Drunk Elephant Protini Dupe
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Drunk Elephant Protini Alternatives For Moisturizing Your Face

If you’re involved with all things beauty, you’ve likely heard of Drunk Elephant Protini. This moisturizer contains signal peptides, amino acids, growth factors, and pygmy waterlily. All of these ingredients will improve the skin’s texture and tone. While it all sounds amazing, this moisturizer has a downside: the price. At $68, many people think twice before forking over that cash.

But you don’t have to worry anymore. There are many alternatives to Protini that contain similar ingredients. We assessed these alternatives based on similarity to Protini, quality, and price. Get beautiful skin now with these alternatives and learn more about Protini.

My Ultimate Favorite Drunk Elephant Protini Alternatives You Have to Try

  1. Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream — Amazing ingredients; this is 100% vegan but packs a powerful skin improvement punch! One of the best night creams out there for under 20 bucks. 
  2. Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer — An affordable Sephora brand, this is more of a serum than cream, but a great alternative! 
  3. The Original Nature Moisturizing Factors + HA — If you can find this brand, stock up! A popular choice, I finally got to try this and LOVE it. Talk about moisturizing! 
  4. Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting and Brightening Moisturizer — We all know the many benefits of a great Vitamin C moisturizer and this one delivers. Brighter, smoother skin, you’ll love the glow-up! 
  5. Derma-E Advanced Peptides & Collagen Moisturizer — One of the pricier selections on my list; if you have more mature skin, I can confidently recommend this as a great Drunk Elephant Protini alternative! 
  6. Paula’s Choice Nightly Reconditioning Moisturizer — If you want the same anti-aging and skin improvement qualities of Drunk Elephant Protini cream, you need to try this one! An affordable, effective nightly moisturizer that greatly improves the skin. 
  7. Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer — While not a value pick, I think this belongs on this list because it’s such an amazing product that holds up to the trendier Drunk Elephant Protini cream. 
  8. It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer — Working at Sephora, I recommended this many, many times! A great alternative that really works. 
  9. Mario Badescu Protein Night Cream — This protein night cream delivers the proteins many love in the Protini cream. 

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream | Amazon
$59.99 ($35.50 / Ounce)

This breakthrough protein moisturizer combines signal peptides, growth factors, supportive amino acids and pygmy waterlily for visible and immediate improvement in the appearance of the skin’s tone, texture and firmness.

Buy at Amazon Buy directly at Drunk Elephant
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/21/2024 07:25 am GMT

Why Is Drunk Elephant Protini So Special?

Drunk Elephant Protini

Protini is one of Drunk Elephant’s best products for a reason. For those who want to combat aging symptoms, Protini is ACTUALLY effective at reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration associated with aging. With perfect pH, this moisturizer can also strengthen the skin’s barrier.

I mentioned the amazing ingredients that this product contains, but I never mentioned this crucial fact: Drunk Elephant doesn’t make any of its products with irritating, harmful, or toxic ingredients. So you never have to think twice when using Protini or any other Drunk Elephant products.

Read More: How to Find the Best Face Moisturizers for Visible Results

A Deeper Look Into Their Ingredients

Pygmy Waterlily Stem Cell Extract

Pygmy waterlily is packed with antioxidants. These nutrients are very soothing and moisturizing, even for the most sensitive skin.

Signal Peptide Complex

Protini contains nine peptides that plump and hydrates the skin. Your skin will look younger and will feel firmer, making it a perfect ingredient if you struggle with fine lines and wrinkles. These peptides are also great if you have other skin problems. Peptides go deep within the skin’s layers to speed up healing, promote collagen production, and fight UV damage.

Acetyl Glutamine

This is known as one of the best amino acids for the skin. It not only strengthens the skin’s barrier but also soothes any irritation, making it a perfect ingredient if you struggle with sensitive skin.

Soybean Folic Acid Ferment Extract

This is a type of B vitamin that repairs and synthesizes DNA. This is integral to keeping skin youthful. If you have sun damage, you’ll especially benefit from using products made with folic acid.

