What the science says about Peptides

Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.

• Both studies that tested it on its own found it helped with signs of aging
• Studies found it improved firmness and made skin texture look smoother
• One study found it reduced wrinkles and improved how much water the skin held
• One study found it worked better than a human-derived growth factor serum for skin texture and firmness
• No stinging, itching, or discomfort was reported in one study

6 studies

1. 1.

   Cosmeceuticals in photoaging: A review.

   Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)·2024Systematic reviewNeutral

   A large review described peptides as a skin treatment for sun damage but gave no separate finding on how well they worked.

   PubMed 39233460DOI

2. 2.

   A Randomized, Double-Blinded Pilot Study Comparing Synthetic Versus Human-Derived Topical Epidermal Growth Factor for Facial Rejuvenation and Psychosocial Perception.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2026RCT20 participantsPositive

   In a 12-week study of 20 women, a peptide serum improved skin texture, firmness, and satisfaction more than a human-derived growth factor serum.

   PubMed 42152512DOI

3. 3.

   Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Trial of an Alpha and Beta Defensin-Containing Anti-Aging Skin Care Regimen With Clinical, Histopathologic, Immunohistochemical, Photographic, and Ultrasound Evaluation.

   Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD·2018RCT44 participantsMixed

   In a 12-week study of 44 healthy women, a peptide skin-care regimen reduced visible pores, wrinkles, and pigmentation and improved skin evenness.

   PubMed 29601620

4. 4.

   A randomized, controlled comparative study of the wrinkle reduction benefits of a cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate product regimen vs. a prescription 0.02% tretinoin product regimen.

   The British journal of dermatology·2010RCT196 participantsPositive

   In an 8-week study of 196 women, a cosmetic regimen with peptides improved wrinkles more than tretinoin and was better tolerated.

   PubMed 20374604DOI

5. 5.

   Clinical Evidence of Skin Improvements With a Biologically Active Multimodal Topical Skin Treatment.

   Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD·2026Clinical trialPositive

   In a 12-week study, a peptide serum improved wrinkles, skin firmness, hydration, and facial shape, and participants reported no stinging, itching, or discomfort.

   PubMed 42696340DOI

6. 6.

   Efficacy of bioactive peptides loaded on hyaluronic acid microneedle patches: A monocentric clinical study.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2020Clinical trialPositive

   In a 12-week study, peptide microneedle patches improved wrinkles, hydration, skin density, and thickness, with no reported skin reactions.

   PubMed 31134751DOI