8 best peptide serums for your hair and skin

This unsung hero will help you achieve denser hair and a healthier skin barrier

Peptides for skincare may not have become as mainstream as vitamin C or hyaluronic acid yet. However, if we turn to data, the global cosmetic peptides market, valued at $221.5 million in 2023, is poised to touch a revenue of $324.4 million by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6 per cent. “Peptides are short chains of amino acids that work as building blocks of proteins like keratin, collagen, and elastin in the skin. They are an inherent part of our skin structure and maintain the skin’s equilibrium,” explains Dr Madhuri Agarwal, a celebrity dermatologist and founder of Yavana Aesthetics. 

Today, several brands championing science-backed formulations have introduced their take on a peptide serum—copper peptides, tripeptides, collagen, and peptides or a complex of ingredients with peptides are commonly-found concoctions. “Peptides are usually compatible with most skincare ingredients. They can be easily and effectively combined with ceramides, other amino acids, niacinamide, hydrators like squalene, hyaluronic acid as well as with antioxidants such as glutathione, astaxanthin, and vitamin E,” says Agarwal. While peptides can do wonders when it comes to firming, plumping, and hydrating the skin, they can also promote hair density and overall scalp health. We list some of the best peptide serums for hair and skin that thrive on efficacy and user-friendly textures.

The Serum, Augustinus Bader

A blend of ingredients like pomegranate seed extract, amino acids, resveratrol, antioxidants like vitamins C and E, squalane, peptides, and edelweiss extract makes the formulation a solid antidote for dullness, dryness, and early signs of ageing. Its milky texture ensures that the skin isn’t left feeling parched or tacky; instead, it imparts a dewy finish that allows you to cheat your way to glowing skin, much before the serum starts working from within.

Hustle, d’you

Trust d’you’s debutant, the multi-active serum, Hustle, to address a slew of your skin concerns without having to use multiple serums. Featuring 11 active ingredients—peptides, Birch Sap juice, vitamin C, adenosine, Bifida Ferment Lysate, and niacinamide among others, this water-based serum is lightweight, quick-absorbing, hydrating, and plumping, making it ideal for everyday wear. 

Copper Peptide Serum, Aminu

One of the brand’s bestsellers—this blue-tinged, water-based serum from Aminu—contains 17 types of amino acids with other hydration-boosting actives like hyaluronic acid, ectoin, glycerin, and the lesser-known gallic acid that, together, make for a plumping, moisturising, reviving, and anti-inflammatory solution. While this peptide serum is a great pick for maturing skin, it’s also helpful to combat damage caused by the sun and pollution.

Super Serum, iS Clinical

If fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation are your primary skin concerns, turn to this potent peptide serum from iS Clinical. Featuring a high concentration of vitamin C (15 per cent) with a tripeptide complex, this award-winning serum strengthens the skin barrier and fades dark spots, and discolouration. Simultaneously, ingredients like Centella Asiatica, mushrooms, urea, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin boost collagen production from the inside, diminishing the appearance  of wrinkles and fine lines on the outside. Make sure you’re not pairing this with any retinoid and always follow up with sunscreen if you’re applying this peptide serum during the day.

Multi-peptide Serum, The Ordinary

Viral on Instagram and TikTok for all the right reasons, this lightweight peptide hair serum from The Ordinary can be a game-changer for those who have a dry, flaky, and unhealthy scalp. With ingredients like peptides, caffeine, redensyl, and Camellia leaf extract, this water-and-oil-based serum fortifies the skin barrier on the scalp, making it fertile enough for denser and fuller hair. 

Liquid Peptides, Medik8

Often compared to in-clinic Botox treatments, this translucent serum comprises a high dosage of peptides complex—30 per cent—and claims to start smoothing out fine lines within seven days of use. Hyaluronic acid, carnosine, copper peptides, glycerin, and panthenol make the perfect recipe for smoother, softer, and plumper skin. 

The 6 Peptide Skin Booster, CosRx

Your skin will love this do-it-all serum, especially if you’re a K-beauty enthusiast. Loaded with amino acids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, sodium hyaluronate, and niacinamide, this gentle peptide serum is ideal for all skin types to use daily. You can expect this peptide serum to soothe, hydrate, and plump the skin, and also regulate sebum production and balance out the texture appearance on the skin. 

Bounce-boosting Serum, First Aid Beauty

This creamy, lotion-like peptide serum could be a holy grail for those with extremely dry and dehydrated skin. With collagen, peptides, algae, and ceramides as the key ingredients, this serum also contains vitamin E, licorice root extract, and sodium hyaluronate for deep nourishment and repair.

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