Are peptides or collagen creams an alternative to retinol?

They are not interchangeable. A peptide or antioxidant formula may suit someone who wants a gentler cosmetic routine, but results depend on the product. I would compare these products by the outcome you want and the evidence for the finished formula rather than treating them as interchangeable replacements.

Peptides, collagen creams, and retinol do different things

A collagen cream does not simply replace collagen inside the skin. Start with the change you want to see and a product you tolerate, rather than collecting every anti-aging ingredient.