10 Best Peptide Creams UK 2024 | Drunk Elephant, Olay Regenerist, and More
One of the biggest buzzwords in the beauty industry is peptides. Hailed as the must-have ingredient in anti-ageing skincare, peptides reduce wrinkles, create a smooth surface and hydrate the skin. But when it comes to reading the back of bottles, it can be difficult to know what you should actually be looking for, so we’ve created this guide to help you out.
Read on to find out how to choose a peptide cream that’s right for you, then browse the list of our top ten recommended products. We’ve included all types of creams from day and night creams to eye and face creams. We’ve also checked the reviews and ingredients from top brands like Drunk Elephant, Skinceuticals and Olay which you can easily purchase online from Amazon, Boots or John Lewis. Let's get stuck in!
Quick List - Top Peptide Creams
Evolve Organic
Brimming With Superfoods and High-Tech Green Ingredients to Support Graceful Ageing
Beverly Hills
Combat Those Deep-Set Wrinkles Once and for All
Dermalogica
Minimise Puffiness and Fine Lines With This Caffeine Infused Tetrapeptide Eye Cream
Felipe Partarrieu is a dermatologist, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- With Specialist Consultation From Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu
- How to Choose a Peptide Cream in the UK
- Check Out the Different Types and Go For the One That Will Produce the Best Results for Your Skin1
- Consider a Leave-in Cream to Give the Peptides Time To Sink In2
- Check if the Peptides Are Listed Near the Top Of the Ingredients List to Ensure the Product Has a Good Amount of It3
- Be On the Look Out for Other Beneficial Ingredients Alongside the Peptides Such as Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid4
- The Benefits of Peptides
With Specialist Consultation From Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu
Felipe Partarrieu is a final year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.
How to Choose a Peptide Cream in the UK
- Examine the Various Types and Choose One That Will Give the Best Results for Your Skin
- Consider Using a Leave-in Cream to Allow the Peptides to Absorb
- Ensure That Peptides Are Listed Near the Top of the Ingredients List to Ascertain That It Contains an Appropriate Amount
- Keep an Eye Out for Additional Beneficial Ingredients Such as Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
Check Out the Different Types and Go For the One That Will Produce the Best Results for Your Skin
Pick Signal Peptides Like Hexapeptide-11 or Pentamide-6 to Promote the Development of Collagen, Elastin and Other Proteins
Signal peptides send signals to skin cells, stimulating and increasing the development of Collagen and Elastin. This moisturises and supports the skin whilst keeping it firm and supple.
Some commonly used signal peptides to look out for are Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Lipospondin, Hexapeptide-11 or Pentamide-6, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, PKEK, GEKG, SA1-III, Carnosine and N-acetylcarnosine and Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2.
To prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles in the first place, never skip putting on sunscreen before going out of the house! Browse our favourites here.
Signal peptides, also known as palmitoyl pentapeptides, trigger a signalling cascade and stimulate fibroblast collagen production, the proliferation of elastin, fibronectin, laminin, etc.
When applied topically to the skin, these substances act as little messengers, triggering skin cells to perform specific functions such as building collagen and elastin. These proteins are the foundations of your skin and are responsible for its texture, strength and resilience, making the skin look and act younger.
Opt For Carrier Peptides Such as Copper Tripeptide-1 and Manganese Tripeptide-1 to Fix Damage and Improve Skin Texture
Carrier peptides move elements such as copper and manganese around the body to heal wounds. This promotes collagen synthesis, which improves the texture of the skin and minimises the appearance of wrinkles. Copper Tripeptide-1 and Manganese Tripeptide-1 are the main ones to look out for.
Carrier peptides deliver trace minerals to the skin to boost collagen. A lot of attention has been recently drawn by copper peptides, as they help activate wound healing pathways which, in turn, stimulates collagen production.
Copper is an essential cofactor of an enzyme over the formation of collagen or elastin, and it reduces the activity of MMPs (Matrix metalloproteases) and collagenase, preventing premature skin ageing. There's also evidence that copper peptides have an antioxidant effect, meaning they may help squash skin-damaging free radicals.
