Peptide Moisturizer
Peptide Moisturizer
Product Description
Product overview
A nourishing yet fast-absorbing daily moisturizer by The INKEY List featuring a dual peptide formula with 2% Royal Epigen P5 and 1% Hydrating Hexapeptide to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while supporting your skin's moisture barrier for visibly radiant, youthful-looking skin.
Dual Peptide Technology
Combines 2% Royal Epigen P5 and 1% Hydrating Hexapeptide to support collagen production and strengthen the moisture barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDual Peptide Technology
Combines 2% Royal Epigen P5 and 1% Hydrating Hexapeptide to support collagen production and strengthen the moisture barrier.
Deep Hydration
Glycerin, betaine and shea butter work together to attract and lock in moisture for all-day comfort.
Anti-Aging Support
Peptides help signal skin to produce firming and hydrating proteins, reducing the look of fine lines within 28 days of consistent use.
Barrier Repair
Hydrogenated lecithin and emollients support the skin's natural barrier against moisture loss and environmental stressors.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEConfirmed safe by The INKEY List. Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters.
Contains cetearyl alcohol and C12-15 alkyl benzoate which may feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for those with active fungal acne.
Formulated without ingredients commonly known to clog pores. Oil-free and silicone-free formula.
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and formulated with a low overall irritancy profile. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and niacinamide. Can be used morning and night.
Present at under 1% as a safe preservative to keep the formula fresh. Generally well tolerated.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSPentapeptide-48 (Royal Epigen P5) 2%Promising
A synthetic peptide derived from royal jelly research. Marketed to accelerate epidermal renewal and even skin tone by supporting the skin's natural regeneration cycle.
- Function: Signals skin cells to support renewal and collagen production
- Recommended range: 2–3% (this product is at 2%, within effective range)
- Timeline: Manufacturer data suggests visible improvements in skin smoothness within 28 days
Acetyl Hexapeptide-37 (Diffuporine) 1%Promising
A hydrating peptide composed of alanine, proline, serine and glycine. Designed to improve skin barrier function and boost moisture levels in the upper layers of the skin.
- Function: Enhances aquaporin channels to improve water distribution in the skin
- Benefit: Supports moisture barrier and promotes skin hydration from within
- Estimated concentration: 0.05–0.30% of the peptide itself within the 1% solution
Glycerin ~5–10%Proven
One of the most effective and well-researched humectants in skincare. Naturally present in skin and draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective than AHAs and hyaluronic acid as a humectant
- Comedogenic rating: 0 — will not clog pores
- Additional benefits: Antimicrobial properties and barrier strengthening
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) ~1–2%Proven
A rich emollient packed with fatty acids (stearic and linoleic acid) and antioxidants. Helps replenish the skin's lipid barrier and prevent moisture loss.
- Fatty acids: Rich in stearic acid and linoleic acid for barrier repair
- Antioxidants: Contains vitamins A and E to fight free radical damage
- SPF: Minimal natural SPF of 3–4, not a sunscreen replacement
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) <1%Proven
A stable form of vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental damage and supporting the skin barrier.
- Function: Neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress
- Skin benefit: Soothes irritation and supports skin repair
23 ingredients
Aqua (Water/Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, Maltodextrin, Pentapeptide-48.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM & PM. Apply after cleansing, hydrating, and treatment steps. Follow with SPF in the morning. For extra hydration, layer Hyaluronic Acid Serum underneath.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with clean skin. Use your cleanser, then apply toner and any serums or treatments you prefer.
Dispense a Pea-Sized Amount
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of the Peptide Moisturizer from the tube. A little goes a long way.
Gently Massage Into Skin
Using upward motions, massage the moisturizer into your face and neck until fully absorbed.
Follow With SPF (Morning)
In the AM, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step. In the PM, you can follow with a facial oil for extra nourishment.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want an affordable entry into peptide skincare
- You have dry or normal skin needing daily hydration
- You are experiencing early signs of aging (fine lines, dullness)
- You need a pregnancy-safe anti-aging moisturizer
- You prefer fragrance-free, simple formulas
- You want a moisturizer that pairs well with active serums
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very oily skin or live in a hot, humid climate
- You have active fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You need heavy-duty anti-aging with proven results (consider retinol)
- You prefer a very rich, thick moisturizer for severely dry skin
- You need a moisturizer with antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESGlycerin, shea butter, and betaine provide deep nourishment. Ideal everyday moisturizer for dry skin types.
Lightweight formula provides balanced hydration without feeling heavy. Great for maintaining healthy skin.
Works well in cooler months or on dry zones. May feel slightly heavy on the T-zone during warmer weather.
