Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream Review

On By andrewdhutch

Anti aging skin products – are they worth the marketing hype?

I have so much to say about the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream. Over the summer I was looking to try a new moisturizer that was the right combination of hydrating, anti aging, and lightweight enough for warm weather. In the past, Drunk Elephant skincare products have agreed with my skin, and a few friends highly rated the Protini polypeptide cream, so I decided to give it a try. And now that we are deep in the transition from summer to fall, my skin is still craving this product.

The juicy quality of this cream? Unmatched. No really, I’m not sure I’ve tried a hydrator or moisturizer quite like this. The texture is thick but not too thick (aka thicc), spreads easily on skin, almost like a firm gel cream vibe. What makes it unique is that it is truly like, wet? But dries and locks in and doesn’t feel slimy or gross on the face. In my mind it’s like the perfect combination of a moisturizer and oil. The ingredients list does have some oil, so perhaps I’m onto something.

This cream promises younger, hydrated skin through the use of signal peptides, growth factors, and amino acids that help with lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. I’m not one to really believe marketing jargon, I’m all about ingredients, and and more importantly how my skin reacts and benefits. Peptides, from what I’ve learned through the years, are ingredients that act as building blocks for collagen and elastin. Important things that keep our skin young, strong, and healthy, bouncy and JUICY. What I’ve never heard of before is signal peptides. My guess is that the ingredients signal our skin to produce the collagen versus just supporting existing collagen production? In googling, this seems to be accurate. Please weigh in and share resources on peptides/signal peptides. I’m always looking to read more science behind skincare ingredients.

The bounce and glow my skin has after using this – both immediate and long term – is awesome. The marketing for this product holds up, it really DOES strengthen and moisturize. My skin feels smoother after using this, to the touch and in look. I am only 28, so not a ton of lines or wrinkles, but I do have 1 minor line on my forehead and I can see noticeable improvement since using this product.

Airtight single dose pump packaging

One thing I’m not loving about this cream is that it’s on the more expensive side. At $68 for 1.69 fl oz, it is a standard size moisturizer at a not so standard cost. Some of my most beloved moisturizers are more like $22. With that said, when a product is good and works, and makes me happy? Willing to pay the price. Literally. HOWEVER, because I’m bald, I use all my skincare on my entire face and head, and with this product I was going through a jar each month. It felt like too short of a time compared to the price. So while I definitely recommend this product, and have continued to repurchase, I’ve also mixed in using some more affordable creams to make it last longer.

One of my favorite (local to Nashville) brands, Therapy Systems, makes a great moisturizer. The Oil Free Moisturizer, $48 for 4 fl oz. This breaks down to $12 per fluid ounce, while the Drunk Elephant is $40 per fluid ounce. In other words, the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is nearly FOUR times more costly. The Therapy Systems moisturizer is definitely not a Protini Polypeptide Cream dupe in neither ingredients nor texture, but it is a great product nonetheless.

Do you know any Drunk Elephant dupes? Let me know!

A Year in SPF

On By andrewdhutch

As mentioned in my last post, I was recently on the quest for a new daily SPF. Well guess what, I’m still on that journey. I am always on the search for what’s next in my skincare regimen. I thought it would be interesting to review all the SPFs I used in 2020, so here we go.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Line Smoothing Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15 – Combination to Oily

  • When I bought it – This list truly runs 365 days of daily SPF because I purchased this on January 1, 2020 after having New Year’s Day brunch (RIP brunch)
  • Why I bought it – I bought this because I wanted a nice “skincare” SPF, and found some of the ingredients interesting. The marketing for this boasts plumping fine lines and wrinkles, boosting a youthful look over time. Sign me up. Also, one thing you’ll find with the products I talk about, is that I am often trying and then 5 years later retrying. Clinique is no exception, I had originally used the non-spf version of this product in 2013 (when I was truly young and wrinkle free).
  • What I thought – It had that nice skincare scent, and I liked the texture. I felt fancy applying an SPF from a jar. It gave my skin a nice glow, but was overall not amazing. It was good, not great. On to the next.
  • Would I repurchase – Not no

