Drunk Elephant Protini: 9 Signal Peptides + Pygmy Waterlily
Protini formulates with a complex of 9 signal peptides and bio-fermented synthetic growth factors (sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-9, sh-Polypeptide-11).
Growth factors stimulate epidermal keratinocyte proliferation and wound healing, while signal peptides promote collagen synthesis. Protini suspends these in a rich emulsion of Marula Oil, Soybean Folic Acid Ferment Extract, and Pygmy Waterlily stem cell extract.
The texture is a luxurious gel-cream with an airless jar pump that protects light-sensitive peptides from atmospheric oxidation.
Stratia Interface: Encapsulated Copper Tripeptide-1 + Matrixyl
Stratia Interface approaches peptide therapy from physiological lipid encapsulation. Its hero active is Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu), encapsulated in a phospholipid bilayer alongside Matrixyl 3000 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 + Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7).
Encapsulating GHK-Cu is crucial: free copper ions are notoriously prone to binding other ingredients or causing pro-oxidant catalytic reactions if unshielded.
Stratia's vehicle incorporates skin-identical lipids (Cholesterol, Squalane, and Ceramide NP), ensuring optimal delivery into dermal tissue without pore-clogging comedogenic esters.
Takeaway: Stratia Interface provides pure copper tripeptide-1 and matrikines in a barrier-identical lipid base at $27/50ml. Protini provides recombinant synthetic growth factors in a richer marula base at $68/50ml.
Active Conflicts: Acids and Retinoids
Because Stratia contains active GHK-Cu, it should not be applied concurrently with low-pH (<4.0) L-ascorbic acid or strong glycolic acid, which can cleave the copper ion from its peptide chelate.
Protini contains non-metal signal peptides that are slightly more pH-resilient, though best results for both occur on non-acid recovery nights.