As a dermatologist, I’m often asked about the latest and greatest in skincare products. Just the other day, a patient of mine came in with a question about a new moisturizer they’d heard about online—the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer. They were curious if this product was worth the hype and, more importantly, if it was right for their skin type. I decided to take a deeper dive into this particular product to provide a review. Here’s what I found:

Overview of Peptides

“Peptides” have been everywhere for the past few years. TikTok touts these tiny protein fragments as the next big thing in skincare. But are peptides really as miraculous as they sound, or is it just marketing?

Let’s look closer at what peptides actually do, the science behind their supposed benefits, and whether they deserve your hard-earned money.

Click the video to the right for a whirlwind overview of peptides, or read on for more info!

The star of the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer is, of course, peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining firm, youthful skin. As we age, the natural production of these proteins slows down, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Peptides in skincare work by signaling the skin to produce more collagen, thus helping to restore its structure and elasticity.

When people talk about "peptides," it can mean a lot of different things, making it a very broad and unclear term. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, but there are many different types, and they can do different things for your skin. Because of this, it's hard to know exactly what a product with peptides will do without more details. On the other hand, when someone mentions retinol, we know exactly what that is—a type of Vitamin A that helps with wrinkles and skin texture. So, while "retinol" is specific, "peptides" is more like an umbrella term that needs more explanation.

So how do we know if a peptide is really good for our skin? It can be tricky because many studies on peptides are sponsored by the companies that make them, which can sometimes make the results seem better than they are. Plus, a lot of the research is done in a lab (in vitro) or on animals, not on actual people. This means we don't always know how well these peptides will work on human skin. Sometimes, the results we hear about are also self-reported, meaning people just say how their skin feels, which isn't always super reliable. So, it's important to be cautious when hearing big promises about peptides.

Brief Overview of Naturium

Naturium is a relatively new brand in the skincare industry, but it has quickly gained a reputation for its scientifically formulated products that prioritize efficacy and skin health. The brand was co-founded by Susan Yara, a well-known skincare influencer, which gives it a strong presence in the online skincare community. Naturium is known for its focus on clean, effective ingredients and transparency in its formulations. The brand aims to offer high-performance skincare without the hefty price tag often associated with such products.

Naturium Peptide Ingredients

The Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum is packed with a potent blend of peptides:

It's hard to find accurate information about peptides, especially with so much hype surrounding them in the skincare world. To cut through the noise, here's a no-nonsense overview of these peptides:

Usage

To get the most out of Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer, it should be applied twice daily—morning and night—on cleansed skin. Start by applying a pea-sized amount to your face and neck, gently massaging it in until fully absorbed. If you’re new to peptides or niacinamide, it’s wise to start with a once-daily application and gradually increase to twice daily as your skin adjusts.

For best results, apply the moisturizer after your serums and before sunscreen in the morning, and as the last step of your nighttime routine. Pairing it with a gentle cleanser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen will enhance its effectiveness and protect your skin from environmental damage.

Time to See Results

Patience is key when it comes to skincare. With the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer, you may start to see subtle improvements in hydration and skin texture within the first few weeks of consistent use. However, for the full anti-aging benefits, such as reduced fine lines and increased firmness, it typically takes about 8 to 12 weeks. Collagen production is a slow process, so give the peptides time to work their magic.

Side Effects

The Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer is formulated to be gentle on the skin, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. However, as with any skincare product, there is a small risk of irritation, particularly if you’re sensitive to any of the ingredients. The presence of niacinamide may cause mild redness or tingling in very sensitive individuals, but this is uncommon. It’s always a good idea to do a patch test before applying any new product to your face.

Texture and Feel

I like the feel! It’s lightweight and creamy—it does not feel greasy. Upon application, it feels soothing and hydrating, making it a great option for both morning and evening use. The formula layers well with other skincare products, such as serums and sunscreens, without pilling or feeling heavy.

Packaging

Naturium has opted for a sleek, user-friendly pump packaging for their Multi-Peptide Moisturizer. The pump mechanism is not only convenient but also hygienic, helping to minimize the risk of contamination. Moreover, the opaque container protects the integrity of the active ingredients, especially sensitive ones like peptides and Vitamin C, from light and air exposure.

Price and Value

At around $20 to $25 for a 50 mL bottle, the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer is reasonably priced, especially considering the quality of the ingredients and the benefits it offers. It is available through the Naturium website, major online retailers, and select stores. Compared to other peptide-rich moisturizers on the market, which can easily cost twice as much, Naturium offers excellent value for money.

Comparisons

When comparing the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer to other popular peptide serums, such as The Ordinary Buffet and Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, a few key differences emerge:

• The Ordinary Buffet is another affordable peptide serum that contains more advanced peptide technology (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 is a new, more advanced Matrixyl). It’s cheaper, too.

• Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is a peptide-rich moisturizer that targets signs of aging. It has an advanced copper delivery system. It also contains Matrixyl-3000. However, it comes at a much higher price point. While Drunk Elephant offers a more luxurious texture and added moisturizing benefits, Naturium provides a more budget-friendly option.

The Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer offer okay peptides at an accessible price point. Its lightweight texture and comprehensive formulation make it a strong competitor in the peptide serum market.

Dermatologist's Opinion

If you’re looking to get into peptides, the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer is an okay start. The peptides included are mostly older technology. However, it doesn’t break the bank and also has glycerin and some nice oils for hydration. If you are serious about trying peptides, there are better formulas out there (see here).

Is Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, this moisturizer is formulated to be gentle and is suitable for sensitive skin, though it's always recommended to patch test first.

Can I use this moisturizer with other active ingredients?

Yes, it pairs well with other skincare actives like hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and even retinoids, but always introduce new products slowly to avoid irritation.

How long does it take to see results?

You may see improved hydration and texture within a few weeks, but significant anti-aging benefits like reduced fine lines typically take 8 to 12 weeks.

Is this moisturizer non-comedogenic?

While it isn’t specifically labeled as non-comedogenic, the ingredients are generally non-pore-clogging, making it a good option for those prone to breakouts.

Can I use this moisturizer both morning and night?

Absolutely! It’s lightweight enough for daytime use under makeup and hydrating enough to be effective as a night cream.

Is Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer fragrance-free?

Yes, this moisturizer is fragrance-free, which is great for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

Where can I buy Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer?

It’s available on the Naturium website, major online retailers like Amazon, and select brick-and-mortar stores.