May feel too heavy for very oily skin, especially in warm climates. Consider a lighter, water-based moisturizer instead.
Fragrance-free and gentle formula. Patch test recommended, as some users report a mild tingling sensation initially.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and oil-free. However, not fungal acne safe due to cetearyl alcohol and esters.
Results timeline
WEEK 5–8+Immediate Hydration Boost
Skin feels softer, smoother, and more supple immediately after application. Glycerin and betaine begin drawing moisture into the skin.
85% noticed softer skinImproved Skin Texture
Consistent use helps reduce dryness and flakiness. Skin barrier begins to feel stronger and more resilient.
70% noticed improved textureVisible Smoothness & Plumping
Peptides begin to show results as a full skin cell turnover cycle completes. Fine lines appear softer, skin looks plumper and more even-toned.
60% noticed reduced fine linesCumulative Firming Benefits
With continued daily use, collagen-supporting benefits accumulate. Skin looks more youthful, radiant, and has improved elasticity.
55% noticed firmer skinRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent value at $15.99 for a peptide moisturizer
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that sits well under makeup and SPF
- Fragrance-free and pregnancy/breastfeeding safe
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and Clean at Sephora certified
- Pairs well with all other actives in a skincare routine
- Simple, clean ingredient list with only 23 ingredients
- Leaves skin feeling soft, plump, and hydrated
Criticized
- Peptide concentrations may be too low for significant anti-aging results
- May not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin without layering
- Some users report a mild medicinal smell
- Can feel too heavy for oily skin types in warm climates
- May cause pilling under certain makeup products
- Not fungal acne safe
- Lacks antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Simpler formula without peptides, but excellent hydration with amino acids and hyaluronic acid. More affordable but lacks the anti-aging peptide benefits.
Richer formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair. No peptides but superior for very dry skin. Larger size offers better value per ounce.
More complex peptide blend (Matrixyl 3000) with added niacinamide and vitamin C. Slightly richer texture with additional antioxidant benefits.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Squeeze tube (current version). Recyclable — separate cap and tube before recycling.
Yes, 50ml is under the 100ml carry-on limit for air travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The INKEY List confirms this product is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. The formula uses only gentle peptides, glycerin, shea butter, and standard emollients that are considered safe for expectant and nursing mothers.
No. This product contains cetearyl alcohol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, and shea butter which are flagged as potential triggers for fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis). If you suffer from fungal acne, consider a fungal-safe moisturizer instead. These ingredients may feed the yeast responsible for fungal breakouts.
Yes. Peptides are compatible with all major actives. You can safely layer this moisturizer over retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs, BHAs, and niacinamide. In fact, The INKEY List recommends pairing it with their Retinol Serum for enhanced anti-aging benefits. Apply your actives first, then follow with the Peptide Moisturizer to seal everything in.
This moisturizer is best suited for dry to normal skin types. It works well for combination skin in cooler weather. Oily skin types may find it too heavy, especially in warm and humid conditions. Sephora lists it as suitable for Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily skin, but user reviews suggest it performs best on drier skin types.
Immediate hydration and softness can be felt from the first application. According to The INKEY List, skin cell turnover takes up to 6 weeks, so visible improvements in fine lines, firmness, and skin tone should be expected within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent daily use (morning and evening). Be patient and consistent for best results.
Apply as Step 5 in your routine: after cleansing, toner, serums/treatments, and eye cream. In the morning, follow with SPF as your final step. The brand recommends layering Hyaluronic Acid Serum underneath for extra hydration. For nighttime, you can follow with a facial oil to lock in all the moisture.
This product has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The INKEY List states it is formulated without ingredients known to clog pores. It is oil-free and silicone-free. However, individual skin may react differently — if you are highly acne-prone, always patch test first. Note: cetearyl alcohol (comedogenic rating 2) is present but at low levels.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best efficacy. The tube packaging helps protect the formula from air and light exposure, extending its stability. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With twice-daily use of a pea-sized amount, a 50ml tube typically lasts 2 to 3 months.
Verdict: The INKEY List Peptide Moisturizer is an excellent budget-friendly entry point into peptide skincare. At just $15.99 for 50ml, it offers a clean, fragrance-free formula with two peptide actives at their recommended concentrations. It excels as a daily hydrator for dry to normal skin and is one of the best pregnancy-safe anti-aging moisturizers at this price point. However, the relatively simple formula means it works best as a supporting player alongside stronger treatments like retinol or vitamin C serums, rather than a standalone anti-aging solution. If you want an affordable, gentle peptide cream that does the basics well — this is a smart choice.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.