Does Plexaderm Last As Long As Peter Thomas Roth? Comparing Effectiveness and Duration

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

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Plexaderm usually lasts 6–8 hours. Peter Thomas Roth FirmX can hold up for 6–10 hours and offers a more flexible finish—especially in heat or on dry skin.

I was curious too, so I tested both to see which one actually holds up best. Both smooth puffiness and wrinkles fast, but their results wear differently. One delivers a firmer, faster lift. The other gives a softer finish that holds up better throughout the day.

I’ve also tested how Plexaderm holds up against other popular under-eye products like Insta-Tox, No More Baggage, and more. Here’s the full competitor breakdown.

Let’s break it down—especially if you deal with facial movement, dry skin, or hot weather.


☀️ Summer update:
Warm weather affects how fast-acting serums perform. I tested both during hot, humid days and both actually worked well. 

Linda wearing Plexaderm and Peter Thomas Roth eye serums during a poolside heat test to compare smoothing results in hot, humid weather

Once I started to sweat, Plexaderm felt a little tacky on my skin—almost like it was trying to hold everything in place. Peter Thomas Roth FirmX, on the other hand, stayed smooth and dry, even in the heat. Still, both serums managed to visibly smooth out the fine lines and puffiness under my eyes, which honestly surprised me given how humid it was.


How long does Plexaderm last and how does it work?

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Plexaderm creates an instant tightening effect using sodium silicate, forming a temporary film that smooths out puffiness and fine lines. But since it doesn’t hydrate, results can fade within 8 hours—or even faster if you have oily skin or make frequent facial movements.

Pro Tip: For better results consider layering it with a hydrating eye cream from my best eye wrinkle treatments roundup.

Why do Plexaderm results fade?

Plexaderm works by using sodium silicate, which creates a tight film on the skin. This film temporarily tightens and reduces puffiness but may break down over time.

Pros:

  • Fast results 
  • Easy application
  • Discreet, clear formula

Cons:

  • Effects fade after a few hours (around 6-8 hours)
  • May leave residue if over-applied

How long does Peter Thomas Roth last and how does it work?

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Peter Thomas Roth FirmX results typically last between 6-10 hours. The flexible film-forming polymers provide a smoother finish than Plexaderm, allowing for more natural facial movement. The added hydration from hyaluronic acid helps maintain results longer, especially on dry skin.

Why do Peter Thomas Roth results fade?

Peter Thomas Roth uses film-forming polymers, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. It tightens and reduces under-eye puffiness within minutes.

Pros:

  • Hydrates while tightening
  • Smooth finish
  • Dries quickly

Cons:

  • Results are temporary
  • May require reapplication
  • Requires proper application to avoid residue

ABZ Tip: Check out my personal puffy eye serum review page to see how it looks on my eyes and grab my tip for dealing with that whitish residue. 😉

Which under-eye serum lasts longer: Plexaderm or Peter Thomas Roth?

Plexaderm’s tightening effect works quickly, but because it forms a rigid film, it can break down faster—especially with facial movements or oily skin. If you tend to squint, smile often, or have an expressive face, you might notice the effects fading sooner.

Peter Thomas Roth FirmX, on the other hand, uses a more flexible formula with hydrating ingredients. This allows for smoother facial movement without cracking or flaking. The added hydration helps it maintain a fresher look longer, especially for those with dry or mature skin.

While both products are temporary, FirmX may hold up better throughout the day, whereas Plexaderm gives a more dramatic but shorter-lasting lift.

Which one should you choose?

Since I hadn’t seen many direct comparisons of how long Plexaderm lasts versus Peter Thomas Roth FirmX, I tested both to see which one actually held up better.

Here’s how I’d sum it up based on what I experienced:

  • Heavy under-eye bags or deeper wrinkles?
    Plexaderm gave me a stronger, more dramatic tightening effect. It’s ideal when you want visible lifting fast—like for special occasions or photos. Just be mindful that it can feel a bit dry and may flake with facial movement.
  • Mild puffiness, fine lines, or sensitive skin?
    Peter Thomas Roth FirmX felt gentler and more hydrating on my skin. I found it lasted longer throughout the day without looking flaky or feeling too tight. It’s a better fit for daily wear, especially if your skin leans dry or sensitive.

