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by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ
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.
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.
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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.
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:
Cons:
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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.
Peter Thomas Roth uses film-forming polymers, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. It tightens and reduces under-eye puffiness within minutes.
Pros:
Cons:
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. 😉
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.
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:
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.
Here’s how to apply them for optimal effectiveness:
Helpful pointers for better results and fewer issues.
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.
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 |
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 ).
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.
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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