Marks & Spencer Beauty has unveiled its most advanced serum to date – the Formula Ultra Peptide Serum, priced at £29. In consumer testing, 89% of users agreed it visibly improved signs of ageing, and 84% said they felt more confident in their skin after four weeks.
A skincare overhaul after 30 years
The launch marks the biggest overhaul of the beloved Formula range in more than 30 years, centred around peptides – one of skincare's trendiest ingredients. The serum combines four different peptide technologies with ceramides, niacinamide, omega 3 and 6, plus an NAD+ booster, a buzzy active known for supporting skin longevity.
Such ingredients are usually found in far pricier products. For comparison, Medik8's Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum costs £89, while Pai Skincare's NAD+ & TriPeptide Renewal Serum is £69. M&S is blending advanced skincare tech into a product under £30.
Peptide stacking and NAD+ benefits
Instead of relying on a single hero ingredient, the serum uses 'peptide stacking' – combining multiple peptide technologies to target different signs of ageing simultaneously. The brand says this helps tackle fine lines, loss of firmness, dullness, dehydration, and uneven texture, while ceramides support the skin barrier.
The multi-peptides act as building blocks for vital skin proteins like collagen and elastin, making skin appear plumper and smoother over time. The addition of NAD+ helps repair damaged DNA, potentially reversing some existing signs of ageing rather than just preventing future damage.
The full Formula collection
The serum is the star of a newly redesigned 16-piece Formula collection, spanning cleansers, moisturisers, eye creams, and targeted treatments. The most expensive item is the £29 serum; everything else ranges from £12 to £27, making science-led skincare accessible to all.
Key products include the Ultra Peptide Eye Cream (£20) with caffeine, bakuchiol and niacinamide; the Ultra Peptide Night Cream (£27) with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E; and the Ultra Peptide Light Day Cream (£27) with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid. Also new are the Ultra Peptide Neck & Décolletage Cream (£22), Vitamin C Brightening Eye Cream (£18), AHA Exfoliating Toner (£16), Retinoid Renewal Serum (£25), and Hydrating Micellar Water (£12).
