The 5 Best Peptide Serums to Use After Injectables (Vetted by Experts)

Why Peptides Are Your Injectables' Best Friend

You’ve invested hundreds (or thousands) in your injectables. You've endured the needle, the slight pinch, and the waiting game for the results to kick in. Now, you’re looking in the mirror at that smooth forehead and lifted brow, thinking, "How do I keep this forever?"

The answer isn’t just "more Botox"—it’s peptides. New to injectables? Read our starter guide here.

If Botox is the pause button for your muscles, peptides are the repair crew for your skin. While your muscles are relaxed, your skin has a unique opportunity to heal without the constant trauma of folding and creasing. This is the "Golden Window" for collagen regeneration.

In this deep-dive guide, we will explore the science of peptides, why they are the non-negotiable partner to injectables, and review the top 5 serums that experts actually use.

The Science: What Are Peptides, Really?

To understand why you need them, you need to understand how your skin ages.

Collagen is the structural protein that keeps your skin firm. Elastin is what allows it to snap back. As we age, we lose about 1% of our collagen per year after age 20.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Think of them as "fragments" of proteins. When collagen breaks down, it releases specific peptides. These floating peptides act as signaling molecules, telling your body, "Hey, we're hurt! Send help!" Your body responds by producing new collagen to repair the damage.

The Hack: By applying peptide serums topically, you are tricking your body into thinking it needs to repair itself, triggering a surge of collagen production without any actual damage occurring.

Why Use Them With Injectables?

This is where the magic happens.

• Botox Extender: Some peptides, like Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8), are "neurotransmitter inhibitors." They work similarly to Botox by interfering with the signals that tell muscles to contract. While they can't freeze a muscle like a toxin, they can help relax superficial tension, potentially extending the smooth look of your treatment.
• Dermal Thickening: Fillers add volume, but they don't improve the quality of the skin on top. Peptides thicken the dermis (the living layer of skin). Thicker skin wrinkles less easily and hides the edges of filler better.
• Healing Acceleration: Injectables involve trauma (needle pokes). Peptides like Copper Tripeptide-1 are famous for accelerating wound healing and reducing inflammation, meaning you recover faster.

The Top 5 Peptide Serums (Vetted by Experts)

We reviewed dozens of serums based on clinical data, ingredient concentration, and real-world results. Here are the winners.

1. Alastin Restorative Skin Complex

Best Overall & Clinical Standard

If you walk into a high-end plastic surgeon's office in 2026, you will likely see this on the shelf. It is not just a serum; it is a pre- and post-procedure protocol.

The Tech: TriHex Technology®. This proprietary blend doesn't just build new collagen; it clears out the old, damaged fragments first. Think of it as a demolition crew clearing a site before the construction crew arrives.

• Key Ingredients: TriHex Peptides, Phosphatidylserine, L-Ornithine.
• Texture: Silky, semi-matte finish. Layers beautifully under makeup.
• The "Human" Take: I used this for 2 weeks before my last filler appointment. I noticed significantly less bruising, and my skin felt "bouncier" almost immediately. It is expensive, but it replaces your vitamin C and hydrator.

$230.00Check Price on Amazon

2. SkinMedica TNS® Advanced+ Serum

The Heavy Hitter

This is the "big gun" of anti-aging. It is the only product on this list that contains a tissue nutrient solution (TNS) derived from growth factors.

The Tech: It’s a dual-chamber bottle. Chamber 1 holds the TNS-MR (growth factor blend). Chamber 2 holds Renessensce (SC) Complex (peptides and botanicals). When you pump it, they mix fresh.

• Key Ingredients: Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.
• Texture: Creamy, slightly thick.
• The "Human" Take: Let's be honest—it smells a little funky (like sourdough starter). That's how you know it's real biological activity. The smell dissipates in seconds. The results on sagging skin and deep folds are unmatched by anything non-prescription.

$295.00Check Price on Amazon

3. Medik8 Liquid Peptides

Best for Hydration & Plumping

If you hate the feeling of heavy creams, this is for you. Medik8 uses "drone delivery" technology to transport peptides to the specific layer of skin where they are needed, rather than just sitting on the surface.

The Tech: A 30% peptide cocktail featuring Matrixyl 3000, Argirelox, and Copper Peptides.

• Key Ingredients: Copper PCA, Matrixyl 3000.
• Texture: Clear, gel-like liquid. Absorbs instantly.
• The "Human" Take: This gives you that "glass skin" look instantly. It’s incredibly hydrating. I love using this in the morning because it wakes up my face without making me greasy.

$64.00Check Price on Amazon

4. Revision Skincare Revox™ Line Relaxer

Best for Pairing with Neurotoxins

This product was engineered with one goal: to be the best friend of Botox. It is specifically formulated to target "expression lines"—the exact lines you are treating with injections.

The Tech: LineRelax™ Technology. It uses a blend of 5 neuromodulating peptides that work synergistically with your injectable neurotoxin.

• Key Ingredients: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (Syn-Ake).
• Texture: Serum with a precision metal applicator.
• The "Human" Take: The metal applicator is cooling and great for depuffing eyes. I use this specifically on my crow's feet and forehead. It seems to keep the "crinkles" away even when my Botox starts wearing off at month 3.

$154.00Check Price on Amazon

5. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

Best Budget Option

Formerly known as "Buffet," this is the best entry-level peptide serum on the market. It proves you don't need to spend a fortune to get good ingredients.

The Tech: It combines four well-studied peptide technologies: Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl Synthe'6, SYN-AKE, and Relistase.

• Key Ingredients: Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1.
• Texture: Slightly tacky at first, dries down well.
• The "Human" Take: Look, it’s not going to give you the dramatic remodeling of TNS Advanced+. But for $18? It is fantastic maintenance. It hydrates, plumps, and supports barrier health. It's the perfect "maintenance" serum for younger patients.

$18.00Check Price on Amazon

How to Integrate Peptides Into Your Routine

Order of application matters. Peptides are generally water-based, so they go on early in your routine.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

Injectables are a sprint; skincare is a marathon. You need both to win the race against aging. By adding a high-quality peptide serum to your routine, you are protecting your investment and ensuring your skin looks healthy, glowing, and youthful—with or without the needle.

Not sure which serum fits your skin type? Scan your face now for a custom analysis.