Why is Protini, Pure Gold?

​Ok, before we get alarmed there is no gold in this product it's merely a metaphor. I shouldn't have to explain that but we're in a time now where we give a disclaimer for absolutely everything. So moving on, as you know I'm a skincare nerd. Also as may know I put out a 2018 predictions where I talked about "peptides" still making a big impact for 2018 and referenced the new Drunk Elephant Protini, when I didn't know too much about it except that it was to be peptide driven. 

Before we get on with my thoughts, Drunk Elephant did send this to me. Thank you so much for that guys! I'm not on their PR list, they didn't have to but they did and I have such a huge crush on them as a company that I legit squealed like a 5 yr old when I got this. Again, thank you Drunk Elephant! I love you!

Ok my thoughts on this: Well let's hit what is in simple terms and then I'll insert the company claims as always after that. So this is in my eyes a very versatile "Peptide Cream", and when I say it like that it sounds very lack luster. So what I need to get across here is that this is a serum-cream, almost like a water cream if you will, that is unlike anything I've seen on the market. It's a sophisticated formula, filled with things that I think are all absolutely helpful, not often seen in products, and none that are just there to "dress it up" you get what I'm saying? So while it is helpful at instantly making the skin look more plump it's also working on the long term effect thanks to all the ingredients in this product.

Let's discuss peptides, shall we? Peptides are broken down amino acid chains of Protein. Protein is Collagen. Collagen is what makes our skin look young, firm and plump. When it's broken down into these amino acids "chains" that are referred to as peptides they are very much active. They do a lot of work, bringing in the phrase "Signal Peptides". They "work with the cells to translocate protein". More or less the Signal Peptide tells protein where to go depending on the function or where it's needed specifically. Which is really cool to think of how intricate the human body is, right? So when they call this a "shot of protein" for your skincare, they're actually very accurate.

I love the way this came about to the brand it was planned out of the blue, on a flight I think, just a list of things they wanted in the product and as they got off the plane they had the making of a new product to the line. It wasn't intentional and those are my favorite. I love it when brands create something that they themselves want and see a need for in the industry instead of just putting out something because it's popular. I definitely still think peptides are going to be the new popular ingredient and I say that not because they aren't useful....they definitely are. There's just a lack of products that heavily bring peptides to the front of skincare. 

Back to this being a versatile product. This product is a thin thin texture. I have a hard time really calling it a proper cream. It's not meant to be though I don't think. It's meant to be an additive to any serum, cream or product that you want. Especially within the Drunk Elephant line. It goes really well with Lala Retro Whipped Cream. I love Lala Retro but I must say I love it with Protini better. I myself have found that it layers amazing well thanks to the texture and how thin it is. The product doesn't ball up or anything it just absorbs into the skin. 

Here's the claims of the company:

WHAT IT IS:
This breakthrough protein moisturizer combines an unprecedented array and concentration of signal peptides, growth factors, supportive amino acids and pygmy waterlily for visible and immediate improvement in the appearance of skin’s tone, texture and firmness.

WHAT IT IS FORMULATED TO DO:
Protini’s proprietary formula delivers younger, revived-looking skin, almost from the first application. Lines, wrinkles and signs of sun-damage appear reduced; depleted skin feels strengthened and moisturized.

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Think of Protini™ in your Drunk Elephant skincare routine like adding a shot of protein to your smoothie. Abundant with proteins and nutrients, it replenishes and restores your skin back to a strong, healthy state.

DRUNK ELEPHANT DIFFERENCE:
Drunk Elephant is committed to using only clean ingredients that either directly benefit the skin’s health or support the integrity and effectiveness of our formulations. We never take into account an ingredient’s synthetic or natural status, but instead choose based on biocompatibility. You won’t find what we call the “Suspicious 6” in our products (Essential Oils, Drying Alcohols, Silicones, Chemical Screens, Fragrance/Dyes and SLS,) making them appropriate for every skin type. We believe that these six ubiquitous ingredients are at the root of almost every skin issue. When formulating the products, we focus on pH and safety, always making sure that the active ingredients are at efficacious levels. This is the Drunk Elephant difference.

WHAT IT IS FORMULATED WITHOUT:
Animal Fats/Oils/Musks, Benzalkonium Chloride, Benzophenone, Bisphenol A (BPA), Butoxyethanol, BHA, BHT, Chemical Sunscreens, Coal Tar Dyes, 1,4-Dioxane, -Cones, Detergent, Essential Oils, EDTA, Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA), Formaldehyde, Fragrance, Hydroquinone, Liquid Paraffin, Liquid Petrolatum, Methyl Cellosolve, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Mercury, Mercury Compounds, Mineral Oil, Oxybenzone, Parabens, Paraffin Oil, Phthalates, Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs), Resorcinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinol, Siloxanes, Sulfates, Thimerosal, Toluene, Triclosan, Triclocarban

Apply morning and night to clean, dry skin for a vital dose of protein and replenishing moisture the skin needs to retain its youthful appearance. Tip: We like to mix it up so add a shot of Protini to any DE serum, cream or oil / Protini is formulated at the ideal pH level of 4.0.

1.69 FL. OZ / 50 ML
KEY INGREDIENTS:
- 9 signal peptide complex (growth factors): 9 signal peptides (made up of amino acids that form proteins in the skin) are cell-communicating and serve to bind moisture to skin, plump, firm and restore bounce to skin’s appearance, helping to boost skin’s self-renewal

- pygmy waterlily stem cell extract: excellent source of antioxidants and nutrients to replenish the skin; extremely moisturizing, soothing and calming; effective in supporting healthy, youthful looking skin

- soybean folic acid ferment extract: is a b vitamin that plays a central role in maintaining youthful, elastic skin; skin becomes actively thirsty for folic acid, especially after exposure to sun

- acetyl glutamine: an amino acid that is a skin-identical and skin-repairing ingredient that can be effective for reversing past damage; has an inhibitory effect on melanin production

Ingredients:Water/Aqua/Eau, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Bacillus/Soybean/ Folic Acid Ferment 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, Glyceryl Caprylate, Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract

Cruelty-Free. Recycle for Earth's Sake. Supporter of IEF (International Elephant Foundation)."

So after all of this, I agree with their claims on this product. I agree with the formula and what it's made to do and that it will have a long term benefit. I think it was the perfect thing to add to their line. This isn't another "collagen" product that the market is overflowing with it's a deeper approach than that and that's what I love. Really getting to the heart of the situation and training our body to better take care of itself. If you're say in your 20's or so I don't really think you need it just yet, if you've had to start looking at retinols, acids, or just noticed a loss of elasticity I believe in getting on that as soon as possible, so really it's up to you. You know you're skin the best. It is a very good product and I would definitely recommend.