The Best Drunk Elephant Protini Alternatives

As you can see, Protini is a high-quality product. Fortunately, there are similar products out there. Here are some of our favorites.

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream

acure

Like Protini, this night cream contains antioxidants and multiple peptides for numerous anti-aging benefits; these ingredients are ferulic acid and vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens skin and evens skin tone. Ferulic acid is an ingredient that boosts the performance of antioxidants, so you’ll see some amazing benefits. The peptides in this cream increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

Many people love the whipped texture that this cream has. Since the consistency is thicker, it’s better for those with dry skin. Protini has a gel texture, better for those with oily skin. Plus, it’s vegan! Keep in mind, because of the powerful ingredients here, you should seriously only use this at night.

Pros

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Contains no parabens
  • Affordable
  • Gentle
  • Made with antioxidants and peptides
  • It contains a lot of the same or similar ingredients found in Protini

Cons

  • It has a thicker texture, not suitable for oily skin types
  • Best for those who want to brighten the skin

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream | Amazon
$18.54 ($10.91 / Fl Oz)

Whipped night face cream with superfoods replenishes moisture and rejuvenates the skin.

Buy at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/22/2024 09:15 am GMT

Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer

Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer

Coming from a Sephora connoisseur, I’m shocked I had never heard of this brand before. Like Protini, it contains copious peptides. However, the peptides aren’t as potent. This will be a better moisturizer if you want to prevent aging symptoms as opposed to correcting them. However, it does contain 2% Royal Epigen which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s also extremely moisturizing and lightweight, made with shea butter. What I don’t like is the push top, which is also what Protini has. However, this packaging does keep bacteria out of your product.

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Affordable, especially for a Sephora product
  • Improves the quality of your skin with Royal Epigen and peptides

Cons

  • Many reviewers don’t like the smell
  • Not the best option if you want to correct aging symptoms
  • Too lightweight for dry skin

The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer | Amazon
$17.00 ($10.00 / Ounce)

A nurturing yet fast-absorbing daily moisturizer with a dual peptide formula, aiming to reduce the appearance of fine line & wrinkles and balance skin's natural oil levels.

Buy at Amazon Buy at Sephora
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01/21/2024 07:38 am GMT

The Original Nature Moisturizing Factors + HA

factor

I’ve wanted to try this brand FOREVER, but they are always SOLD OUT! Well, if you can get your hands on this moisturizer, it’s one of the best Protini alternatives. It contains similar amino acids as Protini and it also has fatty acids, ceramides, and glycerin. This makes this moisturizer perfect for repairing the skin as well as for moisture.

The moisture also isn’t too thick, making it ideal for oily skin types. It will never feel heavy or thick on the skin.

Pros

  • Consistency isn’t thick, good for oily skin
  • Affordable
  • Your skin will immediately feel more hydrated

Cons

  • Basic moisturizer, not the best if you have serious mature skin
  • If your skin is extremely dry, you may need something stronger

The Original Nature Moisturizing Factors + HA | Amazon
$20.00 ($6.06 / Fl Oz)

Hydrating formula with amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid. This formula offers non-greasy hydration that acts as a direct topical supplement of natural moisturizing factor components.

Buy at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/21/2024 10:41 pm GMT

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting and Brightening Moisturizer

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting and Brightening Moisturizer

Like Protini, this moisturizer is filled with antioxidants such as vitamin C. The tri-peptide complex will also plump the skin, boost elasticity, and brighten the complexion. The consistency is also not heavy, making it ideal for oily skin types.

Pros

  • Good for both dry and oily skin
  • Affordable
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • It contains antioxidants such as vitamin C
  • Tri-peptide complex targets many aging symptoms

Cons

  • Heavier formula, oily skin types may prefer Protini
  • Not as many high-quality ingredients
  • Strong orange smell

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting and Brightening Moisturizer | Amazon
$16.78

Boosts brightness & elasticity in one use with clinical-grade vitamin C + tri-peptide.

