SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream

£142.00

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This overnight cream from SkinBetter Science is a retinoid powerhouse. The core ingredient is AlphaRet, a patented retinoid designed to optimise results whilst causing as little sensitivity as possible. The formulation has also been stacked with glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells to speed up results as increase skin cell turnover. 

There are too many key ingredients to list, but have a look at some of the key players below including peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C and ceramides.

The product itself is a light-weight cream that absorbs quickly and easily layers on top of the rest of your evening routine. 

Who is this for?

Perfect for:

  • Fine Lines
  • Dark Spots
  • Enlarged Pores

Helps with:

  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Dark Spots

Not great for:

  • Rosacea
  • Sensitive Skin

What makes it special?

All products that make it into The Curatory have to be high performing and offer good value. This means that the bar for more expensive products like SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream has to be exceedingly high. 

The first differentiator with this product is the entirely unique AlphaRet molecule. Not only is it one of the most potent non-prescriptions retinoids on the market, but it also causes little to no sensitivity meaning you can use it consistently with no downtime. 

The second selling point is that this isn’t just a retinoid, it’s also a chemical exfoliant. The Overnight Cream has been blended with glycolic acid to not only improve skin radiance but also to help the AlphaRet penetrate even deeper.

This is an exceptional retinoid and if your budget can stretch then it really is worth it.

— Dr Max Greenfield

Key ingredients

AlphaRet® is a proprietary ingredient that combines a retinoid with an alpha hydroxy acid in a single molecule. Small clinical studies, largely manufacturer-sponsored, suggest it can improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture and pigmentation while being better tolerated than traditional retinoids. As with other vitamin A–based ingredients, results are gradual and depend on consistent use. Independent large-scale trials are limited, so while early data is promising, it should be viewed as an advanced cosmetic retinoid rather than a prescription-strength treatment.

Glycolic Acid is an alphahydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to chemically exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells (corneocytes). This allows healthy new skin cells to come to the surface which contributes to improvement in skin texture, tone and radiance. It also helps to strengthen the skin barrier over time. Those with acne, particularly closed comedones (raised bumps with no blackhead) will also find glycolic acid helpful. 

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a mouthful so we call it THD ascorbate which is only marginally better. This is a very stable form of Vitamin C that supports collagen production and mops up free radicals that damage the skin barrier, collagen and DNA. Together this improves overall skin quality, hydration and pigmentation.

Hyaluronic Acid is a moisturising ingredient that helps boost hydration in the skin when combined with other moisturising agents. It falls into the category of humectant moisturisers that draw water into the upper layers of the skin. Works best when combined with emollient and occlusive moisturisers.

Aqua/Water, Sodium Glycolate, Glycolic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Pentylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Sorbitan Olivate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, Ceresin, Glycol Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Squalane, Methyl Gluceth-20, Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ceramide NP, Hyaluronic Acid, Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Superoxide Dismutase, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Allantoin Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol, Linolenic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Steareth-2, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Hydrated Silica, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

How to use

Gently remove make up with a micellar water or oil/balm cleanser

Cleanse - this will be your second cleanse if wearing makeup 

Tone - optional step if you want to introduce additional actives into your routine

Targeted active ingredients if this is part of your routine

Skin Better Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Moisturise 

Application Instructions

As with all retinoids, it's worth building up slowly. The Skin Better Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream has been designed specifically to reduce sensitivity, but even then, slow and steady is always better.

You should be applying AlphaRet Overnight Cream after you have removed your make up, cleansed and completed the rest of your skin care routine.

Once your face has dried or your previous product has fully absorbed, apply a single pump of product to your face in a thin layer. Allow this to dry and apply your regular moisturiser if required.

With all retinoids I suggest applying them three nights per week for the first 3-4 weeks, every other day for the following 3-4 weeks and if tolerated then every evening.

Your skincare routine. Simplified.

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