Both serums work—but in different ways. Plexaderm gives you that strong lift when you need a quick fix. FirmX offers a smoother, more flexible finish that holds up better for everyday use.


How to apply under-eye serums for long-lasting results

A woman applying eye serum to reduce puffiness and fine lines, showing effective application techniques for longer-lasting results.

Here’s how to apply them for optimal effectiveness:

  • Start with clean, dry skin. This is essential for best results.
  • Do a quick under-eye massage. Gently massaging the area helps reduce fluid buildup and can enhance how well the serum works. (Try this lymphatic drainage technique before applying.)
  • Apply a small amount to the under-eye area using your fingertip. Gently pat—don’t rub—until fully absorbed.
  • Stay expressionless for 5–10 minutes while the product dries to avoid disrupting the tightening effect.
  • Avoid over-applying. A little goes a long way—using too much can lead to visible residue or a cakey look.

General tips:

Helpful pointers for better results and fewer issues.

  • Skin Type: Oily skin can cause the product to break down faster, while dry skin may enhance longevity.
  • Amount: Apply only a small amount to avoid a cakey finish.
  • Touching or Rubbing: Try not to touch or rub your eyes after application, as this can cause the product to wear off more quickly.
  • Eyeliner & Concealer: The right products can lift and smooth—but how you apply them matters just as much. Check out these 10 eyeliner tricks for mature eyes—that actually help you look more awake.

What happened when I tested both serums

In my personal trials, both products temporarily reduced puffiness and smoothed fine lines, but I found Plexaderm a bit drying on my sensitive skin, while Peter Thomas Roth FirmX provided a smoother, softer finish.

User feedback generally supports these observations:

Some report that Plexaderm’s formula feels drying and can flake with facial movements, while Peter Thomas Roth FirmX is often praised for its flexibility, smoother feel, and longer-lasting effects.

Note: And yes, I even compared Plexaderm to Preparation-H (yep, the hemorrhoid cream). Here’s the truth about that hack.

At-a-glance: How the two serums compare

Plexaderm vs. Peter Thomas Roth Comparison
Feature Plexaderm Peter Thomas Roth
Claimed Duration Up to 10 hours Several hours (varies by use)
Application Tips Apply a small amount, let dry Apply thin layer; let dry
Finish Matte, firm Smooth, firm
Potential Drawbacks Feels tight; may flake Feels firm; may flake
Best For Extreme puffiness and wrinkles Mild puffiness, fine lines

Key ingredients in Plexaderm and Peter Thomas Roth: What does the research say?

Sodium silicate offers a quick tightening effect but may not last long due to its rigidity, while film-forming polymers create a flexible, breathable layer that lasts longer and helps with moisture retention.

Overall, film-forming polymers tend to maintain their effects longer than sodium silicate (Cosmetics and Toiletries, 2024 ; Prequel, 2024 ).

FAQ: 

Question: Which is better Plexaderm or Peter Thomas Roth?

Answer: Both Plexaderm and Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX temporarily reduce under-eye bags and smooth the skin. Plexaderm offers a stronger tightening effect and may last longer, but it can leave a visible residue if overapplied. Peter Thomas Roth has a lighter, more flexible finish and is often more affordable. Choose Plexaderm for a dramatic lift; go with PTR FirmX if you prefer a softer, more natural look.

Question: What are some Plexaderm alternatives?

Answer:  Several products offer similar results for puffiness and fine lines. Popular Plexaderm alternatives include:

These options vary in texture, ingredients, and price—check for potential allergens before use.

Question: Are there Plexaderm-like products for sensitive skin?

Answer:  Yes. While they may not give instant tightening results, the following are better suited for sensitive skin and offer gentler firming over time:

These formulas are designed to minimize irritation while supporting long-term skin firmness and hydration.

Question: How long does Plexaderm last, and how does it compare to Peter Thomas Roth?

Answer:  Plexaderm typically lasts 6–8 hours, though results may fade faster with oily skin or facial movement. With proper application, some users report up to 10 hours of wear.

Peter Thomas Roth FirmX usually lasts 6–10 hours and is more flexible due to its hydrating formula. It tends to hold up better on dry or mature skin.


More Anti-aging Tips:

About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

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