Olay Total Effects SPF 15, Fragrance Free

  • When I bought it – February 1, before a trip to Mexico (RIP traveling)
  • Why I bought it – For sunbathing days in the Caribbean sun, of course. If I am sunbathing (GUILTY) I apply spf to my face AND body every 40 minutes, no exceptions. This is an SPF that I have used regularly for over 5 years. It has a nice texture that sinks in easily with very little white cast.
  • What I thought – I first fell in love with this product because of the ingredients for the price. Niacinamide is near the top, an ingredient that has all around benefits from helping pores, dullness, skin barrier strength, etc. I have long felt it helps keep my skin blemish free, or at least reduces the redness in my skin tone. We love that. I will say, it feels like they may have reformulated this product, as it has started to smell like sunscreen, in a bad way. But, my skin still likes it, so that’s most important.
  • Would I repurchase – Yes, and I have since

Elta MD UV Replenish SPF 44

  • When I bought it – Since I used so much of the Olay sunbathing, I was nearly ready for a new SPF. After brunch (RIP brunch, part 2), I walked to the local skin spa (shout out to Shoshi at Spa Derma) to buy this Elta MD that I had been researching.
  • Why I bought it – Kourtney Kardashian told me to
  • What I thought – VERY thick and white, takes a LONG time to rub in. I am pale, so a white cast is sometimes okay, but there is a danger zone – it cannot be so thick and white that it tints my beard hair, which this did. And that’s a no from me, dawg. Aside from that, the texture, was almost pore filling, providing a very smoothing effect, so I did enjoy that.
  • Would I repurchase – No

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

  • When I bought it – April 2020, and purchased it on monthly subscription from Dermstore until like October 2020
  • Why I bought it – Since I had mixed feelings on the previous Elta MD product, I wanted to try another from the brand. Again, love the ingredients. Niacinamide!
  • What I thought – Love the texture, thin and runny, no white cast for me at all. I love the scent! My bfffffff Lily (who has her own blog, The Lately Blog) describes it as an almond scent, and that’s accurate.
  • Would I repurchase – Yes

Cerave AM SPF

  • When I bought it – November 2020
  • Why I bought it – I was done with the EltaMD UV clear, but not sure what I wanted next. I had used this one like 4 years ago and thought, let me try it again. It feels like one of those products that is a staple, very safe, and works for everyone (TBD on that one). The ingredients are good, ceramide forward, hydrating, all those good things.
  • What I thought – First and foremost, I think my skin loves it, so that’s important. It has a slight white cast at first, and takes a little time to sink in, but for me dries very smooth. My skin feels less shiny throughout the day.
  • Would I repurchase – Sure

What’s next? Here are the SPFs on my short list…

  • Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor SPF 30 (#rihannanavy)
  • Jack Black Double Duty Moisturizer SPF 20

Decoding The Inkey List

On By andrewdhutch

The other day I was sourcing new SPF recommendations from my group of trusted skincare advisors (aka my friends who I know are as obsessed with skincare as I am). One of my friends, Nina, asked me if I had tried anything from The Inkey List. So I thought I’d share my thoughts here as well.

Initially I said I was currently using the hyaluronic acid, and had tried the PHA toner. Then, I realized I had also tried the collagen booster serum, which is actually my favorite.

The collagen booster adds a nice plumpness to my skin, and the texture is slightly thicker than water, so it perfectly preps the skin for applying moisturizer. In my opinion does, it also does a better job than the hyaluronic acid. The collagen booster includes hyaluronic acid AND a peptide, though in small amounts (MORE ON THAT LATER). So, I’d definitely recommend the collagen booster.

My test with PHA Toner is a bit more complicated. I had tried it at the same time I was also experimenting with not washing my face in the morning (BIG MISTAKE). So, my skin went a little haywire, and I stopped my test with the toner. This was about a year ago, and I looked at my product and it has a 6 month expiration, so I had to toss it in the trash. TBD if I well repurchase right away (I’m currently testing the Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Toner).

INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient)

As I was exploring other products from The Inkey List, I was reminded of something I already knew – the products may have little ingredient concentrations. The name “Inkey” comes from INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) referring to the list of ingredients on product packaging. This list of ingredients in in order from highest concentration to lowest concentration. So when I’m shopping for new products, if I want a hyaluronic acid serum for example, I’m looking for hyaluronic acid to appear near the top of the ingredient list, not the bottom.

Let’s look at the Ceramide Night Treatment ingredient list to break this down. This product markets the benefits of ceramides, but let’s look at the INCI list.

Aqua (Water/ Eau), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Squalane, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, PCA, Polysorbate 60, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ceramide NP, Glycine, Alanine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Serine, Cholesterol, Valine, Xanthan Gum, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Ceramide EOP.

