I know there’s no shortage of products that vow to transform skin. And I know that few actually deliver. Clinical Skin PolyPeptide Serum is one of them.
If I had to rank my top skincare concerns from most to least burning, I’d say uneven texture number one, followed by dullness and large pores. So when I was offered to test Clinical Skin PolyPeptide Firming Serum — a dermatologist-favorite elixir that promises to reduce fine lines look, plump and firm skin, and improve texture — I happily jumped at the chance. So here’s my unfiltered review of this high-end serum.
About my skin: untextured and dull
For context, my skin has been on a journey throughout the years. Hormonal imbalances as a teen resulted in acne, hence ice box scars (yes, I was squeezing pimples) and, consequently, rough texture and large pores. And textured skin is less able to reflect light, which is why my complexion appears dull and lackluster than luminous and glowy.
The formula: peptides for the win
As the name suggests, Clinical Skin PolyPeptide Firming Serum focuses on peptides, the little messengers that trigger cells to perform specific actions, such as inducing collagen and elastin production. To get a bigger picture of what this serum is capable of, here’s a bit about what these peptides do:
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: which also goes by Argireline, is called the “botox in a jar” peptide due to its ability to increase moisture and decrease wrinkles.[1]
- Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate: aka copper peptide, is a mix of copper and amino acids that regenerate skin, spur collagen growth, enhance firmness and diminish UV-induced damage.[2]
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28: a key compound that helps build skin proteins, while protecting the existing collagen from degradation.[3]
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38: also known as Matrixyl, helps build proteins found in the skin matrix (collagen and hyaluronic acid).[4]
Additionally, the serum boasts a blend of ceramides, cholesterol, and sodium hyaluronate to promote firmness and elasticity and reinforce the protective barrier. Plus, it has ascorbic acid (the pure form of vitamin C) and glutathione, both known for their antioxidant, brightening, and collagen-boosting abilities.[5] I also love that the formula is void of fragrance, alcohol, mineral oil, and parabens and is cruelty-free.
What it does
When you pay for Clinical Skin PolyPeptide Firming Serum, you pay for results. This serum does literally anything from banishing dullness and minimizing wrinkles to protecting, hydrating, and brightening the skin. It’s a true multi-tasker that can fight most skincare concerns out there. You’d also want to have this serum nearby for those moments your skin’s barrier has been compromised, like after a chemical peel or microneedling. This is because it does wonder to accelerate the skin recovery process thanks to the addition of peptides, ceramides, and cholesterol.
The feel: rich and incredibly absorbent
Everything about Clinical Skin PolyPeptide Firming Serum is rich. The white liquid is dense, yet it doesn’t feel heavy, oily, or watery. It spreads easily over the skin and absorbs instantly without leaving any tacky or sticky feeling, and it beautifully sits under moisturizer.
The results: I’m impressed
And further addicted. My skin (normally prone to dullness) appears luminous and supple, hydrated, and the glow it gives me is unbeatable. The little lines are less noticeable, the pores appear refined, and it never gave me any reaction. After using this miracle serum once a day (you can apply it AM and PM, but I’ve just been doing nights) for almost two months, my skin has changed. This makes total sense since the serum is jam-packed with actives that aid in building proteins, humectants, minerals, and vitamins.
I’m not the only one who loves this product, though. More than 150 reviewers have given it a 5-star rating thanks to its skin-changing results.
“Polypeptide Firming Serum truly lives up to its claims. Within a month I noticed noticeably plumper and firmer skin on my face and neck. This is something I have never experienced with another product. It’s pricey but if a product really works, it’s worth it. It’s my holy grail facial serum right now and I can’t imagine being without it,” said one reviewer.
Another wrote: “The serum has been a lifesaver for my skin. After just 8 months of use, I can see that it’s made significant changes in the way blemishes and dark spots look on me- -they’re now much lighter than they ever were! It s also not too heavy or clogging pores like other products might do; plus its lightweight texture makes applying this every morning easy as pie (no pun intended).” Enough said.
The value: pricey but justified
Not everyone is willing to drop $250 on a serum, but peptides are usually expensive to formulate, and this serum loads a serious amount of them. On the bright side, the serum has 50ml, and a little goes a long way, so it lasts a long time. Plus, with each purchase of PolyPeptide Firming Serum, you get a Pétrissage Massage Beauty Roller (valued at $75), a great roller that massages the skin emulating the grip of a petrissage massage, increasing product absorption and boosting blood flow for enhanced benefits.
Clinical Skin PolyPeptide Firming Serum
The verdict
I endorse this serum because it delivers every single time. Sure, peptides are the main selling pitch in a lot of products out there, but considering this contains a generous amount of them, it’s good to know the higher price point equates to a very concentrated product. Five drops every evening, and it did hydrate my skin, leaving it plump, soft, luminous, and with an evener texture. Lastly, one thing I know: I don’t want to be without it.
Footnotes
- Wang Y, Wang M, Xiao S, Pan P, Li P, Huo J. The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2013 Apr, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/
- Safety Assessment of Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-12, their Metal Salts and Fatty Acyl Derivatives, and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 as Used in Cosmetics, June 9-10, 2014, https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/tripep062014final.pdf
- Creative Peptides, Palmitoyl-tripeptide-28, https://www.creative-peptides.com/product/palmitoyl-tripeptide-28-item-cpo-005-40726.html
- Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results, Source
- Aldag C, Nogueira Teixeira D, Leventhal PS. Skin rejuvenation using cosmetic products containing growth factors, cytokines, and matrikines: a review of the literature. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
