If you've been paying attention to skincare trends this year, you've almost certainly come across peptides. Searches for peptide skincare have surged by over 240% in 2026 alone, making them the single most searched skincare ingredient on Google — ahead of hyaluronic acid and even retinol.
But what exactly are peptides, why are they generating so much buzz, and how do you choose the right peptide product for your skin? In this clinician-reviewed guide, we cut through the noise and explain everything you need to know — plus our picks from the medical-grade brands we stock.
What Are Peptides and Why Does Your Skin Need Them?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin. Think of them as tiny messengers that tell your skin cells what to do. When applied topically, peptides can signal your skin to produce more collagen, repair damage, and strengthen its natural barrier.
Here's why that matters: from your mid-twenties onwards, your body produces roughly 1% less collagen each year. By the time you reach 50, you've lost nearly a quarter of your skin's collagen. The result? Fine lines, sagging, thinning skin, and a loss of that firm, bouncy texture. Peptides help counteract this decline by kickstarting your skin's own repair mechanisms.
Unlike some active ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin, peptides are generally well-tolerated by all skin types — including rosacea-prone and reactive skin — making them one of the most versatile anti-ageing ingredients available.
The Three Types of Peptides in Skincare
Not all peptides do the same thing. Understanding the three main categories helps you choose products that target your specific concerns:
Signal Peptides
These are the collagen boosters. Signal peptides tell your fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin) to ramp up production. They're the most common type found in anti-ageing serums and are clinically proven to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time. Look for ingredients like palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, and hexapeptide-11 on product labels.
Carrier Peptides
Carrier peptides deliver essential trace minerals — particularly copper — directly to your skin cells. Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) are the breakout star of 2026, with search interest up over 300% year-on-year. Research shows copper peptides support wound healing, stimulate collagen synthesis, and have potent antioxidant properties. They're particularly beneficial for post-procedure recovery and mature skin that needs deeper repair.
Enzyme-Inhibiting Peptides
Rather than building new collagen, these peptides protect the collagen you already have by blocking the enzymes (like matrix metalloproteinases) that break it down. This "defend what you've got" approach works brilliantly alongside signal peptides for a comprehensive anti-ageing strategy.
What Can Peptides Actually Do for Your Skin?
The clinical evidence for topical peptides is strong and growing. Here's what you can realistically expect:
- Firmer, more resilient skin — by boosting collagen and elastin production
- Smoother fine lines and wrinkles — particularly expression lines around the eyes and forehead
- Improved skin barrier function — peptides help repair and strengthen the moisture barrier, reducing sensitivity and water loss
- Better hydration — many peptide formulations work synergistically with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture
- Enhanced results from other actives — peptides pair exceptionally well with retinol, vitamin C, and SPF in a complete routine
Our Top Medical-Grade Peptide Products
At Face Teeth Smile, we stock peptide products across several clinician-trusted brands. Here are our top recommendations, chosen because they're backed by clinical data and actively recommended by our clinical team:
ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense — £117
Our single bestselling product, and for good reason. Daily Power Defense combines a potent peptide complex with retinol, DNA repair enzymes, and specialised antioxidants. It strengthens the skin barrier while delivering visible anti-ageing results. It's the foundation of most ZO protocols and works beautifully as a daily-use product alongside your cleanser and SPF. If you're new to peptides and want one product that does it all, start here.
ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum — £119
Growth Factor Serum is ZO's next-generation anti-ageing treatment, now formulated with five human-comparable growth factors alongside peptides. Clinically shown to make skin appear visibly younger in just 8 weeks by improving thickness, elasticity, and smoothness. It's particularly effective for those noticing a loss of volume and density in their skin.
ZO Skin Health Firming Serum — £188
For targeted firming, Firming Serum delivers a concentrated peptide complex designed to visibly lift and tighten. Ideal for jawline definition and areas where skin has started to lose its tautness. A powerful addition to any anti-ageing routine.
ZO Skin Health Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate — £219
ZO's most advanced peptide product, the Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate, delivers a high-potency blend of targeted peptides to refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of deep lines. This is a premium treatment-level product for those who want maximum peptide performance.
Alastin Restorative Skin Complex — £169
Restorative Skin Complex features Alastin's proprietary TriHex Technology® — a patented peptide complex that supports the skin's natural ability to clear out damaged collagen and elastin, and produce new, healthy proteins. It's one of the few products clinically proven to enhance the skin's own regenerative processes. Widely recommended by dermatologists as a daily anti-ageing serum and as post-procedure support.
Alastin Restorative Eye Complex — £85
Our second most popular Alastin product. The Restorative Eye Complex uses the same TriHex peptide technology to target fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles around the delicate eye area. At £85, it's one of the most accessible entry points into medical-grade peptide skincare.
Alastin Restorative Neck Complex — £99
The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, yet it's often overlooked. Restorative Neck Complex combines TriHex peptides with targeted ingredients to firm and smooth the neck and décolletage — an area where search interest ("neck cream") has risen over 300% this year.
HydroPeptide Power Serum — £120
As the name suggests, HydroPeptide puts peptides at the heart of every product. Their Power Serum combines multiple peptide complexes with hyaluronic acid to deliver intensive anti-wrinkle and lifting benefits. It's a superb option if you're looking for a peptide-focused serum from a brand built entirely around this ingredient science.
How to Build Peptides into Your Skincare Routine
One of the best things about peptides is how easily they integrate with other active ingredients. Here's a simple framework:
Morning
- Cleanse — ZO Exfoliating Cleanser or Gentle Cleanser
- Vitamin C serum — for antioxidant protection (browse our serums & treatments)
- Peptide serum or moisturiser — such as Daily Power Defense or Growth Factor Serum
- SPF — always finish with broad-spectrum sun protection (browse our sunscreen collection)
Evening
- Cleanse — double cleanse if wearing makeup or SPF
- Active treatment — retinol on alternate nights
- Peptide serum — on non-retinol nights, or layered under retinol if tolerated
- Moisturise — lock everything in
A note on pairing: Peptides play well with almost everything — retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and SPF. The one combination to be cautious with is direct acids (AHAs/BHAs) at high concentrations, which can temporarily reduce peptide efficacy. If you use an acid exfoliant, apply it first and allow it to absorb before layering your peptide product.
Peptides vs Other Anti-Ageing Ingredients
How do peptides compare to the other heavy hitters?
- Peptides vs retinol: Retinol accelerates cell turnover; peptides boost collagen production and repair. They're complementary, not competitors — using both delivers the best results.
- Peptides vs vitamin C: Vitamin C is primarily an antioxidant and brightener; peptides focus on structural support and firmness. Again, they work brilliantly together.
- Peptides vs hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid hydrates the surface; peptides work deeper to improve firmness and elasticity. Many of the best formulations (like Alastin's and HydroPeptide's) combine both.
Which Peptide Product Is Right for You?
With so many options, here's a quick guide:
- New to peptides? Start with ZO Daily Power Defense — it's our bestseller for a reason and works for virtually every skin type.
- Targeting deep lines and volume loss? ZO Growth Factor Serum or Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
- Eye area concerns? Alastin Restorative Eye Complex
- Neck and décolletage? Alastin Restorative Neck Complex or ZO Neck Complex
- Want a full peptide-focused routine? Explore our HydroPeptide collection
Not sure where to begin? Our free skin assessment matches you with the right products based on your skin type, concerns, and goals — including which peptide products would work best for you.