Buy at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/22/2024 01:45 am GMT

Derma-E Advanced Peptides & Collagen Moisturizer

derma

This is one of the better options if you want to combat existing aging symptoms. This moisturizer contains peptides that smooth wrinkles; the main peptides are Argireline and Matrixyl. Argireline is a short-chain peptide that tightens the skin, resulting in a smoother appearance.

Matrixyl also reduces the look of wrinkles and promotes collagen production. It’s slightly more expensive than the other alternatives on this list, but it’s insanely cheaper than Protini.

Pros

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • It doesn’t contain parabens
  • Peptides will smooth wrinkles
  • Great price for powerful ingredients

Cons

  • Lavender-scented may be irritating to many people

Derma-E Advanced Peptides & Collagen Moisturizer | Amazon
$19.61 ($9.80 / Ounce)

Derma E Advanced Peptides and Collagen Moisturizer restore a more youthful appearance to the skin by diminishing the look of lines and wrinkles.

Buy at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/22/2024 08:11 am GMT

Paula’s Choice Nightly Reconditioning Moisturizer

paula

Paula’s Choice is renowned as an effective yet affordable beauty brand. This night moisturizer contains antioxidants and superfoods to improve your skin’s natural barrier. This not only repairs the skin but will also fight free radicals.

It has a very light texture, perfect for oily skin. And it’s non-comedogenic, perfect for acne-prone skin types. And since this is a night moisturizer, you’ll wake up to hydrated skin thanks to wild cherry and flaxseed.

Pros

  • Great for practically all skin types
  • Absorbs right into the skin
  • It leaves you with glowing and hydrated skin

Cons

  • Has a scent
  • It doesn’t offer many anti-aging benefits

Paula’s Choice Nightly Reconditioning Moisturizer | Amazon
$35.00

This ultra-sheer moisturizer is powered by antioxidant superfoods proven to strengthen skin’s defenses against environmental damage & pollutants.

Buy at Amazon Buy at Paula's Choice
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/21/2024 07:47 am GMT

Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer

If you truly want an affordable Protini alternative, try this moisturizer. It has a very lightweight texture and contains multiple peptides that plump, moisturize, and brighten the skin. It’s great for a variety of skin types, including oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The peptides will also smooth out wrinkles, perfect for those who want to combat aging symptoms.

Pros

  • The gel texture is great for a variety of skin types

Cons

  • Some reviewers complained that this moisturizer irritated their skin

Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer | Amazon
$15.99 ($31.98 / Fl Oz)

Naturium's multi-peptide blend hydrates brighten & smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Natural skin conditioners promote collagen production, resulting in more youthful-looking skin.

Buy at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/21/2024 07:03 pm GMT

It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

it

Okay, I wouldn’t immediately think that It Cosmetics is an *affordable* substitute to Protini. However, it’s currently on sale at Sephora, so it deserves a spot on this list. It has very similar ingredients to Protini, such as the peptide complex. This moisturizer can smooth skin, moisturize, minimize pores, evens the skin tone, and brighten skin and plumps.

It has a thick texture, so this is best suited for dry skin. However, they do have a gel version for oily skin types.

Pros

  • Absorbs into the skin quickly
  • Extremely hydrating

Cons

  • It has a weird herbal smell
  • Not suitable for oily or acne-prone skin
  • Reviewers with sensitive skin said this product made them break out

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream | Amazon

Discover the #1 anti-aging facial moisturizer in America! Confidence in a Cream is a quick-absorbing super cream that helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier while providing continuous 24-hour hydration.

Buy at Amazon Buy at IT Cosmetics
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Read More: Best IT Cosmetics Setting Cream Dupes

Mario Badescu Protein Night Cream

Mario Badescu Protein Night Cream

If you love the proteins that Protini contains, you’ll love this protein night cream by Mario Badescu. It also includes peptides such as oligopeptide-5, which improves skin elasticity and firmness. This night cream also contains other powerful anti-aging ingredients such as vitamin A and collagen.

