Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum Review

Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract (est. ≈4.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract (est. ≈4.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Centella Asiatica Extract, and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Advanced Clinicals Peptide Facial Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Function:
Origin:
Pentapeptide-18
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-37
Function:
Origin:
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Extract
Function:
Origin:
Soluble Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coffea Robusta Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit
Function:
Origin:
Aristotelia Chilensis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
15.9
6
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 15.9 10
10.0
6
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 15.9 10
10
All humectants
15.9
6
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 10.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
10.2
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
4
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
2
Sodium Hyaluronate
1.5
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Punica Granatum Extract
0.3
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
0.3
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
0.3
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.9 5 No
All soothing
2.9
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from apple fruit that has humectant moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as gentle anti-pigment effects. It contains humectant sugars, anti-pigment organic acids, and flavonoids.
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PEG-12 DimethiconeA synthetic silicone that improves lubricity and absorption.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle effects. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is a part of the popular anti-wrinkle complex called Matrixyl™ 3000.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic peptide that mimics the activity of immunoglobulin G and signals to the skin to stop the inflammation. It has been shown in studies to reduce wrinkles and enhance collagen content.

Pentapeptide-18
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentapeptide-18

Description is coming soon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-37
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-37
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed ExtractDerived from quinoa seeds, the extract contains various emollient phytochemicals such as phytosterols, saponins, proteins, and amino acids.
Rosa Damascena Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena ExtractDerived from the Damask rose, this extract contains the luxurious fragrant rose essential oil, as well as astringent tannins.
Soluble Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Soluble CollagenA protein obtained from farm or marine animals. Collagen molecules are too big to penetrate the skin so when they are applied via a skincare product they sit on top of the skin and act as humectant moisturizers.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Punica Granatum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum ExtractAn extract made from pomegranate fruit. The fleshy and juicy part of the fruit mainly contains antioxidant red pigments and polyphenols. The rinds contain large amounts of tannins, which are astringent and leave the skin feeling tightened and refreshed.
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit ExtractRubus fruticosus fruit extract is an extract obtained from the fruit of the Blackberry. It offers antioxidant properties and is used in skincare as an astringent ingredient due to its high content of tannins.
Coffea Robusta Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coffea Robusta Seed Extract
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit ExtractA bright red extract derived from cranberry fruits that is rich in powerful antioxidant anthocyanins, as well as astringent tannins.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from the fruits of the acai palm. It has a high content of anthocyanins, responsible for the dark purple color, as well as other antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from Goji berries with moisturizing and antioxidant polysaccharides and glycoproteins. It is also rich in other antioxidants such as vitamins B and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols.
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit ExtractAn extract of Indian mulberry that is aimed at irritated skin and that has plenty of antioxidant and wound healing carotenoids, flavonoids, and iridoids.
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit
Aristotelia Chilensis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aristotelia Chilensis Fruit Extract
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateA biodegradable chelating agent that chemically captures the heavy metal ions naturally present in water and disarms their harmful effects.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.