What's In My Jar
Zelens Peptide Complex - Restructuring Cream
Zelens

Zelens Peptide Complex - Restructuring Cream

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients
Edit

Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 + 32 more
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“Restructuring Cream”
From product name

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: dextran, glycerin.

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: bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl tetrapeptide-2, acetyl tetrapeptide-9, arginine/lysine polypeptide, trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2

DextranKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the most upper layer of the skin. Derived from sugar~0.15–0.25%
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~4.6–5.6%
OrnithineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.2%
Palmaria palmata extractKey activeEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%
Acetyl hexapeptide-8Hero· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.2%
Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrateKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%
Sea whip extractKey activeEffect: HighMight help neutrlize free radicals, calm down inflammation, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~1.4–1.7%
Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.2%
Acetyl tetrapeptide-2HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.25%
Acetyl tetrapeptide-9HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.2%
Arginine/lysine polypeptideHeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2Key active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface~2.3–2.8%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.9–2.3%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.4–0.6%
GlycogenKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%
Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.15–0.25%
Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycansKey active· HumectantEffect: HighLong sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.15–0.25%
Lactococcus ferment lysateKey activeEffect: HighConsists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin~0.25–0.5%
MannitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%
PhospholipidsKey activeEffect: MediumEmollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product~0.25–0.5%
Phytosteryl canola glyceridesKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~4–4.9%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.1–1.4%
Methylsilanol hydroxyproline aspartateKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid. There is not strong evidence of a particular beneficial effect for skin in topical applications, beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%
Plankton extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%
Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~1.4–1.7%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.15–0.25%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.45–0.65%
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~0.55–0.85%
Yeast extractUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.15–0.25%
Laminaria digitata extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumSeaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment~0.15–0.25%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.15–0.25%
Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoateEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.8–1.2%
Anti-aging
Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Acetyl tetrapeptide-2 + 8 more
Moderate evidence
What the product description says
“The appearance of fine lines is lessened, as the cream helps to summon the look of a youthful, lit-from-within glow.”
Source: Lookfantastic US

This product contains acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl tetrapeptide-2, acetyl tetrapeptide-9, arginine/lysine polypeptide, trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Acetyl hexapeptide-8Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.2%
Acetyl tetrapeptide-2Key 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%
Acetyl tetrapeptide-9Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.2%
Arginine/lysine polypeptideKey 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%
Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.2%
Lactococcus ferment lysateEffect: LowConsists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin~0.25–0.5%
Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.15–0.25%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high~0.2–0.4%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.15–0.25%
Laminaria digitata extractEffect: Low, below effective doseSeaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment~0.15–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
16 flagged ingredients
Medium risk
We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
Helichrysum italicum extractA plant extract used to conceal the smell of other ingredients in a product. Has anti-microbial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
P-anisic acidHelps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~1.9–2.3%est.
Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 estersHelp oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Sodium stearoyl lactylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very highMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Vitis vinifera leaf extract—Medium~0.15–0.25%est.
Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Sodium dehydroacetateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Levulinic acidHelps stabilize a product formulationMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Sorbic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
6 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
6 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.15–0.25%est.
Spirulina maxima extract—3/5~0.15–0.25%est.
Laminaria digitata extractSeaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment3/5~0.15–0.25%est.
Palmaria palmata extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.15–0.25%est.
Himanthalia elongata extract—3/5~0.15–0.25%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.1–1.4%est.
Edit
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Peptide 21 Lift & Firm Moisturizer
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Lift & Firm Moisturizer
Cheaper50% match
$56.00
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

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~4.6–5.6%
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
Phytosteryl canola glycerides~4–4.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Phytosteryl canola glycerides
Propanediol~3–3.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2~2.3–2.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from its surface

More about Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.9–2.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Octyldodecanol~1.4–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation

More about Octyldodecanol
Squalane~1.4–1.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Cetearyl alcohol~1.1–1.4%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~0.8–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate
Butylene glycol~0.55–0.85%
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
Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Help oil and water mix together

More about Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters
Glyceryl stearate~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Dimethicone~0.4–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Lactococcus ferment lysate~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

Consists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin

More about Lactococcus ferment lysate
Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Long sugars that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans
Phospholipids~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product

More about Phospholipids
Sodium stearoyl lactylate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl lactylate
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high

More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Arginine/lysine polypeptide~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 Arginine/lysine polypeptide
Oligopeptide-2~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Oligopeptide-2
Acetyl tetrapeptide-2~0.15–0.25%
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 Acetyl tetrapeptide-2
Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2~0.1–0.2%
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 Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2
Acetyl tetrapeptide-9~0.1–0.2%
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 tetrapeptide-9
Acetyl hexapeptide-8~0.1–0.2%
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
Ornithine~0.1–0.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino-acid. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Ornithine
Glycolipids~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Glycolipids
Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Yeast extract~0.15–0.25%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Yeast extract
Helichrysum italicum extract~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract used to conceal the smell of other ingredients in a product. Has anti-microbial properties. Can be irritating

