The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (2024)

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.

Dermatologist Pick

Olay Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer Cream

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The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (8)

Pros
  • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (9)Fragrance-free
Cons
  • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (10)Some reviewers say it could be more hydrating for dry skin

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

Best Night Cream

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

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The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (12)

Pros
  • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (13)Derm-approved
Cons
  • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (14)Might be too thick for those with oily skin

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.

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      Pros
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (16)Lightweight but very moisturizing
      Cons
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (17)Has a chemical smell

      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

      Best for Dry Skin

      cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream

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      Pros
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (19)Has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
      Cons
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (20)Can be a little hard to rub in

      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

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      Best for Travel

      Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer

      The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (21)

      The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (22)

      Pros
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (23)Has brightening ingredients
      Cons
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (24)May not be moisturizing enough for dry skin types

      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

      Best Multi-purpose

      No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Fragrance Free Day Cream with SPF 30

      The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (25)

      Pros
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (26)Has SPF 30
      Cons
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (27)Contains pearlescent mica

      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

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      Best with SPF

      e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream

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      Pros
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (29)Lightweight gel texture
      Cons
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (30)Has a strong fragrance

      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 glowy 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

      Best for Sensitive Skin

      The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer

      Pros
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (32)A little goes a long way
      Cons
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (33)Reviewers don't love the packaging

      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

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      Best for Fast Results

      Cetaphil Healthy Renew Purified Peptides Night Cream

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      Pros
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (35)Hypoallergenic formula
      Cons
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (36)Has a chemical scent

      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

      Best with Vitamin C

      Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Moisturizer

      The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (37)

      The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (38)

      Pros
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (39)Feels refreshing to apply
      Cons
      • The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (40)Has a citrus scent, which some may not like

      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

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      Frequently Asked Questions

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      What Are the Benefits of Peptides?

      The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (42)

      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.

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      Can You Use Retinol and Peptides Together?

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      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

      The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (44)

      • Dr. Rachel Westbay, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.

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      Why Trust Harper's Bazaar?

      The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (46)

      For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. 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. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

      The 10 Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin (47)

      Lindy Segal


      Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.

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