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Peptides are those clever little cell messengers we hear so much about in skincare, but do you know which ones to look for and why? As a journalist dedicated to exploring how to age well, look, and feel good for longer, I’ve dug deep to find the most evidenced peptides worth your attention. Today, I’ll share the standout peptides, the products they can be found in across various price ranges, my personal experience with them, and a key secret to success with these products.
While peptides have become mainstream in skincare, some experts argue that the research supporting them isn’t robust. Still, a few peer-reviewed studies exist in respected scientific journals. From my experience, after using them consistently for several years, I have noticed subtle but distinct improvements in my skin’s texture and overall health. A good peptide product should enhance skin hydration and slightly soften fine lines, although they are not miraculous treatments and can sometimes be overhyped.
Peptides are small chains of amino acids that signal the skin to perform specific actions, such as producing more collagen and elastin. Some aid in wound healing, skin regeneration, and moisture retention, but for visible effects, they must penetrate the dermis, where the cells responsible for collagen and elastin reside. Generally, lower molecular weight peptides (under 500 daltons) have better chances of penetrating the skin barrier.
Among the standout peptides are the pentapeptides, like Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4), which has shown the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating wrinkles in controlled environments. The Matrixyl family includes Matrixyl 3000, which combines two peptides—palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7—to address concerns such as uneven skin tone.
Another noteworthy peptide is Matrixyl Synthe 6 (palmitoyl tripeptide-38), which aims to stimulate the production of key skin components, including collagen and hyaluronic acid. Tetrapeptide-21 has also been clinically shown to enhance skin elasticity and smoothness. Copper peptides, particularly GHK-Cu, are well-known for improving skin quality based on various studies, including human trials.
Looking at brands that develop their own proprietary peptides, Number Seven, OneSkin, and Medik8 stand out. Number Seven’s Future Renew range features peptides created in collaboration with researchers, demonstrating improved skin elasticity in clinical trials. OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide focuses on targeting senescent cells, and their clinical trials show improvements in skin texture and function. Medik8’s Advanced MP peptide serum combines multiple effective peptides, including Matrixyl 3000 and copper peptides, and claims to reduce deep wrinkles after eight weeks of use.
In discussing product recommendations, for the high-end market, Medik8’s serum ranks highly along with Drunk Elephant’s Protini Power Peptide Resurfacing Serum. For mid-range options, consider the Remedy for Healthy Aging serum or Number Seven’s Future Renew formula. At the budget level, Geek and Gorgeous provides a great value peptide serum, and The Ordinary offers a more affordable alternative.
On the moisturizing side, Olay Regenerist stands out in the budget category due to its effective formulation with the original Matrixyl peptide. At the higher end, Allies of Skin and Calecim offer noteworthy options that leverage both peptides and other active ingredients.
Ultimately, the secret to success with peptide products lies in consistency. Each person’s skin reacts differently, so it’s important to find products that feel comfortable and don’t irritate your skin. Once you identify a suitable product that incorporates the right peptides, stick with it for a few months to truly see results.
I hope this overview offers helpful insights as you consider peptide-based skincare products. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for updates and product giveaways!
42 Comments
Hi
Is there research that recommends one brand over another depending on where u live?
I live in Miami, very hot, sunny and humid..
Also, if u get laser treatments, and use red light therapy..
Don’t also need this?
Wow, this is one of the best videos I've ever seen on peptides. Thank you so much! I have a number of peptide products in my repertoire, I think my favorite might be the timeless matrixyl synth 6. As far as copper peptides, I really love the one from Theramid. I would say it's mid-range for a good size with a really beautiful delivery system.
I love Remedy!
Getting peptides in Canada is a little sketchy. I think in a few years it will be easier and safer.
Great info as usual Clare. Thanks for de mystifying peptides. Glad you like Calecim as it kind of makes my very spendy spend justified if you like it!
🎉I'm looking forward to trying my Calecim MAC cream when it arrives.
Synthe' 6 is excellent! I use Timeless and this was off an on, depending on my budget. Well last year I had crow's feet at the top of my left cheek; the only new product I introduced, again, was Timeless Synthe' 6 – about six months later I woke and and noticed they were no longer present. No, I serious. I now also use NIOD fractioned eye contour and don't use it as much thinking that the copper peptide alone will handle this; I noticed more crows feet so I went back to applying the eye contour 1-2x/day every day and my synthe 6. I noticed a difference in less than a month. I am also applying almond or marula oil at night to the area – just started.
Can the Geek and gorgeous be used with tretoinoin?
where do you buy G&G?
Thanks for another great video, Clare. I just came back from South Korea and bought some of their latest skincare products containing PDRN or the DNA from salmon sperm. Can you do some research on the latest ingredients in Korean skincare and if they work? Would love to see a video on Korean skincare and their use of peptides. South Korea is known for their cutting edge skincare so I would like to see the science behind their products. Thank you!
Thanks great advice ❤😊
Thank you for this very informative upload. I'm tempted to try the one skin but I'm really enjoying the collagen bank by neutragenia and have had tremendous results but it's a lotion and one skin is also a lotion and my skin is oily so layering is a no go unless it is very very light.
