Editor's Notes
Drunk Elephant's Protini Polypeptide Cream is a gel-cream moisturizer built around a blend of signal peptides, growth factors, and supportive amino acids. The formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film, making it suitable for combination and oily skin types that still need substantive hydration. Pygmy waterlily stem cell extract and soybean folic acid work alongside the peptide complex to help maintain skin's moisture barrier.
This moisturizer fits naturally into both morning and evening routines. It layers well under SPF and makeup without pilling, and its neutral pH makes it compatible with active ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids used in other steps. The texture is substantial enough to serve as a standalone moisturizer for most skin types, though those with very dry skin may want to add a facial oil on top during colder months.
What distinguishes this cream is its focus on skin-identical ingredients and barrier support rather than trending actives. The brand's philosophy of excluding what they call the "Suspicious 6" (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances, and SLS) means the formula stays streamlined and gentle. It's editor-tested and valued for its reliability across different skin concerns and seasons.