Look Out for Neurotransmitter Peptides Like Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 and Pentapeptide-3 to Smooth Wrinkles
Neurotransmitter peptides are one of the most popular ingredients in skincare as they act similarly to Botox. By relaxing the contraction of the muscles used in facial expressions, they can effectively reduce wrinkles like crow’s feet and laughter lines. Neurotransmitter peptides to look out for include Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Pentapeptide-3, Pentapeptide-18, Tripeptide-3 and Acetyl Octapeptide-1/-3.
Neurotransmitter peptides, such as acetyl hexapeptide, block the release of certain chemical messengers which help contract muscles, therefore producing a muscle relaxing effect that theoretically mimics that of botulinum toxin (botox).
However, this effect is temporary and cannot be compared to that of Botox as these peptides are not proven to reach the deepest layers of the skin and muscle, where the neurochemical reaction that relaxes muscles takes place.
To Slow Down the Natural Breakdown of Collagen, Keep an Eye on Enzyme-Inhibiting Peptides Such as Soy Oligopeptides
These types of peptides work by blocking the enzymes that naturally break down Collagen and other structural proteins. This essentially slows down the process that decreases elasticity in the skin.
By inhibiting and taking control of enzymes such as tyrosinase, which is responsible for skin darkening, these peptides stop that process from happening. The main enzyme-inhibiting peptides to look out for are Soy Oligopeptides, Silk Fibroin Peptides and Rice Peptides.
Enzyme inhibitor peptides directly or indirectly inhibit enzymes. Soy oligopeptides, silk fibroin peptides, and rice peptides act on the skin cells and, via different pathways, stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid and reduce the speed of collagen breakdown.
This category of peptides shows promising results, however only very few or no in vivo studies have been conducted. Hence, their relevance is still unclear.
Consider a Leave-in Cream to Give the Peptides Time To Sink In
Peptides can be found in all sorts of products, from moisturisers to cleansers to serums. But for peptides to have the most effect, they need to be allowed adequate time to sink in.
For instance, cleansers need to be washed off, so in this case, peptides won’t have enough time to really get to work. On the other hand, an eye cream, neck cream or moisturiser will be soaking in throughout the day, allowing you to reap the biggest benefits from this star ingredient.
In need of a boost of hydration for your skin? Here are the best hyaluronic acid serums that you'll want to have in your skincare routine.
If you are new to peptides, it's better to invest money in a leave-on product such as a cream or serum that will give enough time for the peptides. A cleanser with peptides might offer some benefit, but the little contact time with the skin may mean it has little effect.
Check if the Peptides Are Listed Near the Top Of the Ingredients List to Ensure the Product Has a Good Amount of It
Did you know that the ingredients on a product label are listed in a particular order? Each ingredient is organised in descending order based on the amount contained in the product.
This means that the last ingredients on the list usually signify that there are only tiny amounts or traces in the product. So when shopping for a peptide cream, you not only need to check what ingredients are in the product, you also need to evaluate where they sit on the list - the higher, the better!
With so many different peptide-enriched products on the market, potential users should pay particular attention to formulations. Peptides are often one of many key ingredients in an anti-ageing product, but sometimes in negligible amounts.
By law, the ingredients have to be listed in descending order according to their concentration (if it's less than 1%, the order is random). Therefore, try to stick to formulations that don't list peptides last on the list.
Be On the Look Out for Other Beneficial Ingredients Alongside the Peptides Such as Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
Whilst peptides do an excellent job on their own, they really shine when used alongside other active ingredients. For example, Vitamin C protects the skin from environmental aggressors which break down proteins like Collagen and Elastin. But using Vitamin C and Peptides together is where the magic happens! Essentially the Vitamin C defends the cellular structures that the Peptides are creating.
Whilst shopping for Peptide creams, look out for other ingredients like Niacinamide, Antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid. Also, keep your eyes peeled for Alpha Hydroxy Acid as this will decrease the effectiveness of Peptides!
Strengthen your skin barrier with our selection of probiotic skincare products.
While it’s clear that peptides are special and should be part of a good skincare routine, as an isolated ingredient they are not enough. Skincare products you invest in should also contain other effective ingredients such as antioxidants, moisturisers and skin-repairing ingredients.
