In recent years, peptides have surfaced as a game-changing ingredient in the journey of glowing and plump skin. Even though peptides have been widely studied before and their benefits for the skin are widely known amongst dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts, it was Miss Bieber who made peptides trending as skincare lovers look to emulate her glazed doughnut skin glow.
Rhode doesn’t ship to Australia, but rest assured there are plenty of outstanding options when it comes to peptide-infused products. Read on for our favourites.
8 of the Best Peptide Serums to Buy in Australia
Boost Lab Multi-Peptide Anti-Ageing Serum
The Multi-Peptide Anti Ageing Serum from Australian skincare brand Boost Lab is a potent and affordable serum that deeply hydrates and protects the skin while targeting signs of aging. This is thanks to a unique formulation of different peptides and special ingredients. Argireline and Syn-ake (a synthetic peptide work to target fine lines and wrinkles, mimicking a botox-like effect.
Beyond its powerful formulation, this serum melts on your skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth, while also layering beautifully under other skincare products and makeup.
Medi-Peel Peptide-Tox Bor Ampolue
30ml
I discovered this K-beauty gem from a sample I received in an iHerb order and it quickly became a staple in my anti-aging skincare routine.
The serum is enriched with collagen and elastin and works to restore elasticity and volume to aging skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and nutrient-rich ingredients, it leaves a plumping and hydration effect on the skin.
Suitable for everyday use, it has a lightweight milky texture that absorbs seamlessly and has a subtle scent.
Best of all, it’s super affordable around $35. Your only complaint will be that they don’t make it in a bigger size because you will definitely use it up.
Advanced Clinicals, Peptide Serum
Price at time of publishing 25/11/23
52ml
The Advanced Clinical peptide serum is masterfully created with six different peptides that work in synergy to fight signs of ageing. It’s surprisingly affordable considering the size (52ml) and the rich formulation. Peptide 6X Anti-Wrinkle Facial Serum is a mix of different types of peptides including Argireline, known for ‘botox-like’ effects.
Besides peptides, this serum is enriched with botanical extracts like Centella Asiatica, Green Tea, and Chinoa extract that work to reduce inflammation and calm the skin.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
30ml
The Ordinary is a pioneer in the skincare industry because it’s single-ingredient serums. This peptide serum is (literally) a Buffet for the skin. It is formulated with different types of peptides, including enzyme inhibitor peptides, signal peptides and carrier peptides in order to target skin aging from multiple angles.
The Multi-peptide serum is also enriched with probiotics and hyaluronic acid complex. It improves signs of ageing, skin tone, texture and firmness and leaves a ‘glowy’ appearance to the skin.
Dope Skin Co Calming Collagen Serum
Dope Skin Co Calming Collagen Serum is a vegan, Australian Hemp-based serum guaranteed to hydrate and soothe your skin.
It’s formulated with soybean peptides, Chenopodium quinoa seed extract and bioactive seaweed collagen peptides. These natural peptides support the skin barrier and improve elasticity fine lines and wrinkles.
The botanical extracts such as Hemp, Kale and Ginger are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and help to hydrate and soothe sensitive skin, brighten skin and protect with from environmental aggressors.
Skinstitut Rejuvenating 15 Serum
30ml
Skinstitut Rejuvenating Serum is a lightweight, concentrated serum that works to rejuvenate the skin and target signs of ageing. Copper peptides send signals to the skin and support collagen and elastin production, improving skin firmness and elasticity. Resveratrol complements the peptides and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin.
What makes this product special, is the presence of LanaBlue. This algae-derived ingredient acts as a natural retinol and delivers anti-ageing benefits sans the irritation associated with retinol products.
endota New Age Peptide 8 Hyaluronic Serum
30ml
Peptide 8 Hyaluronic acid serum is a well-rounded serum offering a little bit of everything. The key ingredient is Acetyl Octapeptide-3, a peptide complex known to repair skin. It is said that this peptide may improve the look of signs of aging formed from repetitive facial expressions.
The presence of a vitamin C derivate and niacinamide gives this serum antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but clinical testing has shown significant wrinkle reduction and skin texture in just 12 weeks.
Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
20ml
Rebuild your skin’s collagen with Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster by Paula’s Choice. A cutting-edge skin care product, this serum combines pro-collagen powers of six different peptides working together for firmer skin.
The addition of Amino Acids and Hyaluronic acid is beneficial in improving overall skin health and hydration.
What are peptides?
“Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins in the skin”, explains Dr. Chaudhry. To put it simply, they are fragments of proteins. “They offer various benefits, like stimulating collagen production, which can improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles”.
They occur naturally on the skin and build collagen, elastin and keratin which are vital to the skin barrier, supporting its firmness, elasticity and health.
How do peptides benefit the skin?
Peptides are undercover heroes for the skin. They are not as widely known as retinol, but they work just as hard. Here are some of the benefits of peptides:
- Collagen production. They play an important role in collagen and elastin production. By increasing the synthesis of these two important proteins, peptides help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, leading to a pump and healthy skin.
- Firm skin. Aging skin tends to lose elasticity and volume over time. Peptides step in and improve skin texture by making it firmer.
- Hydration. Peptides strengthen the skin barrier and improve the skin’s moisture levels. They work better in combination with other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or beta-glucan.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Peptides possess antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory qualities can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote healing, making them beneficial for sensitive or inflamed skin conditions.
How to incorporate peptides into your skincare routine:
“Peptides are generally well-suited for sensitive skin”, notes Dr. Chaudhry, as they are less likely to irritate compared to some other active ingredients.
In general, it is safe to combine peptides with any skincare ingredient, unless explicitly advised otherwise by the brand.
However, before using a peptide product, or any other skincare product, you should always patch test for at least 24 hours.
Start with clean skin and apply your other skin care products in order of thickness, starting from the thinnest to the thickest texture.
Which is better vitamin C serum or peptide serum?
The choice depends on you and your skin concerns. If your main concern is targeting dull and uneven skin tone, signs of ageing, collagen production and hyperpigmentation, then Vitamin C should be your first choice.
However, if you want to promote collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and want to have firm skin, then peptides are the ones for you.
You can also choose to incorporate both types of serums and enjoy the best of both worlds.
