Protini Polypeptide Cream
Protini Polypeptide Cream
Product Description
Product overview
A peptide-packed, lightweight gel-cream moisturizer loaded with nine signal peptides, growth factors, amino acids, and pygmy waterlily to visibly firm skin, restore bounce, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. pH 4.0.
9 Signal Peptide Complex
Contains nine signal peptides including growth factors (EGF, IGF-1, FGF1, FGF2, VEGF) that support collagen production, plumping, and firming for visibly younger skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORY9 Signal Peptide Complex
Contains nine signal peptides including growth factors (EGF, IGF-1, FGF1, FGF2, VEGF) that support collagen production, plumping, and firming for visibly younger skin.
Pygmy Waterlily Stem Cells
Nymphaea Alba root extract delivers powerful antioxidant protection while soothing and calming skin, promoting a healthy and youthful appearance.
10 Amino Acids + Hyaluronic Acid
A complete amino acid complex supports skin's natural protein synthesis, while sodium hyaluronate draws moisture deep into skin for lasting hydration.
Suspicious 6 Free
Formulated without essential oils, silicones, chemical sunscreens, SLS, fragrances/dyes, and drying alcohols for a clean, skin-friendly formula.
Marula Oil Nourishment
Sclerocarya Birrea seed oil is rich in oleic acid (73%), antioxidants, and Vitamin E to deeply nourish skin and improve smoothness and hydration.
Soybean Folic Acid Ferment
Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract provides Vitamin B to help skin maintain elasticity and promotes a balanced, resilient complexion.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer (used as a suspension agent, not an exfoliant) and plant stem cells. Drunk Elephant states it is safe, but some dermatologists advise caution. Consult your doctor before use.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains multiple triggers including Sorbitan Olivate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, and ferment extract that can feed Malassezia yeast.
Free from essential oils, fragrances, dyes, drying alcohols, silicones, and SLS. Dermatologist tested. The clean formula minimizes irritation risk for most skin types.
Safe to use with Vitamin C serums. Drunk Elephant recommends mixing with C-Firma for brighter, firmer skin. Peptides and Vitamin C complement each other well.
Can be used alongside retinol products. Apply retinol first, wait a few minutes, then layer Protini on top for added moisture and peptide benefits.
Contains growth factors (EGF, IGF-1, FGF) that stimulate cell proliferation. If you have or have had skin cancer, consult your dermatologist before using products with growth factors.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSignal Peptide Complex (9 Peptides)Proven
The star of the formula: nine signal peptides that mimic the body's natural growth factors to stimulate collagen production, promote cell renewal, and restore skin firmness and bounce. Includes EGF, IGF-1, bFGF, VEGF, and Matrixyl 3000.
- sh-Oligopeptide-1 (EGF): Stimulates epidermal cell growth and wound healing for faster skin renewal
- sh-Oligopeptide-2 (IGF-1): Works synergistically with EGF to enhance keratinocyte proliferation
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 + Tetrapeptide-7: Known as Matrixyl 3000, clinically shown to reduce wrinkle depth
- Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14: Copper peptide that supports collagen synthesis and skin repair
Pygmy Waterlily Stem Cell ExtractPromising
Nymphaea Alba root extract acts as a potent antioxidant, soothing and calming the skin while providing nutrients that replenish and support a healthy, youthful-looking complexion.
- Function: Antioxidant protection against environmental stressors and free radical damage
- Benefit: Moisturizing, soothing, and calming properties support skin cell renewal
Sodium HyaluronateProven
A low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Penetrates more effectively than regular HA for deep, lasting hydration and plumping.
- Mechanism: Humectant that draws water into the skin from the environment and deeper skin layers
- Clinical data: Extensively studied for improving skin hydration, reducing fine lines, and enhancing skin elasticity
Marula Oil (Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil)Proven
A nutrient-rich oil with outstanding oxidative stability, containing 73% oleic acid, 15% palmitic acid, and 9% linoleic acid plus natural Vitamin E and flavonoid antioxidants.
- Research: Shown to improve skin hydration, smoothness, and reduce redness in clinical studies
- Tradition: Used traditionally in South Africa as a nourishing skin treatment for centuries
10 Amino Acids + Acetyl GlutamineProven
A comprehensive amino acid complex (Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine) that supports protein synthesis, strengthens the skin barrier, and soothes the complexion.