The choice of other ingredients should be guided by your main goal. For example, if you look for smoother, softer, and more hydrated-looking skin, you will need to use a formulation that, besides peptides, includes Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid.
10 Peptide Creams in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | HSBCC Neck Firming Cream | | The Vitamin E Rich Neck Moisturiser With The Highest Amount of Peptides | |
2 | Evolve Organic Multi Peptide 360 Moisture Cream｜60 ml | | Brimming With Superfoods and High-Tech Green Ingredients to Support Graceful Ageing | |
3 | Beverly Hills D-Wrinkle Fast Acting Multi Peptide Cream | | Combat Those Deep-Set Wrinkles Once and for All | |
4 | Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel｜15 ml | | Minimise Puffiness and Fine Lines With This Caffeine Infused Tetrapeptide Eye Cream | |
5 | Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream | | A Cocktail of Peptides To Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines With Lactic Acid | |
6 | YEOUTH Day/Night Cream | | Carrier and Signal Peptide Moisturiser Including Snail Extract | |
7 | SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex | | Reduce Dark Circles, Laughter Lines and Crow's Feet | |
8 | Olay Regenerist Overnight Miracle Firming Mask | | A Mask To Smooth Wrinkles & Lighten Dark Spots | |
9 | EltaMD Skincare PM Therapy Facial Moisturiser | | Increase Elasticity With This Strengthening Night Cream | |
10 | Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Cream | | A Moisturiser That Plumps and Protects With Signal Peptide |
The Vitamin E Rich Neck Moisturiser With The Highest Amount of Peptides
Now we come to our number one recommended peptide cream - the Neck Firming Cream from HSBCC. It’s the number one bestseller on Amazon with hundreds of stellar reviews that confirm it not only does wonders for your neck but also works well for the face.
The formula contains four of the most beneficial peptides, including Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester and Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2. These are the first ingredients on the list, meaning this contains the highest peptide count of all of our recommended products. Give it a go - we’re sure you’ll see a difference in no time.
Evolve OrganicMulti Peptide 360 Moisture Cream ｜ 60 ml
Brimming With Superfoods and High-Tech Green Ingredients to Support Graceful Ageing
The natural Inchi Peptides in this cream have been clinically proven to increase facial firmness, decrease wrinkle volume, and smooth the skin while reconstructing the dermal layer. Meanwhile, Cupuacu butter is a nourishing butter that helps to support collagen production to boost elasticity, which is essential for younger, supple skin.
Cacay oil further supports the skin barrier while locking moisture. As for calming and hydrating benefits, the inclusion of prickly pear has been shown to do just that, due to its high content of water binding compounds.
Beverly HillsD-Wrinkle Fast Acting Multi Peptide Cream
Combat Those Deep-Set Wrinkles Once and for All
This Deep Wrinkle Treatment from Beverly Hills is an excellent choice if you want something with a bit more bite! As well as the all-important peptides, the product also contains Hyaluronic Acid to boost hydration and increase moisture levels in the skin.
It contains a range of peptides, including Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, Myristoyl Octapeptide-1 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-3. These are all very high on the ingredients list, meaning this product should provide you with the adequate peptides you need to combat those wrinkles once and for all!
Minimise Puffiness and Fine Lines With This Caffeine Infused Tetrapeptide Eye Cream
This eye cream from Dermalogica is great for helping you achieve a radiant, youthful complexion. With a potent blend of Tetrapeptides and the addition of caffeine, together with calming Rosemary Leaf Extract helps to minimise the appearance of puffiness and fine lines.
The cream aims to firm, hydrate and smooth out the creases around the eyes for a more fresh, awakened look. Alongside this, succinic acid promotes radiance, while subterranea seed extract refines for more luminous results.
A Cocktail of Peptides To Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines With Lactic Acid
Fast becoming a cult favourite brand in the skincare community, this is the wonder product from Drunk Elephant - The Protini Polypeptide Cream. It might not be as well known as some of the products featured at the top of our list, but it’s definitely worth the investment.
