This Iconic Moisturizer Has One of the Best Textures on the Market

In 2018, Drunk Elephant launched its Protini Polypeptide Cream, which quickly became one of the brand’s best-sellers, and since then, it’s amassed thousands of five-star reviews. One of the things people love about it most? Its gel-cream texture. For me, the texture of a moisturizer is one of its most important attributes. If it doesn’t feel good, absorb well or jive with everything else I’m layering underneath, we’re not meant to be, no matter how amazing the ingredients are. Protini has always delivered in this department, and then some. Here, my honest review of this iconic moisturizer.

The Benefits of This Moisturizer

This cream is a great choice for someone who wants both moisture and benefits for aging skin. The key ingredients—nine plant-derived signal peptides—help support healthy collagen production for plumper, firmer skin that you’ll notice with consistent use. As the skin’s collagen gets stronger, the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage is improved, too. My skin always looks smoother and healthier after using this moisturizer twice a day, even just for a couple weeks.

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True to Drunk Elephant’s DNA, the formula is also free of fragrances and dyes, which I really appreciate. If you’re someone who is sensitive to essential oils, this cream is also free of those. And back to the texture—I want to elaborate on that. Though it’s described as a “lightweight gel-cream,” it feels more moisturizing than most other gel-creams I’ve tried. My skin still feels hydrated and comfortable at the end of the day.

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“Every day, I add protein powder to my smoothie for muscle support,” says founder Tiffany Masterson. “I wanted a different kind of moisturizer that would do the same for my skin, so Protini was born. Jam-packed with crazy levels of amino acids, signal peptides and safe, synthetic growth factors—the good kind—this dreamy ‘get-sh*t-done’ cream melts right into your skin to make it hydrated, bouncy and balanced.” In a clinical study, after eight weeks, 96 percent of participants showed improvement in skin’s tone, radiance and luminosity; 93 percent showed improvement in texture; and 90 percent showed improvement in skin’s hydration.

How to Use It

Apply it morning and night on clean skin after toners and serums. I love the hygienic (and refillable!) packaging, which allows you to dispense the perfect amount for your face and neck without having to dip your fingers into the jar. Plus, refills will save you $9 a pop. My only gripe is that you can’t tell how much cream is left in the jar, so if you’re someone who doesn’t like to run out of your favorite product (even if it’s just for a day or two until your order arrives), stock up accordingly. Protini also comes in tiny travel-size if you are packing light, but don’t want to switch up your routine (I’ve even kept it in my clutch for a night out).