Pure Retinol Night Cream
Pure Retinol Night Cream
Product Description
A dermatologist-approved retinol night cream with MATRIXYL 3000 PLUSโข peptide technology that accelerates surface skin renewal while boosting collagen production. Formulated with ceramides and bisabolol to minimize irritation while delivering visible anti-aging results in as little as 2 weeks.
โจ Texture & Feel
MATRIXYL 3000 PLUSโข Technology
No7's next-generation collagen peptide technology with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 for enhanced anti-aging benefits.
Triple Ceramide Complex
Contains Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture while retinol works its magic.
Retinol Soother System
Bisabolol (from chamomile) and shea butter help calm potential irritation for a gentler retinol experience.
Retinol Optimizer Encapsulation
Advanced delivery system that enhances pure retinol penetration for maximum efficacy and visible results.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
NOT SAFE. Contains retinol which should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for alternatives.
NOT SAFE. Contains potential triggers including Polysorbate 20, Shea Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, and C13-14 Isoparaffin.
Retinol increases photosensitivity. Always use SPF 30+ during the day when using this product.
Formulated with bisabolol and ceramides to minimize irritation. Start slowly and build tolerance.
Do not use with prescription retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs. Avoid if using acne medications or undergoing skin peeling treatments.
Free from common allergens: fragrance, parabens, lanolin, talc, nickel. 82% Top Allergen Free rating.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ถ Retinol Undisclosed % Gold Standard
The hero ingredient - a vitamin A derivative that accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
- Mechanism: Converts to retinoic acid in skin, promoting cell renewal and collagen synthesis
- Research: Most extensively studied anti-aging ingredient with decades of clinical evidence
- Potency: 10-20x less potent than prescription retinoic acid but with significantly fewer side effects
๐งฌ MATRIXYL 3000 PLUSโข Peptide Complex Proven
No7's proprietary blend of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 - collagen-boosting peptides that work synergistically with retinol.
- Function: Signals skin to produce more collagen and elastin
- Benefit: Improves skin firmness, reduces wrinkle depth, enhances skin structure
- Synergy: Complements retinol's action without additional irritation
๐ก๏ธ Triple Ceramide Complex NP, AP, EOP Proven
Three types of ceramides that strengthen the skin's natural barrier, prevent moisture loss, and help skin tolerate active ingredients better.
- Ceramide NP: Restores skin barrier function
- Ceramide AP: Prevents transepidermal water loss
- Ceramide EOP: Maintains skin's structural integrity
๐ผ Bisabolol Soothing Agent Proven
A natural compound derived from chamomile that calms inflammation and reduces potential retinol irritation.
- Source: Contains approximately 30% of chamomile's active anti-inflammatory components
- Benefit: Soothes redness and sensitivity associated with retinol use
๐ง Shea Butter Emollient Traditional
Rich, nourishing butter that deeply moisturizes and helps counteract the potential drying effects of retinol.
- Function: Provides intense hydration and creates protective moisture barrier
- Note: May not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin
47 ingredients
Aqua (Water/Eau), Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Steareth-21, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Steareth-2, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyacrylamide, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Caprylyl Glycol, Laureth-7, Sodium Benzoate, Bisabolol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Retinol, Carbomer, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Sucrose Laurate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Benzyl Alcohol, Ceramide EOP.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
PM routine only. Apply after serums but before eye cream and face oils. Always use SPF 30+ the following morning.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Thoroughly
Start with clean, dry skin. Remove all makeup and impurities with your favorite cleanser.
Apply to Face & Neck
Massage a pea-sized amount in small upward circles over face and neck. Avoid eye area and lips.
Allow Full Absorption
Let the cream absorb completely (30-60 seconds) before applying any additional products.
Build Tolerance Gradually
New users: Start every other night for 1-2 weeks, then gradually increase to nightly use as tolerated.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You're concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of aging
- You want a retinol with soothing ingredients to minimize irritation
- You prefer fragrance-free, dermatologist-approved formulas
- You're looking for an affordable drugstore retinol option
- You want peptide technology combined with retinol
- You have normal to dry mature skin
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're currently using prescription retinoids or AHAs/BHAs
- You have extremely sensitive or reactive skin
- You need a lightweight, oil-free formula for oily skin
- You prefer products with disclosed retinol percentages
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Rich, creamy formula with shea butter and ceramides provides intense hydration while treating aging concerns.
Well-balanced formula delivers anti-aging benefits without overwhelming normal skin types.
Works well but may feel slightly rich on oily zones. Apply sparingly on T-zone if needed.
Rich cream texture may feel heavy. Consider a gel-based retinol alternative for very oily skin.
Bisabolol and ceramides help minimize irritation, but start slowly and patch test first.
Ideal for mature skin with proven retinol and peptide technology targeting multiple signs of aging.
๐ Results Timeline
Initial Adjustment Period
Skin begins adjusting to retinol. You may experience mild dryness, tightness, or slight peeling as cell turnover accelerates. Skin starts feeling softer.
70% noticed softer skin textureVisible Smoothing Begins
Wrinkles appear smoother and skin texture improves. Hydration levels normalize as skin builds tolerance. Uneven pigmentation starts to look reduced.
