Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Face Moisturizer
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Face Moisturizer
Product Description
A clinically proven anti-aging night cream that combines stabilized Retinol SA with Hyaluronic Acid and a Glucose Complex to visibly smooth fine lines in 1 week and fade wrinkles in 4 weeks while you sleep. Dermatologist-recommended and from the #1 retinol brand in the US.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Accelerated Retinol SA
Neutrogena's exclusive stabilized retinol formula delivers retinol deep within the skin's surface quickly and effectively for faster visible results.
Hyaluronic Acid Hydration
Adds plumping moisture to help hydrate and rejuvenate the look of skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines through deep hydration.
Glucose Complex Booster
An exclusive booster ingredient that works with Retinol SA to accelerate the skin's surface activity for faster anti-aging results.
Overnight Renewal
Works while you sleep to smooth fine lines, fade wrinkles, brighten skin tone, and diminish the look of dark spots by morning.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
NOT recommended. Contains retinol (vitamin A derivative). The product label states: "If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, consult your physician before use."
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Polysorbate 20, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, and esters (Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate) that can feed malassezia yeast.
Retinol increases photosensitivity. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen during the day while using this product.
Mild redness, warmth, tingling, or flaking may occur during the first 1-2 weeks. Start slowly and build tolerance. Patch test recommended for sensitive skin.
Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, and dyes. Uses phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin as alternative preservatives.
This formula includes fragrance, which may be irritating for very sensitive or reactive skin types. A fragrance-free version is available in the 1.7 oz size.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
𧬠Retinol (Retinol SA) ~0.1% Proven
A stabilized form of pure retinol (vitamin A) that is two steps removed from the active form retinoic acid. Clinically proven to improve cell turnover, boost collagen production, smooth wrinkles, and fade dark spots.
- Clinical Evidence: Retinol is one of the most studied anti-aging ingredients with decades of peer-reviewed research supporting its efficacy in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Mechanism: Converts to retinoic acid in the skin, promoting cell turnover, stimulating collagen synthesis, and normalizing keratinization.
- Neutrogena Claim: 100% of women tested reported visible results in just one week of use in clinical trials.
π§ Sodium Hyaluronate <1% Proven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Smaller molecular weight than regular HA allows for better skin penetration and deep hydration.
- Hydration: Draws moisture from the environment into the skin, plumping fine lines and improving skin texture.
- Bioavailability: Sodium hyaluronate has a lower molecular weight than hyaluronic acid, enabling better penetration through the skin barrier.
π Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) <1% Proven
Pure vitamin C is a potent antioxidant clinically proven to boost collagen production, brighten skin, and fade hyperpigmentation. Present here as a stabilizing antioxidant and skin brightener.
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals that accelerate skin aging. Also helps stabilize the retinol in the formula.
- Brightening: Inhibits melanin production to help fade dark spots and even skin tone over time.
πΏ Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract (Glucose Complex) <1% Promising
Neutrogena's proprietary "Glucose Complex" derived from Myrtle leaf. Works as a booster to accelerate retinol SA delivery into the skin's surface for faster results.
- Retinol Booster: Claimed to accelerate the skin surface renewal process when combined with Retinol SA.
- Skin Conditioning: Provides additional soothing and skin-conditioning benefits from the botanical extract.
π§΄ Glycerin 3-5% Proven
A skin-identical humectant that is one of the most effective and well-studied moisturizing ingredients. Draws water into the skin and helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.
- Evidence: Effective from as low as 3%, with enhanced benefits for dry skin at higher concentrations up to 20-40%.
- Safety: Comedogenicity: 0. Irritancy: 0. Universally well-tolerated.
29 ingredients
Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Isohexadecane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Synthetic Wax, Polyacrylamide, Fragrance, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Chlorphenesin, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, BHT, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Laureth-7, Ascorbic Acid, PTFE, Sodium Hydroxide
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply at night only as part of your PM routine. Always follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen the next morning. For retinol beginners, start every other night and gradually increase to nightly use.
π How to Use
Cleanse Your Face
Start with a clean, dry face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil. Pat skin dry with a soft towel.
Apply a Pearl-Sized Amount
Dispense a pearl-sized amount onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Massage Into Face & Neck
Smooth evenly over face and neck in gentle, upward massaging strokes until fully absorbed. Avoid direct contact with eyes.
Build Tolerance Gradually
For retinol beginners, start with every other night for the first 2 weeks. Gradually increase to nightly use as your skin adjusts. Mild tingling is normal.
Apply SPF the Next Morning
Always protect your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen during the day, as retinol increases photosensitivity.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want a drugstore-accessible retinol with clinically proven anti-aging results
- You're looking to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots
- You want a moisturizing night cream that also treats signs of aging
- You're a retinol beginner looking for a well-formulated entry point
- You prefer a cream texture over serums for nighttime application
- You want a dermatologist-recommended brand with proven track record
β Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You are extremely sensitive to fragrance in skincare
- You prefer fragrance-free products (try the 1.7 oz Fragrance-Free version instead)
- You need a higher retinol concentration (consider the Pro+ 0.3% version)
- You want a completely clean or natural ingredient list
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Ideal match. Rich enough to nourish without being heavy. Retinol and hyaluronic acid work well on balanced skin for anti-aging benefits.
Provides solid moisture with glycerin, HA, and dimethicone. Very dry skin may want to layer a heavier occlusive on top, especially during the retinol adjustment period when flaking can occur.
Retinol helps regulate oil production over time. The cream texture is on the richer side, but absorbs quickly without a greasy finish. Use a lightweight amount.
Balances well across different face zones. Retinol helps normalize skin cell turnover in both oily and dry areas. The silky finish works well overall.
