Peptides in Skin Care: What They Do and the Best Products to Try

Experts weigh in on what the buzzy skin care ingredient does for your skin and how it compares to retinoids.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Retinoids have long been popular for their ability to both speed up skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, contributing to firmer, smoother skin over time. But they can come with some uncomfortable drawbacks, including dryness and flakiness, especially for those with sensitive skin. One alternative that doctors recommend is peptides. Not only are they generally gentle, but they can also offer a wide variety of benefits for your skin. Depending on the type of peptide(s) in your skin care, they can help smooth fine lines, soften wrinkles and even improve skin barrier function without the drawbacks that come with other ingredients, such as retinoids.

Why it matters

To help you choose the right products with peptides, we spoke to three board-certified dermatologists about what to look for in a formula and who should be using them.

The details

Peptides are naturally found within skin. For context: Amino acids are the building blocks in the body. A chain of amino acids is a peptide, and a chain of peptides forms a protein, according to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gloria Lin. Peptides are involved in many different functions in skin, including stimulating tissue production and supporting wound healing, according to Lin. The best peptide products can address various skin concerns and fit into different steps of your skin care routine, depending on the formulation and exact type of peptides. Here's what to consider when you're shopping: Types of peptides: Manufacturers use four types of peptides in skin care, and they work in different ways within skin to carry out different functions (like relaxing muscles and encouraging collagen production). Other ingredients: Peptides pair well with hydrating ingredients, antioxidants and retinoids. These can complement their benefits. Product category: You can find peptides in cleansers and masks, but they're most effective in formulas that remain on your skin, such as face serums and moisturizers.

  • The article was published on February 9, 2026.

The players

Dr. Gloria Lin

A board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

Dr. Lauren Fine

A board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, IL.

Dr. Danilo Del Campo

A board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, IL.

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What they’re saying

“Peptides are naturally found within skin. For context: Amino acids are the building blocks in the body. A chain of amino acids is a peptide, and a chain of peptides forms a protein.”

— Dr. Gloria Lin, Board-certified dermatologist (nbcnews.com)

“Peptides are involved in many different functions in skin, including stimulating tissue production and supporting wound healing.”

— Dr. Gloria Lin, Board-certified dermatologist (nbcnews.com)

The takeaway

Peptides are a promising alternative to retinoids, offering similar benefits like boosting collagen production and smoothing fine lines, but with a gentler approach that may be better suited for those with dry or sensitive skin. While more research is still needed on certain types of peptides, incorporating them into your skincare routine alongside other proven ingredients like antioxidants and hydrators can help address a variety of skin concerns.