- Function: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin in the skin
- Acetyl Glutamine: Helps soothe and strengthen skin while supporting the barrier function
58 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate 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, Potassium Sorbate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after serums and treatments, before oils and sunscreen. Works AM & PM. Can be mixed with any Drunk Elephant serum or oil as a "smoothie."
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with a clean, dry face. Apply any toners or essences and let them absorb before proceeding.
Apply Serums
Layer your serums (Vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night) and allow them to absorb for 1-2 minutes.
Dispense Protini
Press down on the airless pump to dispense one pump of product. Do not touch the underside of the pump to avoid contamination.
Apply & Smooth
Gently smooth the cream over your face, neck, and décolletage. The gel-cream texture melts quickly into skin. Can also be mixed with Drunk Elephant serums or oils in your palm.
Follow Up
In the morning, follow with sunscreen after waiting 2-3 minutes. At night, you may layer a facial oil on top if additional moisture is needed.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a lightweight moisturizer that firms and plumps without heaviness
- You are concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness
- You prefer fragrance-free, silicone-free, clean skincare
- You have normal, oily, or combination skin needing anti-aging benefits
- You want a versatile cream that layers well under makeup and sunscreen
- You value airless, hygienic packaging that keeps active ingredients stable
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin and need a richer, more occlusive moisturizer
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia) — this formula contains multiple triggers
- You are on a strict budget — premium pricing at $69/50ml
- You have or have had skin cancer — growth factors may be a concern
- You are pregnant/breastfeeding and prefer to avoid glycolic acid copolymer and stem cells
- You are highly acne-prone — marula oil is moderately comedogenic
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight gel-cream absorbs rapidly without adding shine. Semi-matte finish is ideal for oily skin types seeking anti-aging benefits.
Provides good hydration but may not be rich enough alone. Layer with Marula oil or a heavier moisturizer on top for best results on very dry skin.
Perfectly balances hydration across different face zones. Lightweight enough for the T-zone while providing adequate moisture for drier areas.
Fragrance-free and free from the "Suspicious 6" irritants. Most sensitive skin types tolerate it well, but patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Generally non-comedogenic with a lightweight formula. Contains marula oil (comedogenic 3-4) but most users report no breakouts. Not fungal acne safe. Patch test first.
This is the target audience. Nine signal peptides and growth factors directly support collagen production, firming, and wrinkle reduction for aging skin.
Results timeline
MONTHS 2-3+Immediate Hydration & Smoothing
Skin feels instantly hydrated, smoother, and more supple after each application. The gel-cream texture provides an immediate plumping and softening effect.
85% noticed improved hydrationImproved Texture & Tone
Skin texture becomes visibly smoother and more refined. Fine lines begin to appear reduced, and overall skin tone looks more even and radiant.
70% noticed smoother textureVisible Firming & Plumping
Peptide complex begins to show cumulative benefits. Skin feels noticeably firmer and more bouncy. Fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced.
60% noticed firming effectMaximum Anti-Aging Benefits
Full anti-aging benefits are visible with consistent use. Skin appears strengthened, firmer, and visibly younger. Sun damage and wrinkles are notably diminished.
55% noticed significant wrinkle reductionRatings by platform
15K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs almost instantly with no sticky residue
- Loaded with 9 signal peptides and growth factors for real anti-aging benefits
- Completely fragrance-free, essential oil-free, and silicone-free
- Airless pump jar keeps ingredients stable and maintains hygiene
- Refillable packaging is eco-friendly and saves money on refills
- Layers beautifully under makeup and sunscreen without pilling
- Works for a wide range of skin types, especially oily and combination
- Versatile — can be mixed with other Drunk Elephant products as a "smoothie"
Criticized
- Premium price at $69 for 50ml / $99 for refillable — not budget-friendly
- Not moisturizing enough alone for very dry skin types
- Cannot see how much product is left inside the opaque packaging
- Not fungal acne safe — multiple Malassezia-feeding ingredients
- Some users report breakouts, likely due to marula oil and polysorbates
- Peptide results require consistent long-term use (8+ weeks) for noticeable firming
- Growth factors may not be suitable for those with skin cancer history
- 50ml jar may last only 6-8 weeks with twice-daily use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESNearly identical peptide blend, marula oil base, and amino acid complex. Slightly thicker texture and takes longer to absorb. Better for dry skin; may be too rich for oily types.
