What You Need to Know About Peptide Skincare in 2026
In 2025 peptides have been widely considered one of the top skincare ingredients.
Peptides can take on many different roles in skincare, depending on the formulation. Peptides in skincare can treat lines and wrinkles, skin laxity, pigmentation, acne, and sensitivity. Essentially, any process of concern in the skin is likely to be improved by using appropriate targeted peptides.
Below Aesthetic Doctor, Dr Lauren Jamieson explains what peptides are, and we’ve listed our top peptide skincare selections so you can bring the peptide benefits into the new year!
What are peptides in skincare?
Dr Lauren Jamieson says, “Peptides are short strands of 2-100 amino acids – essentially fragments of proteins – which can act as cell signallers, changing cellular behaviour by influencing gene expression. Amino acids act as the building blocks of (many essential) proteins, and peptides string them together to target specific cell processes that affect the skin. This stimulates pathways to treat the source of ageing and other problems in the skin, not just the symptoms, meaning they are a powerful tool for anti-ageing.”
Signal peptides = collagen boosters
“Signal peptides act like a reminder system for the skin.” Dr Lauren says. “They help encourage fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, supporting the skin’s structure from within, to keep skin firm, and resilient.”
Carrier peptides = repair aids
“Think of carrier peptides as the support crew.” Dr Lauren explains, “They deliver essential trace elements that help skin rebuild its strength and collagen stores. Copper Tripeptide-1, for example, is a gold standard variety, it helps accelerate recovery, reinforce the barrier and boost the skin’s ability to repair itself.”
Enzyme-inhibitor peptides = firmness preservationists
“When you’re trying to maintain firmness, it’s not just about creating more collagen – it’s about defending it. Enzyme-inhibitor peptides help slow down the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin, which means your skin’s scaffolding stays intact for longer.” Dr Lauren tells us.
Neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides = movement moderators
Dr Lauren says, “You know those fine lines that come from years of laughing, frowning, talking and generally living life? Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides are dubbed ‘Botox in a bottle’, as they can help take the edge off. These peptides don’t freeze the face, but they can help reduce the intensity of movement, which over time can make expression lines look less pronounced.”
Dermaroller Lipopeptide with Vitamin A, £28 dermaroller-uk.com
This Lipopeptide with Vitamin A night cream was expertly formulated to rejuvenate the skin during your sleep. Its blend of potent peptides and vitamin A can reduce wrinkles and enhance skin smoothness for a more youthful look. By promoting natural skin regeneration, these powerful ingredients work wonders overnight.
VOL.U.LIFT, £105 volulift.co.uk/
Loss of volume, dehydration, lines and tone and texture decline are common facial side effects of GLP-1 use, and skin ageing. VOL.U.LIFT targets these specific concerns with its multidimensional formula which works in 4D to improve appearance of facial skin. Collagen-Boosting Peptides, Amino acids, XOSM (TM) Technology, next generation hyaluronic acid, plant collagen fragments, bakuchiol and kangaroo paw extract combine to significantly improve skin firmness, elasticity and hydration.
Hydropeptide LumaPro-C Serum, £127 hydropeptide.co.uk
Infused with a highly-stable form of vitamin C and resurfacing peptides, this lightweight antioxidant serum diminishes the appearance of existing hyperpigmentation and enhances overall skin brightness. Resurfacing peptides will enhance your skin’s texture, while brightening resveratrol provides a rich source of polyphenols to nourish and protect. Antioxidant rich daisy flower, ginger root and pine extracts reduce the appearance of pigmentation and redness while improving your skin’s natural radiance. You’ll love your skin’s improved texture and refinement.
The Skin Diary Night Repair Therapy, £135 theskindiary.com
Night Repair Therapy protects, rebuilds, and restores your skin’s structure in 3 ways:
- Protect: First by protecting your skin’s healthy cells. Bilberry acts as a potent inhibitor of hyaluronidase, collagenase and elastase, which causes tissue degradation. While lycopene obtained from bio liquified organic tomato skin protects from UV-induced, photo-oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Renew: The second reparative phase uses retinyl-ester and cell-communicating peptides to rebuild the cellular structure. The synergy of protective and reparative actives allows Night Repair Therapy to trigger collagen and elastin repair and deliver unparalleled results.
- Restore: Night Repair Therapy is formulated to restore with carefully selected delivery mechanisms of fatty acids and humectants, Night Repair Therapy has been designed to mimic the skin’s natural oils optimising active ingredient absorption, skin moisture levels and skin barrier function.
ZO Skin Health Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate, £252 facethefuture.co.uk
This concentrated anti-ageing serum is expertly formulated to target visible expression and static wrinkles while restoring the appearance of lost volume. Designed for those seeking smoother, fuller-looking skin, it helps refine texture and enhance firmness, leaving the complexion visibly lifted and balanced. Powered by a unique peptide blend, this clinically shown formula works to improve the look of facial contours and support the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, helping to boost hydration and volume. With consistent use, skin appears smoother, plumper, and more youthful in tone and texture, while a ZO exclusive complex helps to reduce visible redness and strengthen the skin barrier for a calm, resilient finish.
Don’t forget the eyes!
Hydropeptide PolyPeptide Collagel Eye, £45 hydropeptide.co.uk
Infused with caviar extract and collagen-supporting peptides, these calming eye masks diminish fine lines and instantly awaken tired eyes. Hydrogel technology locks in moisture whilst instantly cooling and soothing inflammation to reduce the appearance of puffiness.
Hydropeptide Eye Authority Peptide Eye Cream, £71 hydropeptide.co.uk
This lightweight anti-ageing eye cream is clinically proven to improve the appearance of ageing around the delicate eye area in 2 weeks. Infused with firming and brightening peptides to soften the appearance of crows feet and deeper wrinkles, as well as luminosity boosting pearl powder to instantly brighten and reduce dark circles.
