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The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin
Derms are obsessed, and you'll be obsessed with the price.
We love luxury face cream as much as any beauty devotee, but there's something to be said about an effective product you can get at any corner drugstore. There are fantastic drugstore moisturizers for every need, whether you're looking for a formula with SPF, retinol, or peptides, a.k.a. the wrinkle-fighting ingredient we can't get enough of.
The Best Drugstore Peptide Creams
"Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are a common ingredient in skincare products, especially anti-aging products, and can help improve the appearance of skin," explains Rachel Westbay, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York. "Peptides are smaller and more easily absorbed than proteins, and act as messengers to trigger skin cells to perform specific functions." She explains that skin benefits from peptides because "peptides can stimulate the skin to produce collagen and elastin, which can lead to firmer, smoother skin."
Ahead, find out the best drugstore peptide creams our editors love, including best-sellers and picks from Westbay.
A drugstore-aisle classic, Westbay loves this formula as much as we do. "This nighttime cream contains multiple peptides for smoother skin, including pentapeptide-4, a synthetic peptide that has skin-repairing and anti-aging properties," explains the dermatologist. "It stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity." Plus, the derm adds, the formula has hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening niacinamide.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1.7 oz
Customer Review:"I've been using this Olay cream for the past 15 years. I always get compliments on my skin. When they ask what I use, they can not believe it's Olay. I've tried others but keep coming back. It's the only cream that moisturizes my skin! Love it." —Chacon
Westbay also recommends this rich night cream from CeraVe, as it "features a complex of peptides to amplify collagen, along with hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides that work together to lock in skin's moisture and help restore the skin’s protective barrier overnight."
Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Size: 1.7 oz
Customer Review:
"Let me start off by saying I’m very particular about moisturizers. My skin is sensitive and acne prone so I usually stick with the same products to avoid any issues. I’ve been ordering this moisturizer for a few years now on repeat! Love applying this at night. Texture is on the thicker side which is okay for a nighttime moisturizer. No strong scent and very calming on the skin. I apply a thin layer under makeup during the day as well and it works well!" —J.Y.
Designed to support natural collagen in skin as young as 20 (by "banking," as the kids say), this plumping moisturizer has micro-peptide technology that is said to penetrate 10 layers deep into the skin. The gel-cream formula is suitable for dry and sensitive skin, but it doesn't feel heavy.
Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, collagen
Size: 2 fl oz
Customer Review:
"I really like this stuff! I was surprised at how big it was and how long it lasted me. I love that it's non greasy and smooths over skin nicely. The pump is nice, but when it's at the end it's impossible to get the very least of it at the bottom." —Corryn9
If you're working to repair your skin barrier, try this emollient cream from Cocokind. It helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss (in other words, it holds in moisture), and the gentle ingredients won't trigger any additional irritation. Win-win.
Key ingredients: Squalane, watermelon seed oil
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Customer Review:
"A little goes a long way! I think it's worth what you pay for if you only need the smallest amount. I apply this after I shower since my skin becomes dry afterwards. For the rest of the day, my skin feels normal. Not oily or dry, just healthy. So far, I'm enjoying it." —Deb
We love a do-it-all product, and this moisturizer is formulated with multiple peptides, antioxidant vitamin C, and hydrating panthenol. And if you've been burned by leaking bottles or jars, you'll love the convenient tube for travel.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, panthenol
Size: 1.7 oz
Customer Review:
"I will never stop repurchasing this. It’s the perfect lightweight but moisturizing face lotion out there. The tube is perfect for travel and makes it easy to get every last bit. Could not recommend it enough." —Cate
This face cream packs a lot into it. It features a firming complex with hibiscus peptides and hyaluronic acid. Then there's brightening power courtesy of vitamin C, along with SPF 30 to keep your skin protected throughout the day. One thing to note: There's a subtle pearlescent finish, which some will love and others may not care for.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, Matrixyl 3000 Plus
Size: 1.69 oz
Customer Review:
"I have been using this for several years and it is amazing. If I ever change it up, I can feel the difference in my skin. I love the SPF as it doesn’t get thick and it blends in nicely on my skin." —Tee Red
Many moisturizers with SPF can be thick, but this gel cream is refreshing, lightweight, and a pleasure to apply first thing in the morning. Its hydrating peptides and hyaluronic acid also keep skin glowing all day long.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Size: 1.76 oz
Customer Review:
"I can’t say enough positive things. I love the scent, the packaging, how it feels gliding on the skin, etc. perfect sunscreen and adding bronzing drops in adds a nice glow to your complexion. This is perfect under makeup or alone with bronzing drops. I’ve gone through 2 tubs so far in a few months and I plan to keep buying forever!!" —Eliaa
This formula from The Inkey List has it all in the name: Peptide Moisturizer. In this case, it's a 1 percent dual peptide solution that works in tandem with an ingredient called Royal Epigen P5 to soften fine lines and wrinkles without causing irritation. It's a no-nonsense formula that has the reviews to back it up.
Key ingredients: Royal Epigen P5
Size: 1.69 oz
Customer Review: "I've been using this product for over a few months now and I absolutely love it! It's super moisturizing and works really well to apply before makeup. My makeup looks flawless and my skin doesn't look dry at all! So glad I purchased! Will definitely be using this from now on." —MelaBeauty
If you want a night cream that's moisturizing but not cloying, look to Cetaphil. It works overtime to nourish the skin barrier, but doesn't have a sticky or thick texture—plus, the clinical results show that it reduced the appearance of fine lines in just two weeks.
Key ingredients: Edelweiss extract, pro-vitamin B5 and B3
Size: 1.7 oz
Customer Review:
"I was totally amazed on how hydrating this was. My skin lived it. Turned my snake skin into smooth silky skin. A new holy grail." —Julie
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Moisturizer
It's tough to beat the firming power of peptides paired with the brightening antioxidant power of vitamin C. Bliss combined them in this crowd-pleasing face cream, which gives skin a healthy-looking glow in an instant and even more so after weeks of use.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid), green tea extract
Size: 1.7 oz
Customer Review:
"My skin is finicky, always has been. Loves this moisturizer. Perfect amount of moisture. Brightens and improves texture. Was sold out for several months so I had to use different moisturizers. Missed this product so much. Was thrilled to see it back in stock. Love it even more than I remember." —Tae
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of Peptides?
The real question is, what aren't the benefits of peptides? "Peptides can help with several skin concerns, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture, helping skin appear brighter, soothing and hydrating the skin, supporting the skin barrier to protect against UV damage," says Westbay, who adds that the powerhouse ingredients can be found in other products, including serums and eye creams too.
Can You Use Retinol and Peptides Together?
These ingredients play well together. "Yes, you can apply retinol and then layer a peptide containing product, you can mix peptides and retinol together, or opt for a retinol cream with peptides included in the formula," says Dr. Westbay. Peptides also work well with hyaluronic acid, which the derm says you can use together "without issue."
When layering products, she says, "focus on your primary concern first. For example, if you want to target signs of aging, you can apply a peptide serum first. If your skin is dry, you can start with a hyaluronic acid serum."
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Rachel Westbay, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
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