Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Moisturizing36 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Protini Polypeptide Cream”
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, linolenic acid.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14, heptapeptide-15 palmitate, linoleic acid, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, sh-oligopeptide-1, sh-oligopeptide-2, sh-polypeptide-1, sh-polypeptide-11, sh-polypeptide-9
Anti-aging13 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Reduces the appearance of texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains heptapeptide-15 palmitate.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: aspartic acid, copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, serine, sh-oligopeptide-1, sh-oligopeptide-2, sh-polypeptide-1, sh-polypeptide-11, sh-polypeptide-9, threonine.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy12 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Dicaprylyl carbonate~4.4–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateGlycerin~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinCetearyl alcohol~2.6–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholCetearyl olivate~2.3–2.8%
Sorbitan olivate~1.9–2.4%
Sclerocarya birrea seed oil~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.
More about Sclerocarya birrea seed oilBacillus/folic acid ferment extract~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Nymphaea alba root extract~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant root extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Nymphaea alba root extractSh-oligopeptide-1~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Sh-oligopeptide-1Sh-oligopeptide-2~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Sh-oligopeptide-2Sh-polypeptide-1~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Sh-polypeptide-1Sh-polypeptide-9~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Sh-polypeptide-9Sh-polypeptide-11~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Sh-polypeptide-11Copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14 is a synthetic peptide developed by ingredient supplier Infinitec, which claims that it can increase collagen production in skin when combined with Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate. The complex was tested in vitro (in a lab) and in a clinical test with 30 volunteers, but the latter wasn't placebo-controlled. The manufacturer reported wrinkle reduction after 28 days of use, but the details of the study aren't publicly available.
More about Copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14Heptapeptide-15 palmitate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Heptapeptide-15 palmitatePalmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Alanine~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 AlanineArginine~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 ArginineGlycine~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function
More about GlycineHistidine~0.25–0.5%
Isoleucine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function
More about IsoleucinePhenylalanine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Proline~0.25–0.5%
Serine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 SerineThreonine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 ThreonineValine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acetyl glutamine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Coconut alkanes~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Coconut alkanesCoco-caprylate/caprate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateAspartic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles
More about Aspartic acidLinoleic acid~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores
More about Linoleic acidLinolenic acid~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation
More about Linolenic acidLecithin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinButylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolPolyvinyl alcohol~0.3–0.5%
Sodium lactate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateSodium pca~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaPca~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about PcaSorbitan isostearate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearateCarbomer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerPolysorbate 20~0.25–0.5%
Polysorbate 60~0.25–0.5%
Lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerXanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumIsomalt~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Isomalt1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.35%
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolChlorphenesin~0.15–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTocopherol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolSodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%
Phenylpropanol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulation
More about PhenylpropanolGlyceryl caprylate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateSymphytum officinale callus culture extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Water, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Bacillus/folic acid ferment extract, Nymphaea alba root extract, Sh-oligopeptide-1, Sh-oligopeptide-2, Sh-polypeptide-1, Sh-polypeptide-9, Sh-polypeptide-11, Copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14, Heptapeptide-15 palmitate, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Acetyl glutamine, Coconut alkanes, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Sodium hyaluronate, Aspartic acid, Linoleic acid, Linolenic acid, Lecithin, Butylene glycol, Polyvinyl alcohol, Sodium lactate, Sodium pca, Pca, Sorbitan isostearate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Xanthan gum, Isomalt, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Sodium benzoate, Phenylpropanol, Glyceryl caprylate, Symphytum officinale callus culture extract
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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.
| Drunk ElephantProtini Polypeptide CreamYOUR PRODUCT | ACURERadically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream | Deviant SkincarePeptide + Growth Factor Advanced Restore Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 52% | 51% |
| Price | $22.00 | $20.00−$2.00 | $98.00+$76.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 13 of 25 | 19 of 25 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Ceramide Np |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, "Drunk Elephant - Protini Polypeptide Cream" can work well for skin moisturization. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14, heptapeptide-15 palmitate, alanine, arginine and aspartic acid in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, linolenic acid, arginine and cetearyl alcohol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.50% - 0.75%, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.50% - 0.75%, heptapeptide-15 palmitate 0.45% - 0.70%, copper palmitoyl heptapeptide-14 0.55% - 0.80%, sh-polypeptide-11 0.55% - 0.85% and sh-oligopeptide-1 0.95% - 1.15%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
What our users say
Based on 7 reviews 100% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, the majority of the reviewers (0.83 %) find that it does not clog pores.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Drunk Elephant" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 19.00£ up to 107.00£ in the United Kingdom, from 22.00$ up to 120.59$ in the United States, for 25.00CA$ in Canada and for 535.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.
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- 6X50 Anti-aging Powder Brochureinfinitec.es
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