Contains peptides including Royal Epigen P50 and shea butter. Similar pump-jar packaging. Fewer peptide varieties than Protini, but a solid entry point for peptide skincare at a fraction of the price.
Contains 12 peptides and 4 amino acids plus vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, and Tremella mushroom. Suitable for all skin types. Lacks airless pump packaging but offers more peptide variety.
Features 7 peptides with a lightweight gel-cream texture similar to Protini. Includes licorice root and allantoin for brightening. Fragrance-free. Fewer growth factors but excellent value for money.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. The airless pump protects against air and light degradation. No refrigeration needed.
Airless pump jar (press-down dispenser). Prevents air and light exposure to keep peptides and growth factors stable. Refillable — purchase refill pods to reduce waste and save $9.
Yes — 50ml is under the 100ml TSA/airline limit. Also available in a 15ml mini size perfect for carry-on bags and weekends away.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. Drunk Elephant states it is safe for pregnant and nursing women. However, independent dermatologists flag the Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer (used as a peptide suspension agent, not an exfoliant) and plant stem cells as ingredients that warrant caution during pregnancy. While the glycolic acid in this formula is not in its active acid form, some practitioners advise avoiding it. We recommend consulting your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No, Protini is not fungal acne safe. It contains multiple ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast, including Sorbitan Olivate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (marula), and ferment extracts. If you have fungal acne or are prone to Malassezia folliculitis, look for a fungal-acne-safe alternative such as a simple gel moisturizer without oils, esters, or polysorbates.
Yes to all! Drunk Elephant confirms that Protini is safe to use with Vitamin C — in fact, they recommend mixing it with C-Firma for their "Know Bright From Strong" smoothie. Peptides are also perfectly compatible with retinol; apply retinol first, then layer Protini on top. For AHA/BHA, apply your exfoliant first, allow it to absorb, then follow with Protini. The cream's pH of 4.0 is compatible with most active ingredients.
Protini works best for normal, oily, combination, and mature skin types. Its lightweight gel-cream texture is especially well-suited for oily skin that needs anti-aging benefits without heaviness. It may not be rich enough alone for very dry skin — those types may want to layer it with a facial oil or pair it with Drunk Elephant's Lala Retro Whipped Cream. Sensitive skin types generally tolerate it well thanks to the fragrance-free, clean formula.
Hydration and smoothing effects are typically noticeable from the first application. For anti-aging benefits like improved firmness and reduced fine lines, expect to see visible results within 4-8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Maximum collagen-boosting benefits from the peptide complex become apparent after 2-3 months of regular application. Peptides work cumulatively, so consistency is key.
Apply Protini as your moisturizer step: after cleansing, toning, and applying serums/treatments, but before face oils and sunscreen. In the morning: Cleanser → Toner → Vitamin C Serum → Protini → Sunscreen. At night: Cleanser → Toner → Retinol/Treatment → Protini → Face Oil (optional). You can also mix it in your palm with any Drunk Elephant serum or oil.
Protini has an overall comedogenic rating of approximately 2/5, making it low-to-moderate risk for clogging pores. While individual ingredients like marula oil (rated 3-4/5 on its own) are moderately comedogenic, the overall lightweight gel-cream formula is well-tolerated by most users, including those with oily and acne-prone skin. However, some users have reported breakouts, so a patch test on your jawline for 5-7 days is recommended if you are highly acne-prone.
Protini has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. The airless pump packaging helps keep the formula stable by preventing exposure to air and light, which can degrade peptides and growth factors. With twice-daily use (one pump per application), a 50ml jar typically lasts 6-8 weeks. Store in a cool, dry place and avoid touching the underside of the pump to prevent contamination.
Verdict: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is one of the most well-formulated peptide moisturizers on the market. Its standout nine-peptide complex with growth factors, combined with a lightweight gel-cream texture and impeccable clean formulation, makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking real anti-aging benefits without the heaviness of traditional creams. It excels for oily, combination, and mature skin types and layers beautifully in any routine. The main drawbacks are its premium price point, the fact that it is not fungal acne safe, and it may not be rich enough alone for very dry skin. If budget is a concern, Acure's Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream offers a remarkably similar formula at a fraction of the cost. But for those who can afford it, Protini delivers on its promises and remains a Sephora best-seller for good reason.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Olivate
Hair Conditioning
|
|









