Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Overnight Retinold Cream 50ML

I have been buying this product from Pacifica for years. It feels good on your face, not greasy but hydrating. It is my favorite retinoid cream. I am in my 70's and have been using retinols for many years because I believe that they help keep skin youthful (as much as any topical cream can) as well as using SPF when outdoors. Also, Pacifica products are vegan which is very important to me.

Pushing 40, I already realized that I needed a more intensive skin-care regime. Many years ago I began dabbling in different concealers and eye creams to avoid crows feet around my eye area. I have very sensitive skin and have been cautious with sun exposure, however--at this age, environmental stressors, stress, and water consumption have started to show the age of my skin. A year ago, I was accused of "catfishing" someone on a website. Although he was referring to the color of my hair (it changes frequently), I still took this majorly to heart and realized I needed to get serious about my skincare regime (some of my posted pictures were only 8 months prior to being called this dreaded term). After reaching out and receiving validation from friends and exes that I was not, in fact, a catfish--in dejection, I purchased many of the most potent over-the-counter retinol products that can be purchased without a prescription. While these products definitely shaved off 5-10 years on wrinkles and aging/dark spots, I broke out in adolescent-type acne, all over my face. I tried to muscle my way through this phase, but the persistent acne spots interspersed with red, blotchy, dry spots were too much. I backed off on the retinol (and only used it every 3-4 day), but was in search of a product to help moisturize and balance the damage. Before I quit using the super-strength retinol products, I had stumbled onto the the "Dreamy Youth Day and Night Face Cream" from Pacifica, and it worked wonders to counteract the damage from the breakouts, dry spots, and general "purging" of my skin. I would wake up with dewy skin, and it actually seemed to counteract the persistent breakouts. That was what led me to this product (since I was so impressed with the Dreamy Youth line). This product has retinol in it, but a gentler form than the one I was using (on the label it is advertised as "Granactive (copywritten) retinoid). The reviews were positive, so I gave it a chance. It also has melatonin (topical application), chaga mushroom, quinoa, flower extracts, and sunflower oil. After using the night cream, I stopped using my other retinol products altogether. I woke up daily to dewy, refreshed skin. My skin seemed to glow; the breakouts were gone. I used up the rest of my night cream and didn't think of repurchasing until a few months down the line, when I noticed my skin begin to look my age (again). I purchased the Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum to layer with the other night cream I was using at the time, and... no joke, I was carded at the store the next day for a 18+ purchase!! I immediately repurchased this cream to layer under the serum, because.... why not?! Of all the retinol products I've tried, this does not cause breakouts and actually seems to improve the condition of my skin (and without going through the dreaded "purge" phase of other retinol products). I will never be without this cream again--it will be a permanent staple in my collection.

Love this stuff. It is fragranced, but not offensively: it smells floral, a little like cold cream, and I find it soothing as part of my bedtime routine. Thankfully, it's not nearly as heavy as cold cream--it is substantial in the jar, but cloud-light (sort of like Cool Whip), and not thick on the face. My skin is combination-oily and acne-prone, and it hasn't broken me out or irritated me in the months I've been using it. It does seem to work gently on lines and skin texture over time, and I wake up with a nice glow. It is a very mild dose of a mild retinoid, so don't expect miracles. But if you would like to add retinoids to your routine but experience irritation with stronger formulations, this cream might be for you. I'm on my second jar.

I love the light scent, cost and lightweight quality, but it’s a little too greasy for me. Overall I would recommend as an option, but will continue to search for the right one for my nighttime routine.

Switched to Pacifica night cream from a similar pdoduct by RoC because Pacifica is Leaping Bunny rated. RoC is PETA approved as cruelty-free but doesn't have a Leaping Bunny rating. I works just as good and as an added bonus the jar is super cute in blue with a white lid.