I love NIP & FAB 2 per cent peptide finishing oil.
I am happy to find your Chanel! Would you review this device called NIRA pro + laser . have you used it? I see other YouTubers talk about seeing much improvements on their wrinkles, skin texture, etc etc. but price is pretty high so i am in search for honest reviews, before spending $699 plus tax. Thank you so much for such great videos! ❤
What is the difference between high end and low end with regard to ingredients – does high end have higher concentrations of them?
Why isn’t my previous comment showing up😢
What do you think of all the hoo-ha over the Korean brand No 9 serum which has 50 peptides. I wish there was a way to find the %age efficacy of each amount included (hint hint)
Thank you, Clare. This was very interesting and useful!
I think another reason so many of us love peptides is because they have an immediate ‘filling in’ effect, so it feels as if they’re working quickly. The trouble is this washes off when you cleanse! I’m less convinced by the messenger properties—at least for now—but monitoring the science with interest. Thanks for another great video!
I really like Maelove Peptide Squad😊
I have heard that GKHU (or whatever it’s called lol was very effective for firming skin
Great info.
Great video. Please could you review the Ordinary copper peptides?
Great topic, thx Clare! just wanted to clarify your mention of No7 around 14 min mark – Future Renew yes indeed is their most advanced proprietary peptide formula, while the Protect & Perfect you showed on screen was actually the day cream (although there is a serum as well) of their oldest original formula released in 2007. It contains matrixyl 3000 but they improved upon that significantly over the last two decades – so the next best to Future Renew is actually their Restore & Renew as it contains ceramides, cholesterol & matrixyl 3000 – a superior combo. 👌🏻
Thank you Clare! This really helps ‘clare-ify’ the benefits of peptides! Funny enough, I was just having my hair done when a woman sitting next to me said she had just seen me on your channel and recognized me from your interview. She is from Ireland! Amazing!!!
Your skin looks gorgeous!!!❤
I use Acure Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream that is supposed to be a “dupe” , ingredients wise, to the Drunk Elephant Protini Moisturizer. Acure is $26 CND whereas Drunk Elephant is $68CND. Both are 50ml.
Yes to peptides…No to growth factors because they can’t be trusted not to trigger something bigger and worse.
Can you please get Dr.Abs on your channel. Thank you.
WOW that was some 'deep dive'!!! I would have been completely tongue-tied 🤣 I have recently started using the G and G peptide serum and it is lovely and silky on the skin. I have been using One Skin for about 9months now, the body cream is excellent but I found the face cream pills on me, so I've started using the eye cream instead – i did email them to see if they were thinking of making a lighter/serum- formula, but they aren't at the moment, so I'll stick with the eye serum for the time being. Your skin looks incredible BTW – really healthy and smooth!! You are giving me 'skin envy'!!! Thanks for that Clare.
Great information Clare! And you look gorgeous
x
Have you tried No.9 NAD Bio Lifting Essence ??❤
Hello do you like the Good Molecules Peptide serum?
Thank you for the great content Claire, I too was disappointed that Medik8 didn't share their scientific study with you, would love to know the findings. I find one of the problems when any of us share that we 'like' a product, it's often because of how the formulation actually feels on our skin. And we all know, that doesn't mean much about how it's actually working. I also find that we end up comparing ingredient deck, size and price, but often don't share (or have access to) the actual strength of that active ingredient. For ex, I used Timeless Matrixyl 3000 and then upon further research I think I discovered that Depology (while a little more $) was a stronger amount. I tend to use many of Platinum skincare's actives and peptides because they are transparent with the actual %age in their products. A little can go a long way and even though more $, it lasts longer. I did buy Allies of Skin but I sometimes am skeptical about how they can fit SO many actives in one small container. Good review, clearly we all believe in the power of peptides!
Peptides won't lift sagging jowels and nasal folds. There is no magic cream that will reverse sagging face or make your face promote more collogen. Like the Older women you interviewed who is 75yrs young…. SCULPTRA. The proof is in the pudding. it works.
Maelove Peptide Squad: Features Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu), Matrixyl 3000, Argireline, and rice peptides. Along with niacinamide, panthenol, and red algae. And with allantoin, aloe, green tea, turmeric, madecassoside, and bisabolol.
Some of the references on medik8 which are numbered and refer to each claim don't match up, yet the company didn't reply to clarify.
Have you looked into peach and Lily’s copper peptides? It has about 12 peptides in the formulation
Amazing video thank you!!
thanks Clare and team, fantastic video, never heard of half of these things but then I am a bloke, (should probably look into it), well done Clare for getting your lips around all those long words (lots of info).
I had high hopes for OneSkin and purchased their eye and face cream. After 3 months of use and approx $200 I have seen no improvement. I saw far greater improvement in the $15 The Ordinary GF Serum.
Thankyou so much for this. I am a skincare finatic and see those products you mentioned come up over and over. Now i know which to pull the trigger on and get. I love the moisturizer from Allies and was impressed with Geek &gorgeous vitamin c so i may try their peptide. One skin eye cream has been on my wishlist since it launched!!!
❤ this video, very useful!
I like the way you answer everybody’s questions!😊