Contains fragrance and retinol, both of which can irritate sensitive skin. Start very slowly (once a week) and build up. Consider the fragrance-free version. Patch test required.
Retinol helps unclog pores and normalize cell turnover, which benefits acne-prone skin. However, the cream has a comedogenic rating of 2/5 and is NOT fungal acne safe.
π Results Timeline
Instant Hydration
Skin feels smoother and more hydrated immediately after application. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin plump the skin and silicones create a protective barrier.
100% noticed smoother skinFine Lines Begin to Smooth
Visible improvement in skin texture and fine lines. Skin looks brighter and more even. Mild redness or flaking may occur as skin adjusts to retinol.
100% saw visible results (clinical trial)Wrinkles Visibly Fade
Deeper wrinkles begin to appear reduced. Dark spots start to fade. Skin tone becomes more even and radiant. Retinol adjustment period typically ends.
~85% noticed wrinkle reductionFull Anti-Aging Benefits
Maximum results from consistent use. Significant improvement in wrinkle depth, skin firmness, dark spots, and overall skin texture. Collagen production has been actively boosted.
~90% reported improved skin appearanceβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Clinically proven results visible within 1 week
- Affordable drugstore retinol from the #1 dermatologist-recommended retinol brand
- Rich, silky texture that absorbs quickly without a greasy residue
- Combines retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C in one product
- Paraben-free, mineral oil-free, dye-free formula
- A little product goes a long way; only needs pearl-sized amount
- Smooths fine lines and brightens skin tone noticeably
β Criticized
- Small 1 fl oz bottle for the price (larger 1.7 oz version available separately)
- Contains fragrance that some find too strong or irritating
- Can cause peeling, redness, and dryness during first 1-2 weeks
- Not fungal acne safe; contains multiple malassezia triggers
- Not safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Contains PTFE and BHT, which some consumers prefer to avoid
- Jar/tube packaging not ideal for retinol stability (light and air exposure)
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A much simpler formula with a known retinol concentration (0.5%). Lacks the hyaluronic acid and glucose complex, but delivers straightforward retinol in a stable squalane base at a fraction of the price.
Features encapsulated retinol plus ceramides, niacinamide, and peptides for a more barrier-friendly formula. Fragrance-free and includes MVE technology for time-released delivery. A gentler option.
A dermatologist-favorite retinol cream with progressive release retinol and adenosine. More expensive but designed for sensitive skin with a very gentle yet effective retinol delivery system.
π Comparison with Competitors
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night
$21.99Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night
$28.99RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night
$24.99CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
$19.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Replace and tighten cap when not in use to protect retinol from air and light degradation.
Opaque squeeze tube with screw cap. The opaque packaging helps protect light-sensitive retinol from UV degradation.
Yes, 1 fl oz (29ml) is under the TSA 3.4 oz liquid limit for carry-on luggage.
β Frequently Asked Questions
No. This product contains retinol (vitamin A), which is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The product label explicitly states: "Contains retinol. If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, consult your physician before use." Retinoids are classified as a Category X ingredient for pregnancy. Look for retinol-free alternatives like peptide-based or bakuchiol night creams instead.
No. This product contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne, including Polysorbate 20, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, and esters like Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate and Isohexadecane. If you have fungal acne, look for fungal-acne-safe retinol alternatives like The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane or consult a dermatologist.
This product already contains retinol and a small amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), so you should not layer additional retinol products on top. Using AHAs or BHAs at the same time as retinol can increase irritation and sensitivity. If you want to use these actives, alternate nights (retinol one night, AHA/BHA the next) rather than combining them. Vitamin C serums are best used in your morning routine while this retinol cream is for nighttime only.
This product works best for normal and combination skin types. It is also good for oily and dry skin with some considerations. Oily skin benefits from retinol's pore-refining properties, while dry skin should layer a heavier moisturizer on top. Sensitive skin should proceed with caution due to the fragrance and retinol content. The fragrance-free version (1.7 oz) is a better choice for reactive skin.
Neutrogena claims visible results in as little as 1 week for fine lines, with wrinkle fading in 4 weeks. In clinical trials, 100% of women reported noticeable results within one week. However, individual results vary. For deeper wrinkles and dark spots, expect 8-12 weeks of consistent nightly use for significant improvement. Retinol works by stimulating collagen production in deeper skin layers, which takes time.
Apply this product at night only, after cleansing and toning but before any heavier occlusive creams or face oils. The recommended PM order is: cleanser, toner, serum (if using), this product, then eye cream or face oil if needed. Do not use in the morning. Always follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen the next day, as retinol increases sun sensitivity.
This product has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2 out of 5. It contains several ingredients that can be mildly pore-clogging for some individuals, including Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, and Ceteareth-20. However, many users with acne-prone skin use it without breakouts, and retinol itself helps unclog pores over time. If you are highly acne-prone, patch test first and monitor for breakouts.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within 12 months for best results. Retinol can degrade over time with exposure to air and light, so always replace and tighten the cap after each use and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 1 fl oz tube typically lasts 1-2 months with nightly use on face and neck.
Verdict: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer is one of the best drugstore retinol creams available, backed by clinical evidence and decades of brand credibility. Its combination of stabilized Retinol SA, Hyaluronic Acid, and the proprietary Glucose Complex delivers visible anti-aging results within weeks at a fraction of the cost of prestige brands. However, the inclusion of fragrance, several fungal-acne triggers, and the fact that it is unsuitable for pregnancy or breastfeeding limit its universality. For most adults seeking an accessible, effective nighttime retinol treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, this remains an excellent and well-proven choice.
Product Overview
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.
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
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent - Occlusive
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|

