Progeline Cream Claims to Firm and Plump the Skin—But Does It Work?

Progeline is one of those skincare ingredients that some claim does it all—addressing anti-aging concerns like firmness and wrinkles. Some say it helps hydrate, lending that glow for which so many of us strive. But just what is progeline? Where does it come from? And can it really do it all?

We took our questions to the experts: board-certified dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD, cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski, and skincare scientist Hannah Sivak, Ph.D. Ahead, they explain what progeline cream is made of, how progeline cream works (or doesn't), and whether it provides any real benefits for the skin.

Keep scrolling to find out if this anti-aging product is worth trying or if you should stick to your usual skincare routine.

What Is Progeline Cream?

"Progeline cream is a bio-engineered peptide that combines glycerin, water, dextran, and trifluoroacetyl tripeptide into one mixture," says Guanche. It is an ingredient by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics and is described as a biomimetic peptide derived from Elafin.

Breaking down these ingredients, glycerin is a humectant that pulls moisture into the top layer of the skin, and dextran is a polysaccharide used in artificial tears and acts as a thickener, Sivak explains. According to Romanowski, glycerin, dextran, and water work as moisturizers and carrier ingredients in the formula. And as for the last ingredient mentioned, Sivak explains that trifluoroacetyl-tripeptide-2 is a fluorinated peptide.

Before we get into all that progeline cream is (or isn't), it's important to note the role of peptides in skincare. A peptide is a chain of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, and can allegedly help stimulate collagen growth by tricking the skin into thinking it needs to produce more. But is that theory just a skincare myth, or are peptides in skincare effective for addressing visible signs of aging? According to recent studies, topical application of peptides has been shown to provide anti-wrinkle benefits and increase skin elasticity.

While lab tests showcase the ingredient's promising effects, in Romanowski's opinion, this doesn't translate to actual products. "They show some potential, but I think most of the products which feature peptides work no better than good moisturizers," Romanowski explains. "For the most part, if you have a moisturizer with and without a peptide, I do not believe consumers will notice any difference. Moisturizers themselves are effective at addressing signs of aging."

Progeline Cream vs. Other Moisturizers

While lab tests showcase the ingredient's promising effects, in Romanowski's opinion, this doesn't translate to actual products. "They show some potential, but I think most of the products which feature peptides work no better than good moisturizers," Romanowski explains. "For the most part, if you have a moisturizer with and without a peptide, I do not believe consumers will notice any difference. Moisturizers themselves are effective at addressing signs of aging."

Benefits of Progeline Cream for Skin

• Could potentially reduce signs of aging: Guanche says that it does have the effect of making skin appear firmer when applied, but it's difficult to know whether this is an immediate topical effect, a long-term anti-aging effect, or both. However, "Reportedly, the peptide can help reduce signs of aging (wrinkles and sagging skin)," Romanowski explains. "They claim it does this by interacting with the skin biochemistry to reduce the synthesis of progerin and inhibit enzymes, like elastase, which can break down skin structure proteins. Of course, if your cosmetic actually did these things, that would make it an illegal drug."
• Adds hydration to the skin: "Due to the glycerin and water content, the skin will be hydrated upon application since glycerin is a humectant," says Guanche.

If you search for information about progeline on the Lucas Meyer Cosmetics website, you'll find a breakdown of the ingredient's mode of action: reduces progerin synthesis, inhibits MMPs and elastase, increases syndecan, and contracts collagen. Romanowski points out that while the manufacturer produces laboratory data, "I did not find any independent data to support the use of the product."

And if you're now sufficiently confused about the difference between a cosmetic and a drug, here's how to differentiate the two. According to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetics are "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body... for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." As for drugs, those are defined by law as, "articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease" and "articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals."

Side Effects of Progeline Cream

Other than potentially wasting money on a product that might not give you the anti-aging benefits you're looking for, is there any harm in trying a progeline cream? Romanowski argues that if these ingredients really did impact the body's biochemistry, you would be experimenting with an untested drug.

"Without testing, you would have no way of knowing if it were safe to use daily," Romanowski says. "It could be completely harmless, or it could cause cancer. That is why testing is done on drug products. It is probably fine, but without testing, you can only guess."

Sivak agrees. "Dextran is inert. Water and glycerin are part of our daily lives," she says. "Fluorinated peptides are not. So you could say that people who sell progeline are experimenting on the people who buy these products."

Other Anti-Aging Ingredients to Try

Although the skin experts aren't convinced that progeline cream is the answer to all of your anti-aging prayers, you're not without options. But instead of potentially wasting time in the search for an under-the-radar miracle ingredient (not to mention a lot of money), go back to the basics. You might be a little surprised by Romanowski's top picks for anti-aging ingredients or products, which are, honestly, nothing extraordinary. Still, they work to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized to improve the appearance of dry, dull, wrinkly skin.

As Romanowski explained earlier, moisturizers on their own are effective at addressing the signs of aging. Glycerin (the humectant that we explored earlier in the article), mineral oil (an emollient moisturizer that smoothes, softens, and seals moisture into the skin), petrolatum (an occlusive that locks everything in and creates a barrier on the skin), and, of course, sunscreen (to protect your skin from extrinsic aging) are Romanowski's four anti-aging favorites. And the best part? All are fairly inexpensive, easy to find, and significantly impact skin moisturization.

According to Sivak, quercetin and fisetin are also two ingredients to seek out for their anti-aging benefits. As she explains, both ingredients are senolytics, which selectively eliminate senescent cells (cells that accumulate in aged skin and potentially drive the functional deterioration that characterizes aging skin) and could treat and prevent various age-related diseases.