If you’re serious about skincare, you’ve probably heard of peptides. But what are they, and why are they popping up in every other serum? Let’s break it down and discover how peptide serums can transform your skincare routine.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin that keep your skin firm and bouncy.
Think of peptides as little messengers that tell your skin to produce more of these essential proteins. Over time, your natural collagen production slows, and that’s where peptides step in to help.
10 Best Peptide Serums in Singapore
We’ve rounded up the best peptide serums to simplify your search. These picks will help you target everything from fine lines to dryness.
1. Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
A comprehensive serum with six advanced peptides to boost collagen production and smooth wrinkles. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and amino acids for overall skin improvement.
Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster retails for S$88 (20ml) on Sephora Singapore.
2. Geek & Gorgeous Power Peptides
This lightweight emulsion combines four peptide technologies, including Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl Synthe’6, and encapsulated copper peptides. It’s perfect for restoring elasticity and firmness with high concentrations of active ingredients.
Geek & Gorgeous Power Peptides retails for S$29 (30ml) on Alchemistry.
3. Skintegra Lunar Concentrate
Packed with Matrixyl 3000 and Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate, this serum accelerates skin renewal while enhancing collagen production. A great choice for hydrated, rejuvenated skin.
Skintegra Lunar Concentrate retails for S$36.39 (15ml) on Care to Beauty.
4. COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
A blend of six peptides, including Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Copper Tripeptide-1, to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Lightweight and ideal for layering in your routine.
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum retails for S$35.20 (150ml) on Watsons Singapore.
5. JUMISO Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence
Combining the power of snail mucin with five peptides, this essence hydrates, repairs, and enhances skin resilience, leaving it smooth and revitalised.
JUMISO Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence retails for S$20 (140ml) on Hush SG.
6. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
This universal serum uses SYN™-AKE, Matrixyl™ synthe’6™, and ARGIRELOX™ peptide technologies to smooth and firm skin. Hyaluronic acid adds an extra dose of hydration for plump, glowing skin.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum retails for S$61 (60ml) on Sephora Singapore.
7. Drunk Elephant Protini™ Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum
Combines 11 signal peptides, lactic acid, and snow mushroom extract to exfoliate, hydrate, and firm the skin, perfect for brightening and evening out complexion.
Drunk Elephant Protini™ Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum retails for S$122 (30ml) on Sephora Singapore.
8. Medik8 Liquid Peptides
A 30% peptide complex that minimizes wrinkles while boosting hydration. It’s a multitasking marvel for ageing skin, providing both immediate and long-term skin benefits.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides retails for S$99 (30ml) on Cult Beauty.
9. Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid
This lightweight serum not only targets signs of ageing but also gives you an instant glazed glow while hydrating and strengthening your skin barrier.
Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid retails for S$93.06 (50ml) on Zalora Singapore.
10. COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
Featuring Snail Secretion Filtrate and five peptides, including Copper Tripeptide-1, this cream targets fine lines and dark circles while deeply moisturising the delicate eye area.
COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream retails for S$40.60 (25ml) on Watsons Singapore.
Types of Peptides and How They Work
Peptides come in various types, each with unique benefits for your skin. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular ones and how they work:
- Signal peptides: These molecules stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and other proteins, helping reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and boost firmness. Signal peptides include Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl Synthe’6.
- Carrier peptides: Deliver essential trace elements like copper to your skin, promoting healing and enhancing antioxidant effects. A good example is Copper Tripeptide-1.
- Neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides: Minimise muscle movement to reduce expression lines, offering a Botox-like effect by temporarily relaxing facial muscles. These peptides include Argireline, ARGIRELOX™, and SYN™-AKE.
- Other specialised peptides: While the above three are most well-known for anti-ageing, there are other peptides with unique functions. For instance, Tetrapeptide-30 and Oligopeptide-68 inhibit pigmentation processes, making them excellent for targeting dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Understanding these categories allows you to choose a peptide serum tailored to your skin’s specific needs.
Why Are Peptides So Beneficial for the Skin?
- Boosts collagen production: Peptides help stimulate collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and helping to restore firmness.
- Improves elasticity: Peptides support the production of elastin, maintaining your skin’s firmness, bounce, and youthful appearance.
- Strengthens skin barrier: By promoting skin’s natural barrier function, peptides lock in moisture and protect against harmful irritants, ensuring long-term hydration and skin health.
- Calms inflammation: Many peptides have anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe redness and irritation, making them perfect for sensitive or stressed skin.
Why Peptides Are a Skincare Must-Have in Singapore?
Singapore’s humid climate and the exposure to UV rays make skin health a priority.
Peptides are lightweight yet powerful, making them perfect for hydration and anti-ageing without feeling heavy in the heat. Plus, they address common concerns like pigmentation and early ageing caused by sun exposure.
FAQs About Peptides
- Are peptides safe for sensitive skin? Absolutely. Peptides are generally gentle and work well with most skin types, including sensitive skin. Always patch-test new products to be sure.
- Can I use peptides with other active ingredients? Yes! Peptides are very friendly ingredients and easy to use. They layer well and can generally be combined with almost anything: you can safely use them with retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliants.
- Where do peptides fit into a skincare routine? Use peptide serums in the serum step of your routine, morning and/or night. As a bonus, they hydrate your skin and are usually well-tolerated, even on very sensitive skin.
- How long does it take to see results? Patience is key. You may notice smoother, plumper skin within a few weeks, but significant anti-ageing benefits can take a couple of months.
- At what age should I start using peptides? Given their powerful anti-ageing effects, it’s recommended to start using peptides around 35 to 40 years old. However, if premature skin ageing is a concern, they can be introduced earlier into your skincare routine.
Peptides are the skincare heroes you never knew you needed. Whether you’re battling fine lines, dullness, or a compromised skin barrier, there’s a peptide serum out there ready to transform your routine. Give them a try, and let your skin thank you later!
