Experts weigh in on what the buzzy skin care ingredient does for your skin and how it compares to retinoids.
Feb. 9, 2026, 7:35 PM UTC
Deanna Pai Contributing Writer and Editor
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Peptides encourage more collagen and elastin production, thereby firming and smoothing skin.
Retinoids have long been popular for their ability to both speed up skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, contributing to firmer, smoother skin. However, peptides are emerging as a powerful alternative or complementary ingredient, praised for their role in encouraging collagen and elastin production to firm and smooth the skin.
