When it comes to our nighttime skin routines, plenty of skincare experts recommend including a retinol in your pm regime. The vitamin A-based ingredient is known to reduce signs of ageing, even out skin texture and increase cell turnover, but it’s also known for being quite harsh on your skin.
Although it’s recommended you use it once or twice week while your skin adjusts to it, over time you can use it every day as part of your daily routine. However, for those of us with ultra-sensitive skin it can be an absolute no-go, leaving your complexion feeling tight, dry and irritated.
Thankfully Scarlett Johansson’s brand The Outset has launched the sensitive skin-friendly Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream, £43.20 here (was £54), that gives you all the same results as retinol with none of the aggravation.
The restorative night cream works as you sleep to improve the look of hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles just like a retinol, but instead of irritating delicate skin, it leaves it feeling soft and hydrated instead. The creamy formula includes niacinamide to brighten your skin as well as bakuchiol, which minimises the discolouration caused by hyperpigmentation.
It also contains evening primrose oil, which adds a protective layer to your skin to keep it safe from environmental aggressors whilst boosting hydration. And the best part? It does it all while you sleep.
Rather than a retinol, which is often used as part of the serum portion of your bedtime skincare routine, The Outset’s Restorative Night Cream is used in place of your moisturiser – that’s how hydrating it is. Slather it on your face after cleansing, and drift off to sleep safe in the knowledge your skin will be radiant and glowing when you wake up.
Shoppers have also been raving about the cream, with one saying: “Can’t recommend this highly enough. I use the whole line from The Outset but this is definitely one of my favourite favourites (alongside the prep serum!) A small amount goes a long way and leaves skin feeling gorgeous.”
Another wrote: “This felt rich to put on and I like that it doesn't have a strong scent. I woke up with my skin feeling plumper. I do have oilier skin so this was perhaps slightly too heavy for me – but I think it'll be really good to use during the winter months.”
With a third penning: “I have recently received this in Cult Beauty's Trending Edit Box, and I really like this! It absorbs fast, my skin looks plumped and smooth in the morning, my skin tone also looks more even and radiant. I will look into purchasing this in a full size!”
The Outset is all about creating skincare products for sensitive and stubborn skin, and was created by A-list actress Scarlett Johansson and renowned entrepreneur Kate Foster. Some of its other best-selling products include the Botanical Barrier Rescue Balm, £28.80 here (was £36), and the Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer, £35.20 here (was £44), both of which super hydrating and nourishing for your skin whilst still giving great results.
Another brand that’s known for its sensitive skin-friendly skincare is Aveeno, which counts Molly-Mae Hague amongst its fans. The former Love Island star recently raved about the Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser, £11.59 here, which she compared favourably to the much pricier Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream, £53.60 here (was £67).
However if you’re keen to try The Outset’s range of gentle skincare, it currently has 20% off in Cult Beauty’s spring sale – shop the full range here. If you're already a lover of the products, you can also head directly to The Outset's site where you can pick up refills of your favourite products to save money.