If you deal with oily skin, acne and dark marks, we recommend incorporating this product into your routine. Not only will it minimize fine lines, but it will also help brighten and even out texture and skin tone. It has ginseng root water, plus snail mucin to help fade the look of discoloration and breakouts.
“This K-beauty serum is hydrating but doesn’t feel heavy on my oily, combination skin. I layer it on top of my vitamin C serum and then add moisturizer and SPF, and all of gives me a nice glow without feeling greasy,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Best for Dry Skin: Youth to the People Triple Peptide Hydrating + Firming Oasis Serum
Original video from Charlotte Twine testing Youth to the People Triple Peptide Hydrating + Firming Oasis Serum
- What we like: Effectively hydrates without weighing down skin
- What could improve: Some users report problems with pump
If lightweight hydration and visible firming effects are your goal, look no further. This potent pick delivers hydration deep in the skin to plump and visibly improve fine lines and wrinkles. The ultra-lightweight gel serum is perfect for oilier skin types, because it’s formulated for dehydrated skin (which lacks water) rather than dry skin (which lacks oils)—the formula is packed with moisture-multiplying minerals that help the skin quite literally hang onto hydration longer. It works well under makeup and absorbs into the skin for a nontacky finish.
“I loved the gleamy quality that this serum gave me—instantly. The thin liquid absorbed into my skin and imparted an undeniable glow to my face right away, in addition to providing a nice firm and bouncy surface to put on makeup. Visually, my fine lines were slightly plumped out after applying this product, and they stood out a little less. All in all, this is a great product to layer into a skin care routine to prepare for a full beat of makeup, so I’d like to see the effect of this product on my face after more long-term use,” says Twine.
Best for Mature Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Serum
Original video from Charlotte Twine testing Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Serum
- What we like: Intended to complement injectables like Botox
- What could improve: New formula has slightly gritty texture
With a 19% peptide blend, this serum is ideal for those looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The formula features three patented peptides, one of which pairs particularly well alongside injectable neurotransmitters like Botox. Not only does the peptide complement those injectables, it can actually “help prolong the anti-wrinkle effects of the injections, which is ideal for people with deeper wrinkles,” Dr. Hartman explains. Basically, the multi-peptide serum works on two different levels to clinically improve the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles, driving serious results.
“I loved this serum because it gave my skin a near immediate plump and bouncy feel, without making it feel like it’s frozen. It helped the most with crepiness next to my mouth and under the eyes, and the overeye bags look less puffy. A bonus!” says Twine.
Best for Plump Skin: Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Acid Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Acid Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
- What we like: Hydrates dry patches but keeps an oily T-zone matte
- What could improve: Pricey; a little sticky
This rapid plumping serum is an everyday go-to for Glamour’s Kilkeary, who shares that it’s one of her favorite skin care products ever. “This hyaluronic acid and peptide serum is probably one of the best I’ve ever tried, not only because I see immediate plumping effects after I use it, but because my skin simply drinks it up,” she says. “My skin is combination, and I love that this doesn’t overly hydrate it or make it feel greasy or dewy. Instead, it hydrates my dry patches but keeps my usually oily T-zone matte. My skin looks a lot smoother, flake-free, and plump—all the good things,” she says.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin
- What we like: Lightweight, non sticky, seamlessly absorbs
- What could improve: Pricey
This velvety option is a dream to apply, and is great for reducing redness on sensitive skin, plus creases, fine lines and wrinkles. It has a blend of pear peptides plus a snail mucin alternative that works to strengthen and add resilience to the skin.
“I’ve been basically obsessed with this formula since I first tried it,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It has a jelly-like consistency that isn’t too runny or heavy during application. Instead, it seamlessly melts into the skin and smooths my complexion, creating a great base for makeup. I find that my foundation/tinted moisturizers don’t crease or crack when I use this in my skin prep routine, and it manages to keep my skin plump and radiant without redness and shine.” Note: This one is available to shop on 8/25.
