Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster: Does It Work?

Last Updated on August 15, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

Wait, didn’t Paula Begoun swear for years peptides don’t work? Yes – and then she changed her mind. Whether she caved in to customers or marketing pressure (certainly NOT science, that ain’t there yet), a few years ago Paula’s Choice came out with her own peptide booster – aptly called Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster.

Yep, not much creativity there. But, I’m digressing. I’ve stayed away for as long as I could, but when I was sent a travel sample together with an order of my staples, I caved in and tried it too. Is it more hype than science like I thought? Here’s everything you need to know about Paula’s Choice Booster serum before you add it to your skincare routine:

About The Brand: Paula’s Choice

For years, Paula’s Choice has been one of my fave skincare brands. It was founded by makeup artist Paula Begoun after being fired from her counter for telling customers the truth about what cosmetic products can and can’t do. Paula quickly decided her line would include only scientifically-proven-to-work ingredients that can fight acne, prevent wrinkles, and fade away dark spots. I could always buy Paula’s Choice products sight unseen cos I knew they would deliver.

Unfortunately, Paula sold her company a few years ago. The old formulations are the same and worth every penny. The newer ones, like this peptide booster, are more gimmicky than science. These days, you have to treat Paula’s Choice like every other brand and check the ingredients carefully to make sure they do what they say on the tin. Is this peptide booster worth it? Let’s find out…

Key Ingredients In Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster: What Makes It Work?

PEPTIDES TO FIRM SKIN

Peptides are made up of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). Think of them as messengers, signalling to your skin cells how to behave. They give orders as “boost collagen!” or “make more elastin!”. Each peptide has a slightly different job. Here’s what the peptides in Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster do:

• Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-72 Amide: A newer peptide that may help skin make more of the proteins that keep it firm and smooth. The catch? Most of the evidence so far comes from manufacturer research, so don’t expect retinol-level results.
• SH-Polypeptide-121: A lab-made form of collagen. It can help hydrate and condition skin, but there’s no good evidence that putting collagen on your face replaces the collagen you’ve lost. I couldn’t find any independent studies on this peptide either.
• Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine: Designed to strengthen the structures that keep skin firm. It’s been used in peptide creams that improved wrinkles, but because those creams contained several peptides, we don’t know how much this one actually did.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5: Helps signal skin to make more collagen, which could improve firmness and wrinkles. There is some research behind it, although most studies don’t test it completely on its own.
• Tridecapeptide-1: Designed to relax the signals involved in expression lines, so wrinkles look smoother. Most of the impressive results come from manufacturer testing, though, so Botox in a bottle this is not.
• Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Acetate: A synthetic peptide that may help skin make more hyaluronic acid, making it look plumper and smoother. Manufacturer research is promising, but the evidence is still pretty limited.

Here comes the catch: these claims mostly come from the manufacturer. There’s very little independent research confirming they do what the manufacturer says. This doesn’t mean they don’t work. But I need to see a lot more convincing proof before I jump on the peptides bandwagon.

Related: Peptides In Skincare: Do They Really Work?

GLYCERIN TO HYDRATE SKIN

Let’s start with the basics. Glycerin is in pretty much ALL skincare products for a reason. It’s a wonderful humectant: that’s a fancy way of saying it draws moisture from the air and locks it into your skin. Once there, this extra moisture softens, plumps, and brightens your skin. That’s the base you want to build the rest of your skincare routine on.

Related: The Complete Guide To Glycerin In Skincare

Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):

Texture

This serum has a lightweight, fast-sinking gel that foams slightly when applied on bare skin. The foaminess is a little weird, but overall the texture is pleasant to use and doesn’t leave any tacky residue behind.

Fragrance

Like all Paula’s Choice products, it’s fragrance-free. Fragrance is one of the most irritating ingredients used in cosmetics and Paula has never allowed it to be used in her formulations. If you like your products to smell like a bouquet of roses, this will disappoint. But I’m happy with Paula’s choice (pun intended).

How To Use It

You can use this booster either morning and/or night. You can apply it in two ways:

1. After other serums but before moisturiser/sunscreen.
2. Mix it together with your moisturiser (never mix it with sunscreen – it dilutes the SPF!!).

Do what’s easiest for you. Either way, you won’t compromise its effectiveness.

Packaging

The booster comes in a white and bright pink bottle with a dropper applicator. It looks pretty on your vanity (the eye cares about these things, as we say in Italy). Plus, it’s practical. The dropper makes it very easy to use. My only issue is the size. Paula’s Choice boosters are small and run out fast.

Performance & Personal Opinion

You can use Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster on its own or mix it with your fave moisturiser. I’m not a fan of mixing anything, so I do the former. After a month of use, I can’t say I’ve gotten stellar results. The serum adds some extra moisture to my skin, which results in a softer and smoother texture. That’s the power of hydration.

Even then, the results are subtle. Don’t expect to wake up in the morning with younger-looking skin. Skincare takes time to work – this more than most. I know some reviewers online have complained of breakouts whenever they used this booster. Luckily, that hasn’t happened to me. But then, my skin isn’t prone to breakouts anyway. If yours is, I’d try a sample first. Just in case.

What I Like About Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster

• Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture.
• Fragrance-free.
• Lightly hydrating.
• Beautiful and practical packaging.

What I DON’T Like About Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster

• Texture foams a little.
• Doesn’t do much of anything.

Who Should Use This?

Anyone who’s curious to try peptides AND has the extra money to spend (this is NOT a must-have). The truth is, no one needs peptides. But this booster is especially not for you if you want a minimalistic skincare routine with only proven-to-work products.

Does Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster Live Up To Its Claims?

Is Paula’s Choice Cruelty-Free?

Yes, Paula’s Choice is cruelty-free. No animals are hurt in the making of their products. Phew!

Price & Availability

$52.00/£49.00 at Cult Beauty, Paula’s Choice, Sephora, and SpaceNK

The Verdict: Should You Buy It?

I personally don’t recommend this. The science on peptides is just in its infancy and most of the studies claiming they work wonders come from the manufacturer (not the most unbiased of sources). From personal experience, this booster didn’t wow me either… Save your money for retinol.