More about Helichrysum italicum extract
Vitis vinifera leaf extract~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
More about Vitis vinifera leaf extract
Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid
Methylsilanol hydroxyproline aspartate~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino-acid. There is not strong evidence of a particular beneficial effect for skin in topical applications, beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Methylsilanol hydroxyproline aspartate
Plankton extract~0.15–0.25%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Plankton extract
Spirulina maxima extract~0.15–0.25%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Spirulina maxima extract
Fucus serratus extract~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Fucus serratus extract
Sea whip extract~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

Might help neutrlize free radicals, calm down inflammation, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Sea whip extract
Laminaria digitata extract~0.15–0.25%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Seaweed extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but good research is lacking at the moment

More about Laminaria digitata extract
Palmaria palmata extract~0.15–0.25%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Palmaria palmata extract
Himanthalia elongata extract~0.15–0.25%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Himanthalia elongata extract
Ulva lactuca extract~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ulva lactuca extract
Glycogen~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glycogen
Tocopherol~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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 Tocopherol
Carbomer~0.15–0.25%
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
Dextran~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the most upper layer of the skin. Derived from sugar

More about Dextran
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Dehydroacetic acid~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid
Sodium dehydroacetate~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium dehydroacetate
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Mannitol~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol
Disodium phosphate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate
Citric acid~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Sodium phosphate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium phosphate
Levulinic acid~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps stabilize a product formulation

More about Levulinic acid
P-anisic acid~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Helps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritating

More about P-anisic acid
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sorbic acid~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sorbic acid
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Phytosteryl canola glycerides, Propanediol, Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Squalane, Cetearyl alcohol, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Butylene glycol, Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, Glyceryl stearate, Dimethicone, Lactococcus ferment lysate, Hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, Phospholipids, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Arginine/lysine polypeptide, Oligopeptide-2, Acetyl tetrapeptide-2, Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2, Acetyl tetrapeptide-9, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Ornithine, Glycolipids, Benzyl alcohol, Yeast extract, Helichrysum italicum extract, Vitis vinifera leaf extract, Saccharomyces ferment lysate filtrate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Methylsilanol hydroxyproline aspartate, Plankton extract, Spirulina maxima extract, Fucus serratus extract, Sea whip extract, Laminaria digitata extract, Palmaria palmata extract, Himanthalia elongata extract, Ulva lactuca extract, Glycogen, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Dextran, Xanthan gum, Dehydroacetic acid, Sodium dehydroacetate, Sodium hydroxide, Mannitol, Disodium phosphate, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Sodium phosphate, Levulinic acid, P-anisic acid, Caprylyl glycol, Potassium sorbate, Sorbic acid

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Lookfantastic
≈ $153.74
Buy
Zelens
≈ $176.85
Buy

Affiliate links · prices updated regularly

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
ZelensPeptide Complex - Restructuring CreamYOUR PRODUCTPeter Thomas RothPeptide 21 Lift & Firm Moisturizer
Match—50%
Price$153.74$56.00−$97.74
Shared key ingredients—10 of 22
Key difference—Tripeptide-1
Irritancy Medium Medium
Drying alcohol——
View product Shop
  • matches yours
  • differs
  • cheaper
Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Product summary

Judging from the ingredient list, "Zelens - Peptide Complex - Restructuring Cream" works well for improving skin hydration The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (acetyl hexapeptide-8, dextran, glycerin, glycogen and hyaluronic acid) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone, squalane and cetearyl alcohol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.

Ingredient callouts

  • This moistruizer also contains peptides (acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.10% - 0.20%, acetyl tetrapeptide-9 0.10% - 0.20%, trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 0.10% - 0.20%, acetyl tetrapeptide-2 0.15% - 0.25% and arginine/lysine polypeptide 0.15% - 0.30%). Peptides is a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of amino-acids. Our skin produces peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural anti-biotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of peptides is, but it is very likely that peptides in skincare are helpful. They might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.

Irritation risk

There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits 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.

Price

The product retails for 158.70$ in the United States, for 201.30CA$ in Canada and for 115.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Safety assessment of bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2 and bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-1 as used in cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Tetraesters as Used in Cosmeticsjournals.sagepub.com
  4. 4
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  5. 5
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  6. 6
    Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivativesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Zelens Peptide Complex - Restructuring Cream
ZelensPeptide Complex - Restructuring Cream
Find on Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.