The formula contains a whole cocktail of signal peptides - 9, to be exact - as well as Lactic Acid and Stem Cell Extract. If that’s not a winning anti-ageing combination, then we don’t know what is! The cream is also completely free of fragrances, silicones and essential oils, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
Carrier and Signal Peptide Moisturiser Including Snail Extract
Next up, we have the Day/Night Cream from YEOUTH. This formula contains an excellent blend of ingredients, including two different types of peptides - Palmitoyl tripeptide-38 and Copper tripeptide-1, perfect for combating crows feet.
The formula also includes Snail Extract, Hyaluronic Acid and Green Tea, which together make an excellent cocktail for reducing signs of ageing around the face and eyes. The downside? Most of the star ingredients are pretty far down on the list, and the cream has been found to feel a little basic considering the cost.
Reduce Dark Circles, Laughter Lines and Crow's Feet
When it comes to wrinkles and fine lines, the eyes are one of our biggest problem areas. Crows feet, laughter lines and deep-set under eye wrinkles often require a specialised product. For a peptide eye fix, try Skinceuticals A.G.E Eye Cream. Not only does it reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but it also promises to mask dark circles should you suffer from that problem too.
This product is suitable for all skin types and contains 3 different types of peptides - Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Oligopeptide. The only issue is, these peptides are listed quite near the bottom of the ingredients list, so there might only be small amounts in each formula.
A Mask To Smooth Wrinkles & Lighten Dark Spots
The Regenerist Overnight Miracle Firming Mask from Olay has excellent reviews on Amazon, with many happy customers boasting that it leaves your skin feeling as smooth as silk. Containing a host of anti-ageing ingredients and antioxidants, it is an excellent buy if you’re looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The formula includes niacinamide which can smooth lines and lightens ageing spots. But what we’re really here for is the peptides. Unfortunately, this moisturiser only contains one - Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 - but this peptide alone includes 5 amino acids, and has been shown to significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Increase Elasticity With This Strengthening Night Cream
This paraben-free moisturiser from EltaMD is an excellent choice if you're looking to increase skin elasticity on the face and around the eyes. It strengthens the skin’s barriers, improves tone and colour and speeds up cell regeneration throughout the night.
However, the only form of peptide included is Hydrolysed Rice Peptide, and whilst it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, you would expect a wider range of peptides to be included for the price and for it to be higher up the ingredients list. That said, it does have some excellent bonus ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
A Moisturiser That Plumps and Protects With Signal Peptide
We’re kicking off our countdown with the Liftactiv Peptide-C Cream from Vichy. The star ingredient here is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, which helps stimulate tissue regeneration and restore support for the skin. As well as peptides, the Liftactiv cream also contains Dimethicone which acts as a protective barrier, fills in fine lines and improves overall texture.
Whilst this cream does give a visible plumper look, it’s only temporary, so acts as more of a mask rather than sorting out the problem for good. Although it is labelled as suitable for all skin types, those with an especially dehydrated complexions might not find it moisturising enough and the peptide sits fairly low down on the ingredients list too.
The Benefits of Peptides
Peptides have been praised by dermatologists as a hero ingredient for anti-ageing skincare. Essentially, peptides are amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins in our skin such as collagen and elastin fibres. They create a plump complexion, firmness in the skin and increase elasticity, making them excellent for anti-wrinkle creams.
When these peptides are applied to the skin, they essentially boost the natural collagen and elastin process. As you’ll see below, there is a whole range of peptides that can do wonders to improve your complexion. The key to reaping the full benefits is to choose the right ones for your skin type. That said, the term ‘the more, the merrier’ certainly does apply here too.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin and keratin. Peptides are interesting cosmetic ingredients with a variety of functions such as reducing premature skin ageing, improving the barrier function of skin, moisturising, protection from UV damage, and anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate acne and irritation.
Written and researched by Roxy Pratley
Top 5 Peptide Creams
No. 1: HSBCC｜Neck Firming Cream
No. 2: Evolve Organic｜Multi Peptide 360 Moisture Cream｜60 ml
No. 3: Beverly Hills｜D-Wrinkle Fast Acting Multi Peptide Cream
No. 4: Dermalogica｜Awaken Peptide Eye Gel｜15 ml
No. 5: Drunk Elephant｜Protini Polypeptide Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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