I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum is a new mega-strength exfoliating treatment that works to improve skin texture, tone, radiance and bounce with 10% lactic acid and an ultra-concentrated blend of 11 peptides.
Formulated with a unique combination of skin-fortifying signal peptides, restorative amino acids, growth factors and exfoliating lactic acid, the Protini Serum targets multiple signs of aging while firming and strengthening skin for a radiant, healthy complexion.
I have mature just-turned-40 skin that needs all the help when it comes to dealing with uneven skin texture and tone, fine lines, sun damage/discoloration (thanks, but no thanks to my younger self who didn’t realize the importance of slathering up sunscreen everyday!) Also, my skin is dry so dullness is another of my skincare woes.
Even though I am not new to exfoliating serums or treatments, I was still excited to try the new Drunk Elephant Protini Serum because it has 10% lactic acid as the hero ingredient (lactic acid exfoliates more gently than its AHA cousin glycolic acid and also helps the skin retain moisture) Plus, this serum has a bunch of other skin-smoothing and hydrating ingredients to tackle all these skincare concerns while adding a healthy glow.
Not to mention, it’s from Drunk Elephant which is one of my favorite and trusted skincare brands!
Product Description
This serum delivers plump, bouncy skin while targeting a dull, uneven complexion. The appearance of fine lines, sun damage and enlarged pores is improved and glow is restored. Suitable for all skin types, it is formulated at an ideal pH of 3.5.
Think of it as your advanced, supercharged skin-strengthening and radiance-renewing treatment! 100% free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrance.
Full list of Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Squalane, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Camellia Sinesis Seed Oil, Sodium PCA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Tocotrienols, 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, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Tripeptide-1, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Lactate, PCA, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Adenosine, Nymphaea Alba Root Extract, Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract, Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract, Dextran, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Glutamine, Coconut Alkanes, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Pentylene Glycol, Isomalt, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Aspartic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Phospholipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Chlorphenesin, Carbomer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Key Ingredients:
– Lactic Acid (10%): Milder more hydrating AHA, exfoliates skin dissolving bonds that hold dead cells together.
– Signal Peptide Complex: Ultra-concentrated blend of 11 peptides bind moisture to skin, plump, firm and restore bounce.
– Multi-Amino-Acid Blend: A mix of quick-absorbing amino acids that soothes, strengthens and moisturizes skin.
Plus, the formula contains powerful water-boosting ingredients (such as snow mushroom extract, sodium hyaluronate and sodium PCA) to replenish hydration levels. Also included are antioxidant-rich, non-fragrant plant oils and vitamins (tocotrienols, squalane, green tea seed oil, and marula oil) that soothe while adding a touch of lightweight moisture to skin.
How to use
Shake gently before use. Apply to a clean, dry face, avoiding the eye area. Follow (or mix) with your choice of Drunk Elephant moisturizer. During the daytime, may also be combined with C-Firma™ Day Serum for added brightening and firming benefits. Follow with sunscreen. The Protini serum provides gentle chemical exfoliation on its own, so it’s not recommended to use T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum or Babyfacial on the same day.
Texture-wise, Drunk Elephant Protini Serum has a lightweight milky gel formula that absorbs quickly into the skin. I’ve been using it every night for the past 3 weeks and didn’t experience any irritation, sensitivity, tingling, nothing!
After applying the serum, I follow up with Protini Polypeptide cream (or another moisturizer) and a light face oil to seal in the moisture. I love how my skin feels so soft and smooth with a natural glow in the morning!
While it takes around six weeks to see any noticeable difference in firmness, my skin feels more hydrated and smoother overall after three weeks of daily use. I am really looking forward to see additional improvements in my skin texture, tone and radiance with continued use of this serum!
Without a doubt, the Protini serum has earned a spot in my top skincare favorites and I will be stocking up on it for sure ????
Is Protini Serum a Dupe For Sunday Riley Good Genes?
The new Drunk Elephant Protini Serum is actually an amazing alternative for Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment ($85) Yes, in fact Protini serum is more potent (yet gentle on skin) than Good Genes treatment!
That’s because Protini has a 10% concentration of lactic acid at a pH of 3.5 whereas Good genes only has about 5% lactic acid at a pH of 2.6.
The ideal pH for AHAs to function without causing undue irritation is 3–4; Good Genes Treatment pH is 2.6, which is far more acidic than necessary and much more likely to be irritating. No wonder, Good Genes stings a fair bit when I tried it!
Basically, not only does Protini have a higher % of lactic acid, it also has a higher pH level which means it’s a lot less likely to irritate your skin (and I can attest to that with my own experience!)
Not to mention, Protini Serum also contains a bunch of hydrating antioxidants and a blend of 11 peptides that help bring bounce to your skin, add moisture and firm it up. On the other hand, Good Genes mainly has Prickly Pear extract and aloe to soothe skin, plus lemongrass and licorice extract to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.
So, if you are looking for a Sunday Riley Good Genes dupe, Drunk Elephant Protini Serum is much better (and a bit cheaper!) than Good Genes and gives you the best bang for your buck!
Bottom Line
Drunk Elephant Protini Serum checks off all the right boxes for a gentle exfoliating serum, from its aesthetics all the way down to its beneficial ingredients! Plus, the formula is moisturizing too and gives your skin a healthy glow. It tackles sun damage, uneven skin tone and texture while boosting hydration levels for smoother, supple skin.
At $82, this serum is on the expensive side but has an impressive mix of potent skin-strengthening and brightening ingredients which makes it a worthy investment! It’s especially perfect for those with sensitive skin to reap the benefits of gentle exfoliation without a huge risk for irritation. Also, this radiance-renewing treatment is cruelty-free and vegan.
Drunk Elephant Protini Serum is now available at drunkelephant.com and Sephora
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