Boots

Boots Firming Peptides and Beta Glucan Serum

Name: Boots - Firming Peptides and Beta Glucan Serum
Brand: Boots

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Tripeptide-1 + 28 more

Works well

What the product description says

“With Peptides and Beta Glucan, this serum deeply hydrates the skin.”

Source: Boots

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: alanine, arginine.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, caprylyl glycol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl hexapeptide-8, hexapeptide-9, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, tripeptide-1

Acetyl hexapeptide-8Hero· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.45%

Tripeptide-1Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.35%

Hexapeptide-9Hero· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.25%

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%

Palmitoyl tripeptide-5HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.25%

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.15%

Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.25%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.7–5.7%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~1.8–2.2%

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.45–0.65%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.35–0.65%

Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.3–0.55%

Sodium acetylated hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid~0.3–0.6%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.5%

AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.25–0.45%

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

ThreonineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.4%

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.25–0.5%

Aspartic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.45%

GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateKey activeEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

PcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.25–0.5%

SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.4%

ProlineKey activeEffect: Medium~0.25–0.45%

HistidineKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.2–0.35%

IsoleucineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function~0.2–0.4%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~3.9–4.8%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2.4–2.9%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.45–0.7%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.55–0.8%

Anti-aging

Aspartic acid, Acetyl hexapeptide-8 + 9 more

May help

What the product description says

“promotes a firmer look”

Source: Boots

This product contains acetyl hexapeptide-8, aspartic acid, hexapeptide-9, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, serine, threonine, tripeptide-1. There is some human evidence that these ingredients help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and firmness, though it is smaller or less consistent than the evidence for the best anti-aging ingredients.

Aspartic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.45%

Acetyl hexapeptide-8Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.45%

SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.4%

ThreonineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.4%

Tripeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.35%

Hexapeptide-9Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.25%

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%

Palmitoyl tripeptide-5Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.25%

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.15%

Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.25%

Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.3–0.55%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

10 flagged ingredients

Medium risk

We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2.4–2.9%est.

Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~1.7–2%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.7–1.1%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.95–1.2%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.6–0.85%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Bliv:U Collagen Bouncing Serum Pad

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Arencia Deep Water Surge Serum 30

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.7–5.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Butylene glycol~3.9–4.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Bifida ferment filtrate~3–3.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Bifida ferment filtrate

Pentylene glycol~2.4–2.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Betaine~1.8–2.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine

Acacia senegal gum~1.7–2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture

More about Acacia senegal gum

Xanthan gum~1.4–1.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

1,2-hexanediol~0.7–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.95–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Allantoin~0.55–0.8%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.6–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Carbomer~0.5–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Disodium edta~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Sodium hydroxide~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Sodium pca~0.45–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Caprylyl glycol~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Sodium lactate~0.35–0.65%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Sodium acetylated hyaluronate~0.3–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid

More about Sodium acetylated hyaluronate

Beta-glucan~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan

Sodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Arginine~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine

Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24

Aspartic acid~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles

More about Aspartic acid

Pca~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Pca

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate

Glycine~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function

More about Glycine

Alanine~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine

Acetyl hexapeptide-8~0.25–0.45%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Acetyl hexapeptide-8

Serine~0.25–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine

Valine~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Valine

Threonine~0.25–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Threonine

Proline~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Proline

Isoleucine~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function

More about Isoleucine

Phenylalanine~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phenylalanine

Histidine~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Histidine

Tripeptide-1~0.2–0.35%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Tripeptide-1

Palmitoyl tripeptide-5~0.15–0.25%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-5

Hexapeptide-9~0.15–0.25%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Hexapeptide-9

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.15–0.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.1–0.15%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4

Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.1–0.25%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Bifida ferment filtrate, Pentylene glycol, Betaine, Acacia senegal gum, Xanthan gum, 1,2-hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Disodium edta, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium pca, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium lactate, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Beta-glucan, Sodium hyaluronate, Arginine, Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24, Aspartic acid, Pca, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Glycine, Alanine, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Serine, Valine, Threonine, Proline, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Hexapeptide-9, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7

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🇬🇧 Boots (UK)30 ml

≈ $7.94

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	BootsFirming Peptides and Beta Glucan SerumYOUR PRODUCT	Bliv:UCollagen Bouncing Serum Pad	ArenciaDeep Water Surge Serum 30	USOLABBio Brightening Bleaching Ampoule
Match	—	62%	61%	56%
Price	—	$19.17	$15.57	—
Shared key ingredients	—	17 of 26	20 of 26	18 of 26
Key difference	—	Copper Tripeptide-1	Copper Tripeptide-1	Hexapeptide-11
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
4
Acetylated Hyaluronic Acid: Enhanced Bioavailability and Biological Studieshindawi.com
5
β-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Anti-Wrinkle Therapy: Significant New Findings in the Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatment of Skin Wrinkles with Beta-Glucanonlinelibrary.wiley.com
7
Skin Health Promotion Effects of Natural Beta-Glucan Derived from Cereals and Microorganisms: A Reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
8
Anticancer properties of low molecular weight oat beta-glucan – An in vitro studysciencedirect.com
9
A critical review on production and industrial applications 2 of beta-glucanssciencedirect.com
10
Improving skin function with CM-glucan, a biological response modifier from yeastonlinelibrary.wiley.com
11
Preparation, characterization, and biological properties of β-glucansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Characterization of a new beta(1-3)-glucan branching activity of Aspergillus fumigatusncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
15
Acetyl aspartic acid, a novel active ingredient, demonstrates potential to improve signs of skin ageing: from consumer need to clinical proofncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
In vivo topical application of acetyl aspartic acid increases fibrillin-1 and collagen IV deposition leading to a significant improvement of skin firmnessncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Effect of Topical Application of Glycine and Proline on Recalcitrant Leg Ulcers of Prolidase Deficiencyjamanetwork.com
18
Functional glycine receptor in cultured human keratinocytesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
19
Combination of amino acids reduces pigmentation in B16F0 melanoma cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
20
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
21
Local rhamnosoft, ceramides and L‐isoleucine in atopic eczema: a randomized, placebo controlled trialonlinelibrary.wiley.com
22
Histidine and/or Histidine Derivative for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseasespatents.google.com
23
Safety Assessment of α-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmeticsciteseerx.ist.psu.edu

BootsFirming Peptides and Beta Glucan Serum

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.