Elemis might be a familiar name to some beauty enthusiasts, but it can still slip under the radar for others. This British skincare brand often pops up in discussions about innovative formulas, including their Superfood line. The Superfood Midnight Facial, in particular, is described as a nourishing sleep cream that’s designed to work overnight, enveloping dull-looking skin in a wave of hydration. It promises an energising blend of Camu Camu (for Vitamin C), Cocoa Butter (loaded with Omega 6 & 9 Fatty Acids), and Banana Flower Extract (rich in Prebiotic properties). The brand talks this product up as an indulgent yet lightweight treat made for all skin types.
Part of its charm lies in the name itself, “Midnight Facial” sounds like it’s made for those of us who wake up hoping our skin looks a little brighter than the night before. Renowned for helping to minimise signs of fatigue and even out skin tone, it’s been popping up on “must-try” lists, so it was only fair to put it to the test for a full week to see if it really holds up its end of the bargain.
This review reflects personal, genuine opinions and hasn’t been sponsored or paid for by Elemis or any third party. Individual results will vary depending on factors like skin type, lifestyle, and even climate, but the goal here is to share honest insights after a thorough trial run.
What Is Superfood Midnight Facial?
This formula is a night cream, meaning it’s specifically meant for bedtime use and works while the skin naturally repairs itself overnight. The goal is to drench tired-looking skin in concentrated nourishment and hydration, so you wake up to a complexion that feels refreshed.
According to its description, the cream leans on Camu Camu (a source of Vitamin C), Cocoa Butter, and Banana Flower Extract to deliver both moisture and a helping of prebiotic properties. Marketed as suitable for all skin types, it’s a gel-cream consistency that attempts to strike a balance between feeling lightweight and still leaving skin well-hydrated. Above all, it’s designed to layer easily into a nightly routine for anyone seeking extra hydration while they sleep.
Did It Work?
For the sake of accurate testing (in a highly scientific move, I must say), I put aside my usual night cream for a solid seven days to see exactly what Superfood Midnight Facial could do on its own. Initially, I applied a small amount before bedtime, focusing on my cheeks and forehead, then gently massaged it into the rest of my face and neck. The gel-cream texture delivered a nice cooling effect at first, and it didn’t feel overwhelmingly heavy or greasy.
After a couple of nights, I noticed a bit more softness, although nothing revolutionary. By night four, the dryness around my nose and chin seemed better, possibly due to the Cocoa Butter and Banana Flower Extract. My skin felt well-moisturized in the morning, but I still couldn’t say it was “radiant” or dramatically brighter. It was basically doing a decent job of hydration without leaving me shiny or sticky, in other words, functional but not exactly life-changing.
By the end of the week, I’d say it did deliver on most of its hydration claims, though I didn’t experience any dramatic improvements in overall tone or glow. I’d be lying if I said I was itching to toss out all my other night creams for this. While it’s competent in keeping skin decently nourished overnight, it didn’t wow me enough to replace my usual go-to. If you’re looking for a solid moisture boost, it’s not a bad option. But would I personally add it to my permanent rotation? Probably not.
Superfood Midnight Facial’s Main Ingredients Explained
The standout trio here combines Camu Camu (a natural source of Vitamin C) with Cocoa Butter and Banana Flower Extract to tackle both brightness and hydration. Camu Camu brings that sought-after glow factor, while Cocoa Butter and Banana Flower Extract focus on locking in moisture and supporting your skin’s protective barrier. Beyond these, you’ll also find Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil, both known to help nourish and soften.
As for suitability, the formula doesn’t obviously contain any animal-derived ingredients, so it may be an option for vegetarians. However, if you strictly follow a vegan regimen, it’s always worth double-checking with the brand to make sure none of the hidden components are animal-sourced.
When it comes to potential pore blockage, this product does feature Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter, which can be comedogenic for some people. That basically means there’s a chance they can clog pores, leading to possible breakouts or congestion. Not everyone reacts the same way, but if you have acne-prone or highly sensitive skin, a patch test is smart before diving in full-face.
The inclusion of Banana Flower Extract adds a prebiotic element, potentially beneficial if your skin’s barrier needs extra support. There’s also Orange Peel Oil and Lime Oil, which give a fresh fragrance. For those with sensitivity to scented products, that’s something to keep in mind. On the whole, the ingredient list is fairly mild, but as with any skincare, individual reactions can vary widely.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
Here’s a quick breakdown of what stood out the most during my week-long run with the Superfood Midnight Facial.
Pros:
- Light, refreshing gel-cream texture that absorbs without feeling greasy
- Does a solid job at providing overnight hydration
- Includes nourishing ingredients like Cocoa Butter and Banana Flower Extract to combat dryness
- Fragrance is present but not overpowering
Cons:
- Price can be a sticking point if you’re on a budget
- Contains some ingredients (like Cocoa Butter) that may clog pores for certain skin types
- While pleasant, it’s not a game-changer worth replacing all other night creams
My Final Thoughts
Sometimes, a product’s name teases transformative miracles, but it’s worth remembering that not all night creams moonlight as fairy godmothers for our skin. Superfood Midnight Facial delivers on overnight hydration and feels pleasingly lightweight as you drift off. It’s a decent pick, particularly for those hunting for an extra moisture boost without the greasy residue, and if you like your nighttime routine to feel a touch luxurious. After a fair run of testing (and a background of trying more night creams than I care to admit), I’d give it a respectful 7/10. It’s competent, but it didn’t blow me away enough that I’d be urging friends to sprint to the nearest beauty counter.
As for who this is really for, I’d say it suits anyone who craves mild, consistent hydration and appreciates a bouncy, somewhat “fun” feel in a night cream. The brand’s big claims about brightening? Not quite realized in my experience, but there’s potential if you’re patient. If you have very acne-prone skin, just keep in mind those richer ingredients like Cocoa Butter. For me, I’d recommend it if you stumble on it, but I wouldn’t call it a universal must-have.
On the topic of alternatives, there are a few worthy contenders out there if you want similar benefits or something that ticks different boxes. If you need a covers-all-bases option that’s beginner-friendly and wallet-friendly, Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is an easy first suggestion. I’ve tried it, and it’s surprisingly solid for most skin types, providing the moisture you want at a great price without over-promising. Another interesting option I’ve personally tested (and grown to like) is Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment by Glow Recipe, which adds a gentle exfoliating element for those craving an extra gleam by sunrise. If you prefer extra soothing power for easily irritated skin, I also found the Healthy Radiance Brightening Comfort Night Cream by Cetaphil impressively calming, especially if flaky patches and redness are constant troubles.
Before diving into new products, always consider potential sensitivities. A patch test can save you a lot of grief, night creams aren’t meant to wreak havoc on your face. And keep in mind that results usually aren’t permanent unless you continue using the product; it’s all about consistency. In other words, every midnight facial needs its encore!