The ceramides are near the bottom. What’s more, is the ingredient Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative that is globally approved in concentrations up to 1%. Meaning, (up to) 1% of the total product is made up of phenoxyethanol. Now, if an ingredient falls below this ingredient, that means there is 1% or less in the formula. Where do the ceramides fall on the list?

Overall, the brand has some great products that seem to provide results. And for affordable prices! Let’s not forget that. The collagen booster, for example is $10. In my opinion, you are certainly getting what you paid for, and that’s that on that.

This discussion on ingredients listing and what I look for is absolutely not to disparage The Inkey List in any way, I love exploring their products, and definitely recommend the collagen booster. There are certainly other brands that have similar marketing. I share this detail to give insight into how I make purchasing decisions (and why I’m in the store so long reading the product packaging)

Helping Hands

On By andrewdhutch

Sometimes (a lot of the time) I’ll get a text from a friend like this…

“I have tiny bumps all over my face, and my pores have def gotten bigger. What do I do?”

My friends love to ask for advice, mainly product recommendations. And I love to help in any way I can, while recognizing that everyone’s skin and needs vary. If you recall from my previous post, I am that skincare nerd who is reading each ingredient list on a product. I spend hours at home researching the clinical studies of ingredients. Just like what we put in our bodies, I want to know what benefit I’m going to get out of a skincare ingredient and formulation. So if I recommend a product, I try to sneak in some skincare E-D-U-C-A-T-I-O-N at the same time.

First up, I ask for additional details about the issue. In this case, my friend described the bumps as acne – think whiteheads and a few blackheads. Also of concerns about oil – “it seems like it’s just oil that’s getting built up.”

Previously I had recommended the Pixi Glow Tonic (glycolic acid/AHA) for this friend, as they were transitioning to summer and noticed acne caused by sweat and wanted an affordable acid/toner step in their routine.

For these new skin concerns, I recommended trying some oil cleansers to deep clean, and switching from an AHA (Pixi Glow Tonic) to a BHA or salicylic acid product to help with the acne. #maskne

When recommending products, I always trying to stick to things I’ve either tried and loved, or that I have on my list to try. This provides a certain level of comfort, since I’m not a professional. I’m not out here trying to make my friend’s skin any worse! The oil cleansers I recommended are…

I also recommended a BHA product that is hot right now:

And for my final commentary, I had to throw in some skincare tips and tricks for all the products I was recommending. Had to really push my agenda for everyone to have glowing skin. Double cleansing. First cleanser on dry skin to remove sunscreen/makeup/dirt, second cleanse to treat the skin. Inspired by queen of all skincare, Caroline Hirons!

Finally, here’s the real kicker, my friend is moving to London and in short order. This meant product availability was a key factor.

I thought of all my trips to the dermatologist in high school, and drugstore availability, and recommended the Cerave Renewing SA Cleanser, and the Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution. Both available at any number of drugstores here in the states. One quick trip.

Stay tuned for follow-ups on the results!

Oil Cleansing + Marie Veronique

On By andrewdhutch

Last month, I did something crazy and tried an oil cleanser. I respect oil as an ingredient and know many people who love it. However, when I was living in Chicago my friend* (*best friend) Lily introduced me to Daniela. When you see Daniela, she questions you about each and every product you’re using, and tells you which ones to throw away and replace with better ones. Known as the “Acne Whisperer” her philosophy is essentially to not use any products that clog your pores and hydrate hydrate hydrate! This philosophy has really worked for me, and I have deeply internalized it when it comes to which products I use and want to try. Simply put, Daniela would have my head if I told her I was using an oil cleanser. But that was years ago, and I was really intrigued to try something new! (Spoiler alert, I’m glad I did.)

I set out to find *the one* and soon landed on a Marie Veronique oil cleanser. Marie Veronique’s Vitamin C E Ferulic serum has been incredible over the last few months that I’ve used it, so I wanted to try something else from the brand. I did a little research on where to buy it in my hometown of Nashville where I was going to be traveling, and found the ONE store in town that sold Marie Veronique – Poppy & Monroe.

Upon arriving, I was greeted (in a mask #covid) by the owner, Karen. I told Karen what I was looking for – an oil cleanser that would smell lovely and be refreshing. Initially she recommended Tata Harper, which I have used before and enjoyed, but my skin didn’t LOVE. I told her about my interest in Marie Veronique, and she immediately told me I should try the Pure E.O. Oil Cleanser.

