There’s a plethora of anti-ageing products on the market, from retinol creams and serums to exfoliating acids. While I’m sceptical of some marketing spiel, good-quality dermatologist-approved skincare always piques my interest. As a 42-year-old beauty journalist, I find the best skincare offers key ingredients with tangible benefits – while slotting easily into your daily routine.

With all of that in mind, I was keen to try Perricone MD’s pro-strength firming moisturiser, a new addition to the brand’s lineup. The formula contains neuropeptides, a growing buzzword in skincare, said to help promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines by inhibiting the chemical signals that cause them.

While premium skincare brand Perricone MD has an entire product collection containing this ingredient, the pro-strength firming moisturiser was my first port of call to try. The cream is billed as offering long-lasting moisture to visibly boost skin thickness and improve elasticity, all while reducing the look of sun damage. These are bold claims, so I was interested to see whether they stand up to testing.

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  • Size59ml
  • Key ingredientsNeuropeptides, glycerin and shea butter
  • Why we love it- Smoothing

  • Softening

  • Take note- Pricey

My main skin concerns are dryness and dullness, so I often reach for hydrating moisturisers with brightening ingredients to create a dewy look that can, in turn, make skin appear plumper. So I had high expectations of this £140 formula.

On first application, I was impressed with the consistency – it’s creamy without being greasy. It absorbs quickly and adds a subtle glow due to its hydrating ingredients (glycerin and nourishing shea butter). Despite having sensitive skin, I experienced no irritation when testing the formula; instead, I found it to be soothing. Without makeup, I saw an even finish to my skin, but it also works well as a primer under foundation.

The neuropeptide is the hero ingredient here, but I’d need to use the moisturiser for longer to comment on any signs of increased firmness or elasticity – I’ll update this review with how my skin looks over time.

And as with all products promising to reduce wrinkles, topical skincare can only do so much to diminish fine lines. Having said that, this moisturiser’s ingredients are effective at temporarily improving the appearance of wrinkles.

There are more affordable moisturisers that will offer similar results, for example, The Ordinary’s natural moisturising factors and La Roche Posay’s cicaplast – but this one definitely feels more luxe to use.

For those who want to treat themselves, Perricone’s firming formula has visible skincare benefits and is indulgent.