When considering which anti-aging products to include in your skin-care arsenal, I’ve learned from my hundreds of interviews with dermatologists and aestheticians over the years that plumping peptides are a critical piece of the puzzle. Clinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum not only contains four types of peptides, but also a laundry list of other key ingredients that help rewind the clock on aging skin.
My Skin Type:
Combination. I’m drier in the cold-weather months and oilier in the warm-weather ones thanks to the high humidity on the East Coast.
The Benefits:
Created by a skin-savvy team of scientists and dermatologists, this power-packed serum helps boost collagen production for noticeably smoother skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles and a plumper, more youthful look. These results are made possible thanks to the brand’s exclusive A.C.E. Technology, a state-of-the-art blend of antioxidants, ceramides and an enzyme that protect against free-radical damage, support the skin barrier and nourish aging skin cells.
Here’s what we know: The “A” stands for antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E (the free-radical fighters); “C” is for biomimetic ceramides (Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide EOP and Ceramide NG), which are naturally occurring essential fats that make up about half of the skin’s lipids to form the skin barrier; and “E” stands for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is also naturally occurring in our skin and breaks down potentially harmful oxygen molecules, making it a potent antioxidant with anti-aging properties.
If this sounds like a winning formula already, I haven’t even gotten to the heart of this serum that makes it so impressive, and the reason we chose it as a 2022 NewBeauty Award winner: It also contains four types of peptides—Argireline, Matrixyl, palmitoyl tripeptide-28 and copper peptide—to send collagen production into overdrive.
Key Ingredients:
Peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, ceramides, superoxide dismutase enzyme, vitamins and minerals
What It’s Free From:
Parabens, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes and mineral oil
What It Smells Like:
Nothing. It’s free of synthetic fragrances and none of the other ingredients contribute to the scent.
What It Feels Like:
A gel-cream (or water cream) mixed with a serum. It’s very light and quick-absorbing with no greasy or sticky residue. I give Clinical Skin a big thumbs up for somehow combining all of these potent actives into a serum that feels so weightless. My skin felt so soft and smooth after applying it, and it layered well with another serum I applied afterward as my moisturizer.
How to Use It:
Morning and night after cleansing and before moisturizing, apply one dropper-full to dry skin. You can also use it on your neck and décolleté (and the backs of your hands if you really want to spread the love).
The Bottom Line:
This is a clinical-grade skin-care product with heavy-hitting ingredients for someone who is serious about taking care of their skin. It’s also a great complement to in-office aesthetic procedures like injectables, fillers and other treatments that stimulate collagen, and I love the texture and the fact that it’s fragrance-free. It’s an investment, but a worthwhile one to turn back the clock on aging skin.
Price/Where to Buy:
$250, clinicalskin.com