So, I did! AND MY SKIN LOVES IT! Clear, calm, glowing. More even skin tone and smoother across my forehead. This oil cleanser worked into my routine of double cleansing and facial massaging so easily.

Over the last couple of months, I’ve used two bottles of this cleanser. I found myself in Nashville for a long weekend, so I got in the car and drove on over to Poppy & Monroe, and this time I decided to try a couple new Marie Veronique products as well. Can you tell I’m a skincare addict?

Thanks again to Karen’s help! So nice to find someone and a store that fits so well into my love of skincare! I’ll definitely be back, and highly recommend you check out the shop too. They offer mani/pedi and facials too (I actually think this is their main focus).

Vitamin C and Cleansing

On By andrewdhutch

As someone who spends a lot more time that other people my age looking after, or thinking about looking after my skin, it makes sense that my first post be about some skincare that I currently love. My favorite product to use right now is the Andalou Naturals Meyer Lemon + C Creamy Cleanser. The name is kind of a mouthful, but it actually smells delicious so I *would* eat it. The first ingredient is aloe juice, so I mean, it’s probably edible? One Friday recently I was working from home (remember, I said I had an office job in downtown Chicago? Well, I do have some perks.), and decided that I need a break. I took myself to Whole Foods, where I found this gem. It was almost as if I was being rewarded for NOT working, right? I was looking for something reminiscent of Tata Harper – think good ingredients, plant-based, healthy. But I wasn’t looking to spend that much green. #imamillenial #helpmeImpoor. In true scrutinizing millennial fashion, I’m a label reader * gasp * and this cleanser’s first ingredient is ALOE (Barbadensis Leaf Juice). Pro-tip, this is a huge deal when it comes to a $13 cleanser, and a huge contrast to water, the highest concentration ingredient many cleansers (and products in general) contain. Below is the full list of the ingredients, in order of concentration, many of which catch my eye:

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Purified Water (Aqua), Sodium Olefin Sulfonate, Sorbitol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Vegetable Glycerin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, Manuka Honey, Citrus Medica Limonum (Meyer Lemon) Fruit Juice*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil*, Fruit Stem Cells (Malus Domestica, Solar Vitis) and BioActive Berry Complex*, Allantoin, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract*†, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract*†, Tocopherol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Vanilla Isolates, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil*, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil*

I was looking for a cleanser specifically with Vitamin C, as it has brightening abilities for the skin. So I stood there in Whole Foods pretending I didn’t have a job and read through the ingredients. I mentally added Vitamin C, Manuka Honey, and Fruit Juice to the pro side of the product. Also, I used to have an expensive face oil that I loved with sea buckthorn as the main ingredient, so I concluded that this product was bound to be a hit. *Adds to basket and saunters to the wine aisle*

Now for the real test – taking the product for…a test drive? Anyway, this was to be a second cleanser for me (shout out to @Caroline Hirons), meaning, I first cleansed my face with something to take off the dirt and sweat of the grueling day – you know, the one where I stopped working to go shopping for face wash? Anyway, I patted my face dry from part one of my fairly rigid regime, and was ready. I pumped the Meyer Lemon + C cleanser in my hand and started massaging it into my clean, but dry skin. Wow. Yes. The scent was like a juicy orange, and I was into it. The cleanser had a great liquid-y lotion consistency and did NOT foam (FOAM IS BAD!). I loved the way it allowed me to really work it into my face before I removed it with a hot washcloth. It felt nice, and any excess rinsed off easily. I felt refreshed, hydrated, and clean. After finishing my skincare regime, I moved on to something equally important – opening the wine.

Originally I wrote this article in November 2017, and waited until now to get to posting it. I’ve been using this cleanser as my morning cleanser and second night cleanse in rotation for the last year and a half! I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it.

Here We Go!

On By andrewdhutch

Welcome to my blog! I am starting this site to be a destination for all things beauty and lifestyle, from my perspective!

If you talk to any of my close friends, they will tell you that skincare is the number one recurring theme in my life. If you want to know the third ingredient in your favorite face cleanser, its purpose, and its efficacy, I’m the person to ask. I have learned things from dermatologists, the Internet, and skin experts in the Chicago area (ahem, Daniela). Skin care is ritualistic in my life, and I want to share my practices, thoughts on products, and all things related to the beautiful way of living.

I’ll post more about who I am in my about me section, so check that out!