Are They Dupes?: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream Vs Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream

Stop the press! I’ve finally found a dupe for Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream – and it’s less than half the price!

The catch? Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream is NOT suitable for everyone. Some skin types will like it more than others. Are you one of the lucky few? Read on:

What Do Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream And Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream Have In Common?

PEPTIDES TO FIRM SKIN

Both Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream contain the same peptides (A LOT of them):

• sh-Oligopeptide-1: A.k.a. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), it sends signals to molecules to stimulate cell growth and healing. It’s safe for 99% of people, but if you have skin cancer avoid. You want EGF to produce new healthy cells, not new cancer cells.
• sh-Oligopeptide-2: A.k.a. Insulin-like growth factor 1, it belongs to the same Growth Factors family as sh-Oligopeptide-1. It does the same thing: stimulates cell growth and wound healing. Studies show they work even better when used together. Again, this is safe for everyone NOT affected by skin cancer.
• sh-Polypeptide-1: A.k.a. Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor, it stimulates the growth of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. In other words, it helps your skin makes more collagen. Like other EGFs, it’s safe unless you apply it directly on skin cancer.
• sh-Polypeptide-9: A.k.a. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, it stimulates the formation of blood vessels to supply collagen-making cells with all the nutrients they need. It also helps them heal faster. Use it only on healthy skin.
• sh-Polypeptide-11: A.k.a. Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor, it stimulates the growth of collagen-making cells, skin regeneration and wound healing. Use it on healthy skin only.
• Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14: It strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, boosts collagen and makes skin plumper.
• Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate: A peptide that transports Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14 to collagen-making cells so it can work its magic on them.
• Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: Part of Matrixyl 3000, it helps strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and soothe sensitive skin.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1: Part of Matrixyl 3000, it helps stimulate the production of collagen and firm skin.

I’m sceptical of peptides. Most of these studies were done in vitro (NOT on real skin) by the manufacturers. Not the most unbiased source!

Having said that, there’s enough independent evidence that copper peptides can keep skin in a constant state of repair and help firm skin. If you want to give those a try, both creams are worth a go.

FYI, Growth Factors do not cause cancer. But like everything else in your body, they can feed it. Dr. John and Dr. George, authors of barefacedtruth.com say it best:

We do not believe that EGF causes cancer. Period. There is much research about how cancers use EGF and other growth factors and their receptors to further their agenda of growth at all costs. But the same can be said of the ability of cancers to beg, borrow, or steal blood, oxygen, nutrients, and everything else they need for growth, often at the dire expense of tissues, organs or the whole organism. In short – that is the very nature of cancer and why it is dangerous – but that is not the nature of EGF. To blame EGF would be like blaming amino acids, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, hormones, etc. (cancers use them all). But you should think of EGF as the stolen object, not the thief. To the extent that cancers may co opt EGF, well then so does healing tissue after a surgery, or skin after damage by the sun.  There is no scientific evidence that EGF applied to skin in any dose causes cancer.  But then you don’t want to apply it to known skin cancers either. That is common sense. Knowing your own skin, and the signs of skin cancer, and promptly presenting to your doctor if you perceive any changes is the reasonable caution there.

Related: Do Copper Peptides Work Better Than Retinoids?

MOISTURISING BASE TO MAKE SKIN SOFTER AND SUPPLER

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream don’t just use the same peptides. 99% of the moisturising ingredients that make up the bulk of the cream are the same too:

• Glycerin: A humectant that draws water from the air into the skin to increase its moisture levels.
• Cetearyl Alcohol: A moisturizing alcohol derived from coconut, it gives slip to a product, improves its texture and moisturises skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that can draw and bind to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water.
• Marula oil: A rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants, it deeply moisturises dry skin, soothe irritations, and fight free radicals (the nasty molecules that give you wrinkles).

Related: What The Heck Are Humectants And Why Are They In My Skincare Products?

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What Else Is In Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream And Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream?

AMINO ACIDS VS ANTIOXIDANTS

So far, I’ve focused on what Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream have in common. They’re almost perfect dupes.

I say almost because Drunk Elephant chose to go with amino acids, while Acure is loaded with antioxidants. Let’s start with them.

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream has vitamin C, ferulic acid and turmeric, all antioxidants proven to fight the free radicals that give you wrinkles and dark spots. Granted, there’s only a sprinkle of them here but hey, every little bit helps.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream has every amino acids you can think of. Amino acids do all kinds of things for your skin, from fighting free radicals (histidine), to boosting collagen (proline) and helping skin heal faster (arginine).

Which one is better for anti-aging? Hard to say. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. A better approach is, what is your skincare missing?

If it’s low on amino acids, go with Drunk Elephant. If you could do with more antioxidants, Acure is the better choice.

Related: The Complete Guide To Amino Acids: What They Are, What They Do For Skin And Where To Find Them

What’s The Texture Like?

The other main difference between Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream is their texture.

Drunk Elephant has a lightweight gel texture that sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue behind. It’s suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.

Acure has a much heavier cream texture. It takes a while to sink in and can feel heavy on some skin types. I’d recommend it only to dry skin.

What’s The Packaging Like?

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream comes in a white and green airless jar that keeps the goodies inside safe from the light and air that can make them go bad. You have to press the top down to make the cream come out.

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream comes in a white and purple tube. It’s sleek and practical.

How To Use Them

They’re both the last step of your skincare routine at night.

Which Of The Two Should You Go For?

If you’re looking for a peptide cream, both Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream will do. But which one is better for YOU? It depends on your skin type and needs:

Go with Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream if:

• You have combination, oily, acne-prone skin
• You need more amino acids in your skincare routine
• You prefer gel textures

Choose Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream if:

• You have dry skin
• You need more antioxidants in your skincare routine
• You prefer cream textures
• You’re on a budget and willing to compromise on texture

Price & Availability

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($68.00): Available at Cult Beauty, Sephora and SpaceNK

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream ($19.99): Available at Acure, iHerb and Target

Is Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream A Dupe For Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream?

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream isn’t an exact dupe for Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream – but it’s close enough. If it’s a peptide cream you want, both will do the trick. But Acure is better for dry skin, while Drunk Elephant is suitable for all skin types.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.