8 Best Peptide Creams To Smooth The Look Of Fine Lines

Decades of GH Beauty Lab testing has confirmed that some leave-on skincare treatments can help firm skin over time, says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. Caffeine or botanical extracts can temporarily tense skin by constricting blood flow age-defying face cream and boosting circulation. Nourishing skin can improve skin's elasticity and suppleness, making it appear plumper and firme


It has a matte finish that works well under makeup, and it also layers well with products for a nighttime skincare routine. This collagen cream is packed with moisturizing ingredients, but won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. We love that it’s formulated with SPF 30 (the only collagen cream on our list with this ingredient) and that it doesn’t leave a white cast behind as a result. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. "To restore collagen levels, incorporate retinol or retinoids into your routine, as these are known to stimulate age-defying face cream collagen production," explains Garshick.
No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Night Cream
It might be packed with some of the buzziest skincare ingredients you can find right now - NAD, peptides, collagen - but Medik8's hardworking formula does exactly what it says on the tin (with impressive clinicals to prove it). From the best collagen-packed creams to those that are brimming with ingredients that help boost collagen production, discover the best in class for 2025, below. While the collagen molecule itself is usually considered too large to penetrate the skin, what these formulas can do, however, is act as a humectant, enriching the layers of the skin with hydration and adding a visible plumping effect. Some other helpful ingredients to look for in collagen creams include niacinamide, ceramides, and plant-based retinol alternatives, like bakuchiol. The most effective collagen-boosting skin-care products are formulated with peptides or retinoids, Dr. Desai says.
DHC Super Collagen Cream
While red-light therapy is the brand's bread and butter, Garshick recommends this moisturizer to those with combination skin because it's oil-free and doesn't clog pores. Garshick recommends it especially for dry skin types, and not for nothing, it's the lowest price point on this list. It's a great everyday moisturizer for all skin types, including sensitive. "Collagen is a large molecule that can not penetrate deep into the skin when applied topically, and oral collagen gets digested by acids in the stomach." "The good news is that collagen can be applied topically to people with all skin types, and it's not likely to cause irritation or acne breakouts," he says. Zeichner adds that collagen supplements can also potentially improve the appearance of aging skin — just don't expect miraculous result


Generally, the dermatologists we surveyed for this story also suggested peptide serums over thicker moisturizers, though Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, notes that both are helpful. Dr. Friedman is more hesitant on that front, noting that he would avoid pairing retinol with peptides at the same time and instead would space them out. He thinks that people even younger can start adding peptides into their routine if they feel called to. It feels so silky and luxurious, rich but not heavy, and the fact that it claims to soften the look of forehead lines makes it worth buying for those with deeper-set lines. The oil-free formula can be used morning and night, balancing skin while keeping pores clear, making it a solid choice for acne-prone type

Best for Mature Skin: First Aid Beauty Firming Cream
"However, collagen loss is a natural part of the aging process, as the body’s ability to produce this structural protein significantly declines over time. Vogue’s beauty shopping editor tests the Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream Vogue’s beauty shopping editor tests the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Elemis cream that started it all. Aparovich points out that they preserve collagen by fighting off free radicals that cause it to degrade. The only question is, which formula is right for yo


In addition to tightening and firming, this body lotion claims to help with uneven skin texture. In Montclair, New Jersey, loves that this formula contains ingredients that can support collagen and elastin production including peptides, shiitake mushroom, lemon balm and green microalgae extracts. Cutometer calculations showed that it upped skin elasticity and firmness by 33% over four weeks, and hydration increased by 28% in six hours in Corneometer readings. Loaded with a combination of ceramides and fatty acids, Algenist's rich balm was top at firming and evening out skin tone over four weeks of use in GH Beauty Lab night cream testing. The retinol formula increased skin’s firmness by 24% after four weeks of use in calculations with the Cutometer, which was one of the highest measurements in our test of anti-aging serums. Skin-tightening products aren't limited to thick creams.
How we test and review products
We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. With fewer hard minerals like calcium and magnesium, it’s age-defying face cream gentler on skin.
Best for Dry Skin: Biossance Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body Cre