It’s also very soothing, a good option for sensitive skin types. This moisturizer is also ideal for both combination and dry skin types. A variety of oils and emollients will also keep your skin soft all night.

Pros

  • Great for different skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin

Cons

  • Heavy formula, not best for oily skin
  • It has an off smell

Mario Badescu Protein Night Cream | Amazon
$22.00

Intense moisture replenishing night cream enriched with antioxidant vitamin A to reduce the effects of aging. A high concentration of emollients along with collagen help to preserve skin tone and elasticity.

Buy at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/21/2024 05:25 pm GMT

FAQs

Question: When Should I Use Protini and Not the Alternatives?

Answer: While these alternatives are all very good, there may be a time when you’ll need Protini. For example, if you really need to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, you’ll benefit more from buying Protini than the alternatives. But if you want a moisturizer for general moisturizing or to prevent aging symptoms, I suggest using one of the alternatives instead.

Question: Drunk Elephant Isn’t Available in My Country. Should I Use One of These Alternatives?

Answer: Some countries refuse to sell Drunk Elephant products. For example, Australia doesn’t allow Drunk Elephant because their products use a large number of peptides. If you’re experiencing these issues, I recommend using any of these alternatives if they’re available in your country.

Question: Are Drunk Elephant Products Bad?

Answer: Drunk Elephant has a cult following for a reason. They use high-quality and effective ingredients in their products, so users see results. The price point definitely matches that. Plus, they’re vegan and cruelty-free, which are major selling points.

Unfortunately, as with many large brands, they have done some sketchy and misleading things. While the brand doesn’t make their products with six of the most irritating ingredients, they make unnecessary claims that this is the reason why their products won’t irritate even the most sensitive skin. In reality, everyone’s skin is different and we all have individual allergies and irritations.
I suggest watching this video if you want a better look into Drunk Elephant. Cassandra Bankson really digs deep into this brand, uncovering its history, ingredients, and ethics to deliver a comprehensive brand review.

Question: Who Is the Owner of Drunk Elephant?

Answer: Tiffany Masterton is the founder and creative director of Drunk Elephant. Cassandra actually discusses Tiffany in her review. Tiffany is a mother of four from Houston, Texas. After struggling with skincare products, she was inspired to start DE since everything she used irritated her extremely sensitive skin. She did her due diligence, finding the six ingredients that irritated her skin and creating a skincare line that contained powerful actives to see results but didn’t include six of the most irritating ingredients.

Question: What Six Ingredients Does Drunk Elephant Never Use?

Answer: So, what are these six iconic ingredients that are terrible for the skin? Tiffany Masterton dubs them the “suspicious six” and swears these are the ingredients that irritated her skin. These ingredients include:
• Drying alcohols
• Essential oils
• Chemical sunscreens
• Silicones
• Sodium laureate sulfate
• Fragrance/dyes

Keep in mind that just because these ingredients irritate many people doesn’t mean they will irritate your skin. As with everything else in life, it’s best not to assume certain ingredients are causing a reaction without getting a proper allergy test.

Drunk Elephant Protini Alternatives: Bottomline

Drunk Elephant is a cult skincare brand and many users swear by their Protini moisturizer.

Even though this is a high-quality product that delivers results, it does come with a high price tag. There are many alternatives out there that are similar to Protini at lower price ranges. These alternatives contain the same or similar peptides, antioxidants, and other ingredients that Protini contains. Look through these alternatives and choose the one that fits you the best!

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream | Amazon
$59.99 ($35.50 / Ounce)

This breakthrough protein moisturizer combines signal peptides, growth factors, supportive amino acids and pygmy waterlily for visible and immediate improvement in the appearance of the skin’s tone, texture and firmness.

Buy at Amazon Buy directly at Drunk Elephant
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/21/2024 07:25 am GMT

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