As a dermatologist, I’m often asked about the latest and greatest in skincare products. Just the other day, a young patient of mine came in with a question about Hailey Beiber’s Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid. She was curious if this product was worth the TikTok hype. I decided to take a deeper dive into this particular product to provide a review. Here’s what I found:

Overview of Peptides

“Peptides” have been everywhere for the past few years. TikTok touts these tiny protein fragments as the next big thing in skincare. But are peptides really as miraculous as they sound, or is it just marketing?

Let’s look closer at what peptides actually do, the science behind their supposed benefits, and whether they deserve your hard-earned money.

Click the video to the right for a whirlwind overview of peptides, or read on for more info!

The star of the Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid is, according to the name, peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining firm, youthful skin. As we age, the natural production of these proteins slows down, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Peptides in skincare work by signaling the skin to produce more collagen, thus helping to restore its structure and elasticity.

When people talk about "peptides," it can mean a lot of different things, making it a very broad and unclear term. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, but there are many different types, and they can do different things for your skin. Because of this, it's hard to know exactly what a product with peptides will do without more details. On the other hand, when someone mentions retinol, we know exactly what that is—a type of Vitamin A that helps with wrinkles and skin texture. So, while "retinol" is specific, "peptides" is more like an umbrella term that needs more explanation.

So how do we know if a peptide is really good for our skin? It can be tricky because many studies on peptides are sponsored by the companies that make them, which can sometimes make the results seem better than they are. Plus, a lot of the research is done in a lab (in vitro) or on animals, not on actual people. This means we don't always know how well these peptides will work on human skin. Sometimes, the results we hear about are also self-reported, meaning people just say how their skin feels, which isn't always super reliable. So, it's important to be cautious when hearing big promises about peptides.

Brief Overview of Rhode

Rhode is a relatively new brand in the skincare market, but it has quickly gained attention due to its clean, effective formulations and minimalist approach. Founded by model and entrepreneur Hailey Bieber, Rhode emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness in its product offerings. The brand focuses on delivering high-performance skincare essentials that work synergistically to enhance skin health and appearance.

Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Ingredients

Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid contains a singular peptide:

It's hard to find accurate information about peptides, especially with so much hype surrounding them in the skincare world. To cut through the noise, here's a no-nonsense overview of this peptide:

Often referred to as "Botox in a bottle," **Argireline** is a peptide that reportedly works by relaxing facial muscles, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive facial expressions. There's questions if argireline can actually enter skin as molecules have to be <500 Daltons (molecular weight) to enter the skin and argireline is 900 Daltons. So does it even get into the skin? Let alone the neuron?

Usage

To incorporate Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid into your skincare routine, apply it after cleansing and toning your skin, but before heavier creams or oils. Dispense a small amount onto your fingertips and gently massage it into your face and neck, allowing the fluid to fully absorb before moving on to the next step in your routine.

This product is versatile enough to be used both morning and night. In the morning, you can layer it under your sunscreen for an added boost of hydration and a dewy finish. At night, it can be used as a serum to support your skin’s natural repair process.

For those with particularly dry skin, you might find that layering the Peptide Glazing Fluid with a richer moisturizer provides the best results.

Time to See Results

The Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid is formulated to be gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, as with any skincare product, there is a small chance of irritation, particularly if you have very sensitive or reactive skin. Niacinamide, while generally well-tolerated, can sometimes cause mild redness or tingling, especially if used in conjunction with other active ingredients.

Side Effects

The Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid is formulated to be gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, as with any skincare product, there is a small chance of irritation, particularly if you have very sensitive or reactive skin. Niacinamide, while generally well-tolerated, can sometimes cause mild redness or tingling, especially if used in conjunction with other active ingredients.

Texture and Feel

This fluid has a lightweight, silky texture that glides smoothly over the skin and absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue. It provides an instant glow and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and plump. The finish is dewy but not overly shiny, making it suitable for those who want a radiant complexion without looking oily.

Packaging

Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid is packaged in a sleek, minimalist bottle with a pump dispenser. The pump mechanism is both convenient and hygienic, helping to minimize the risk of contamination. Additionally, the opaque packaging protects the product from light and air exposure, which is essential for preserving the integrity of the active ingredients, particularly peptides and niacinamide.

Price and Value

Priced at around $29 for a 50 mL bottle, the Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid is positioned in the mid-range market. It’s available on the Rhode website and through select online retailers.

Compared to other peptide-based serums and fluids on the market, Rhode offers a competitive price point, making it accessible to a broader audience while still delivering effective skincare benefits.

Comparisons

When comparing the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer to other popular peptide serums, such as The Ordinary Buffet and Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, a few key differences emerge:

The Ordinary Buffet is another affordable peptide serum that contains more advanced peptide technology (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 is a more advanced collagen building peptide). It’s cheaper, too.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is a peptide-rich moisturizer that targets signs of aging. It has an advanced copper delivery system. It also contains Matrixyl-3000. However, it comes at a much higher price point. While Drunk Elephant offers a more luxurious texture and added moisturizing benefits, Rhode provides a more budget-friendly option.

Dermatologist's Opinion

If you’re looking to get into peptides, Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid is not it. It contains a singular peptide that is pretty old, and it is thought to maybe not work at all. I don’t know why my girl Hailey put “peptide” in the title when there’s only 1 kinda sucky peptide. Maybe her marketing team suggested naming it this because peptides are the “new” thing. If you are serious about trying peptides, there are better formulas out there (see here) at a cheaper price point, too.

Is Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid suitable for all skin types?

Yes, this product is formulated to be gentle and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Can I use this fluid with other active ingredients?

Yes, it pairs well with other actives like Vitamin C, retinoids, or additional peptides. However, introduce new products gradually to avoid irritation.

How long does it take to see results?

You may notice improved hydration and texture within the first week, but anti-aging benefits like reduced fine lines typically take 8 to 12 weeks.

Is this product non-comedogenic?

While not specifically labeled as non-comedogenic, the ingredients are generally safe for acne-prone skin. Monitor your skin's response when using it.

Is Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid fragrance-free?

Yes, the product is fragrance-free, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

How should I store this product?

Store it in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly closed to maintain the integrity of the active ingredients.

Dermatologist Reviews: Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid