remember that a peptide is merely an amino acid that serves as the building block for specific proteins that the skin needs, such as elastin and collagen. Utilizing a moisturizer or a serum with peptides is a great way to get youthful and firmer-looking skin with fewer breakouts.

In general, peptides are considered safe, and even though it’s a trusted skincare product, additional research is necessary concerning their efficacy. However, these are the best peptide-rich moisturizers if your skin needs moisturization.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326701

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492182/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24754410/

https://thedermreview.com/palmitoyl-oligopeptide/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8400021/

https://www.healthline.com/health/copper-peptides

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/19/9/513/pdf

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01032031

About the author

Jason Hughes

"Hey there, I'm Jason, and you've just landed on the most exhilarating spot on the web - my VL universe! Here's the deal: I'm wildly obsessed (in the best way possible!) with all things diet, strength training, fitness, health, and wellness. It's not just a passion; it's a lifestyle!

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