Retinol 0.2% & Bakuchiol Night Moisturizer 50ml: Dual-action overnight renewal cream
skinChemists - The Cosmeceutical Skincare Company. Award-winning British luxury skincare with pharmacy roots reaching back to 1955. High-performance actives in routines that take just two minutes.
Why you'll love it
Fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced as 0.2% Retinol supports the skin's natural overnight renewal
Texture looks refined and the surface smoother by morning
Bakuchiol works alongside the Retinol, so you get renewal benefits at a gentler overall dose
Skin looks more even and less dull with consistent use
Dryness and flaking feel kept in check by Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate and Cetearyl Olivate
Skin feels cushioned overnight rather than tight, which is the usual complaint with Retinol creams
A soft-focus finish from Mica and Silica leaves skin looking smoother straight after application
What it is
An overnight renewal cream that pairs two complementary renewal actives rather than pushing a single one to a high concentration. Retinol at 0.2% is a well-judged strength - meaningful enough to work on fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture, moderate enough that most skin can tolerate it with sensible introduction.
Bakuchiol, a plant-derived compound from the babchi seed, supports a similar renewal process through a different route and with a gentler profile. Combining the two allows the formula to deliver visible renewal without relying on a high-strength Retinol that many people cannot use comfortably.
The base is built to keep skin comfortable through that process. Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin hydrate, Allantoin soothes the feel of dryness and irritation, and Cetearyl Olivate with Sorbitan Olivate - both olive-derived - provide a cushioning, barrier-supporting texture. Silica and Mica give an immediate smoothing finish.
Key ingredients
Retinol (0.2%)
A vitamin A derivative that supports the skin's natural renewal process overnight. With consistent use it helps refine the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture.
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived compound from the babchi seed that supports skin renewal with a gentler profile than Retinol. It allows the formula to deliver renewal benefits at a lower overall Retinol dose.
Allantoin
A soothing, skin-conditioning ingredient that helps calm the feel of dryness and irritation. It is particularly useful in a formula containing Retinol.
Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)
A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture at the skin's surface. It counteracts the dryness that renewal actives can cause.
Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate
Olive-derived emulsifiers that create a cushioning, barrier-friendly texture. They help the cream feel comforting rather than drying.
Silica
A texture-refining mineral that gives an immediate smoothing, light-diffusing finish to the skin.
Who it's for
This night cream is ideal for anyone wanting to address fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture or dullness, and who wants Retinol at a manageable strength rather than a high-dose formula. The Bakuchiol pairing makes it a good entry point for people who have previously found Retinol too harsh.
If you are new to Retinol, start with two or three nights a week. It is suitable for all skin types, though very sensitive skin should introduce it slowly. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding - speak to your healthcare practitioner first.
What to expect
On the first night skin feels comfortable and looks immediately smoother thanks to the soft-focus finish. Within two to three weeks the surface typically looks more refined in the morning. Retinol works gradually, so the clearest improvements to fine lines and texture build over eight to twelve weeks. Mild dryness in the first two weeks is a normal adjustment; reduce frequency if it persists.
How to use
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin in the evening, two to three nights a week to begin with.
Massage over the face and neck using upward motions until absorbed, avoiding the immediate eye area and the corners of the mouth. Build up to nightly use as your skin adjusts. Because Retinol increases sun sensitivity, daily SPF the following morning is essential. Avoid layering with strong exfoliating acids on the same night - alternate evenings instead.
Product attributes
Brand: skinChemists
Product name: Retinol Bakuchiol Night Moisturizer 50ml
Product type: Overnight renewal night cream
Size: 50ml
Cruelty-free: Yes
Is it vegan: Yes
Contains SPF: No
Key actives: 0.2% Retinol and Bakuchiol
Supporting ingredients: Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Olivate and Silica
Primary concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, dullness and loss of firmness
Suitable for: All skin types; introduce gradually on sensitive skin
Texture: Cushioning cream with a soft-focus finish
Finish: Smooth and comfortable
Routine position: Final step of the evening routine
Recommended use: Two to three evenings a week, building to nightly
Application areas: Face and neck, avoiding the immediate eye area
Frequently asked questions
Why combine Retinol with Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol supports a similar renewal process through a different route. Pairing the two delivers renewal benefits without needing a high-strength Retinol that many people can't tolerate.
Is 0.2% Retinol strong enough?
Yes, for most people. 0.2% is a meaningful cosmetic concentration, and pairing it with Bakuchiol adds to the overall effect. Higher strengths raise the risk of irritation without a proportional gain.
Do I need SPF the next day?
Yes, and it isn't optional. Retinol increases sun sensitivity, so daily sun protection is essential while using this product.
Can I use it every night?
If you are new to Retinol, start with two or three nights a week and build up as your skin tolerates it.
Can I use it with exfoliating acids?
Not on the same night. Alternate evenings instead, to avoid over-exfoliating.
Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Retinol is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak to your healthcare practitioner before use.
Is it suitable if Retinol has irritated me before?
It may well be. The moderate 0.2% strength, the Bakuchiol pairing and the soothing base make this a gentler option than most Retinol creams.
Can I use it around my eyes?
Avoid the immediate eye area. You can apply carefully to the outer eye area where expression lines appear.
How long will the product last?
Used as directed, roughly three months for the 50ml jar.
Caution:
This is a cosmetic product for external use only, and all results will be temporary; individual results may vary. Carry out a patch test before application, and do not apply to broken, damaged, or sunburnt skin. Avoid contact with eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs. If redness, irritation, or discomfort occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare practitioner. Consult your healthcare practitioner before starting a new skin treatment, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication. Do not ingest. Store out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place, and keep out of the reach of children.