No7’s Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate is one of the most popular launches of 2020. 81% of women said the product visibly transformed their skin and 1.3 products have been sold per minute since it launched. I obviously had to review it...
A huge amount of research and planning went into creating this retinol concentrate. I'm talking two whole decades of clinical trials in skin ageing in collaboration with The University of Manchester. Science-based skincare at its finest, my friends.
The key ingredients in this new formula are peptides and retinol. Peptides (in this case MATRIXYL 3000 PLUSTM) supports fibrillin, the skin’s natural springs that give skin elasticity and bounce, helping improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles over time. Retinol boosts collagen production and kick-starts skin renewal from the first application. Interestingly, during their research on retinol, the No7 team discovered the perfect amount of retinol to include in a skincare formula. That perfect amount is 0.3% and it is able to deliver the perfect balance of efficacy with minimal irritation - ideal for those with sensitive skin or those that are new to retinol. To give it a boost, the 0.3% retinol is suspended inside a skin-compatible oil and water matrix, allowing for improved stability and efficient delivery through the surface layers of the skin. This increases the bioavailability of retinol within the skin, while you sleep, providing results after just one night.
The impressive formula also includes soothing bisabolol (in a 1.5% complex), which produces clinically proven skin improvements with minimal irritation.
So, what do I think of the Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate?! Starting with texture, the concentrate feels just like a water-based serum. It is silky smooth and incredibly lightweight on the skin. It absorbs the second it hits the skin and, once it does, it feels as though nothing has been applied. No residue is left on the skin, so you could apply this immediately before stepping foot into bed without worrying about half of it ending up on your pillow. A little product goes a long way, so this 30ml tube will last you a good three months.
There is a slight scent to this concentrate, which is more of a generic cosmeceutical skincare scent. It is nice, although barely there, and disappears within seconds of absorbing into the skin.
I have been using the Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate for around four weeks and have noticed an improvement in my skin's texture and complexion. It hasn't delivered the same anti-aging results as other stronger retinol products I've used in the past but, then again, it wouldn't. A low level of retinol will only get you so far. But it is this lower concentration of retinol that makes this product very beneficial to those that don't normally get on with the active ingredient. No7 has delivered an affordable, skin benefitting retinol product that can be used by those with sensitive skin, or younger women who want to prevent premature ageing in a more gentle way!
The No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate costs £34 and is available from Boots.