Topical peptides have been touted as the youth-boosting ingredient to have in your beauty armoury, especially when it comes to tackling fine lines and wrinkles.

But do you know what a peptide actually is? If not, you’re not the only one: according to a poll of 2,000 women commissioned by skin, hair, and nail supplement Vitabiotics Perfectil, 42 per cent didn’t know what a peptide is–with many believing it’s an underwater current rather than a string of amino acids that can help to make proteins.

Beauty retailer escentual.com has found that with an increase of 147 per cent in searches related to ‘peptide’ in the past five years, and the hashtags #peptide and #peptides amassing 287 million views on TikTok, it seems that everyone is hopping on the peptide train.

Used to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation and help treat acne, peptide creams and moisturisers have become one of the most notable trends in skincare.

Peptides are found naturally in the skin, but after the age of 30 natural production starts to drop considerably. However, a recent clinical study revealed evidence that peptide skin creams can help promote higher levels of type 1 collagen and lead to a delay in cellular ageing.

In the past year there have been several advances in peptide skincare products–here are some top picks available from escentual.com.

The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%

Argireline sales are up 202.5 per cent year on year, so if you're looking for a new and affordable peptide, this one’s for you. This youth-boosting treatment helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – the transparent, liquid serum aims to freeze muscle movement giving a plump, youthful look, and feels incredibly light on the skin with no sticky finish. Ideal for all skin types, it's the perfect peptide for minimising future signs of ageing.

Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Serum Peptide - 8 & E-2 Polysaccharide

Laugh and smile without worrying about expression lines, because this organic anti-ageing serum plumps and reduces wrinkles thanks to a peptide-rich formula that smooths, brightens and evens the skin tone. Containing peptides 8 and 6, the luxurious, high-performance serum promotes a luminous complexion–the product also comes in a recyclable bottle.

Lancome Renergie H.P.N 300-Peptide Cream 

This indulgent cream features over 300 types of peptides, plus hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. The peptides work to encourage the skin to regenerate faster, while making wrinkles appear reduced. Improving skin smoothness and targeting dark spots specifically, the cream utilises H.P.N. 300 (Lancome's peptide complex) to allow the face and neck to feel lifted. It is also proven to increase radiance, extend tone and evenness, and correct discolouration.

Antipodes Lime Caviar Collagen-Rich Firming Cream 

This certified organic and vegan cream incorporates a high-tech peptide compound called Sepilift which contains hydroxyproline, a major component of collagen that's effective in plumping skin and lips. Suited to all skin types but especially dry and mature, the cream is infused with lime caviar extract to promote radiance, while lipid-rich avocado oil smoothes the appearance of wrinkles to promote firm, younger-looking skin.

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Volume Lift Night Cream

The Hyaluron-Filler range is aimed at redefining the facial contours as well as smoothing wrinkles. Suited to all skin types but specially targeted at more mature skin that’s starting to sag, this cream is powered by peptides to revitalise facial definition: oligo peptides, extracted from the fruit and seeds of the anise plant, help the skin’s connective tissue to become stronger and more stable. Designed to work while you sleep, it also utilises hyaluronic acid to help smooth lines caused by dryness, making skin appear younger, refreshed and revitalised.

Vichy LiftActiv Collagen Specialist SPF25

This day cream is designed to improve elasticity, firmness and strengthen skin. The added SPF combines peptide technology with sun protection, and includes collagen boosting bio-peptides with vitamin E, which work in tandem to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This is the first SPF in Vichy's anti-ageing collection, helping protect skin from UVA and UVB damage. The ultra-lightweight, fluid formula leaves skin looking luminous and feeling hydrated for up to 24 hours.