80% saw smoother wrinkles by week 2Enhanced Firmness & Glow
Collagen-boosting effects become visible. Skin appears plumper, firmer, and more radiant. Dark spots and uneven pigmentation continue to fade.
83% felt their skin looked youngerTransformative Results
Full anti-aging benefits are realized. Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced. Skin tone looks more even and overall complexion appears revitalized.
93% saw better results with full No7 regimenโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Visible results in as little as 2 weeks
- Fragrance-free and dermatologist approved
- MATRIXYL 3000 PLUSโข peptide technology
- Gentle enough for retinol beginners
- Contains soothing bisabolol and ceramides
- Affordable drugstore price point
- Rich, luxurious texture feels nourishing
- Improves skin texture and hydration
โ Criticized
- Retinol percentage not disclosed
- Jar packaging less hygienic than pump
- Not fungal acne safe
- Not suitable during pregnancy
- May feel too rich for oily skin
- Some experience initial irritation
- Small jar size (1.69 oz)
- Results require patience and consistency
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Similar retinol + peptide formula. Oil-free and non-comedogenic. Uses tube packaging for better stability. Results visible in 12 weeks per clinical studies.
Uses Accelerated Retinol SA with hyaluronic acid. Faster initial results (1 week claims). Slightly lighter texture may suit oily skin better.
Contains vitamin B3 (niacinamide) plus retinol. 24-hour hydration claims. Fragrance-free. Richer texture with good anti-aging benefits.
Features encapsulated retinol with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. MVE delivery technology. More suitable for sensitive skin types.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
No7 Pure Retinol Night Cream
$26.97RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
$21.99Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair
$22.49Olay Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
$28.99๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep lid tightly closed to protect retinol from air and light degradation.
Glass jar with screw-top lid. Consider using a clean spatula to minimize contamination.
Yes, under 100ml TSA limit. Glass jar is sturdy but consider transferring to a travel container for protection.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
No, this product is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains retinol, a vitamin A derivative that should be avoided as it may potentially affect fetal development. No7's official guidance states: "When pregnant or breastfeeding it is recommended to avoid any products containing retinol." Consult your healthcare provider for pregnancy-safe anti-aging alternatives like vitamin C or peptide-only products.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several potential malassezia triggers including Polysorbate 20, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Cetearyl Alcohol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, and fatty acid-based emollients. If you have fungal acne, look for FA-safe retinol alternatives that avoid these ingredients. The good news is that retinol itself has anti-malassezia properties, but the formula's other ingredients may feed the fungus.
No7 advises against using this product with other retinol products, retinoic acid (prescription tretinoin), AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), or BHAs (salicylic acid). Combining these actives can cause excessive irritation, dryness, and skin damage. If you want to use vitamin C, apply it in your morning routine and use the retinol cream at night. Allow your skin to build tolerance before introducing other actives on alternate days.
This cream is best suited for normal, dry, and mature skin types. The rich, nourishing formula with shea butter and ceramides provides excellent hydration while delivering anti-aging benefits. It's also suitable for sensitive skin due to the soothing bisabolol, though gradual introduction is recommended. Those with oily or acne-prone skin may find the texture too heavy and should consider a lighter gel-based retinol alternative.
According to No7's clinical studies, wrinkles appear smoother in as little as 2 weeks of consistent use. However, full results develop over time: initial skin softening occurs in weeks 1-2, visible smoothing in weeks 2-4, enhanced firmness by weeks 4-8, and transformative anti-aging results by weeks 8-12+. In their consumer study, 83% of UK women felt their skin looked younger after 8 weeks. Consistency is key for optimal results.
Apply this cream at night only as the final step before face oils (if using). The recommended routine order is: 1) Cleanser, 2) Toner, 3) Serum, 4) This cream, 5) Eye cream, 6) Face oil (optional). Let the cream fully absorb before applying additional products. In the morning, always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen as retinol increases sun sensitivity.
This cream has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2/5 (low to moderate). While it contains potentially pore-clogging ingredients like Shea Butter and Cetearyl Alcohol, it's formulated to be suitable for all skin types. Those with very acne-prone skin should patch test first. The rich texture may be too heavy for oily or congestion-prone skin, so consider a lighter retinol formula if you're concerned about breakouts.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. After opening, use within one year for optimal efficacy. Since retinol degrades when exposed to air and light, store the jar in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. Consider using a clean spatula instead of fingers to minimize contamination. If you notice changes in color, texture, or smell, discontinue use as the product may have degraded.
Verdict: No7 Pure Retinol Night Cream delivers impressive anti-aging results at a drugstore price point, backed by the brand's 85+ years of scientific expertise. The combination of pure retinol with MATRIXYL 3000 PLUSโข peptides and soothing ingredients makes it an excellent choice for retinol beginners or those with sensitive mature skin. While the undisclosed retinol percentage and jar packaging are minor drawbacks, the clinically-proven results, fragrance-free formula, and triple ceramide complex justify its value. Best for dry to normal mature skin seeking affordable, effective anti-aging with minimal irritation risk.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 7 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antimicrobial
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 0 |
Steareth-21
Cleansing, Emulsifying
|
|