Perricone MD might already be on your radar if you’ve explored higher-end skincare, though it’s possible it’s slipped past those who stick to more familiar big-name brands. According to Perricone MD, their Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Intensive Overnight Moisturiser is a velvety-rich, intensely hydrating treatment designed to nourish skin throughout the night, improve elasticity, and soften the look of expression lines. It’s meant to give you smoother, firmer skin by morning, an ambitious promise that’s certainly tempting if you often wake up to a dull, dehydrated complexion.
This product has gained quite a following thanks to its Acyl-Glutathione blend, which is formulated to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and a dose of vitamin F intended to restore suppleness. From the name alone, “Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Intensive Overnight Moisturiser”, it’s clear this is for those who want a deep, restorative approach to targeting dryness, tightness, and signs of aging. Over the course of a full week, it’s been my go-to night cream to find out if it lives up to the hype.
To be transparent, this is an unbiased piece based on personal use and experience (not paid or sponsored). Skincare can be very individual, and what worked for me might not be a perfect match for everyone. With all that said, let’s kick off this review and see if it’s worth your time and money.
What Is Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Intensive Overnight Moisturiser?
This product is positioned as a night cream, a type of moisturiser specifically meant to work while you’re asleep. Night creams are often richer and more concentrated than daytime options, aiming to replenish moisture and tackle dryness or visible signs of aging during the overnight hours when skin is believed to do most of its repair work.
Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Intensive Overnight Moisturiser is described as a deeply hydrating treatment that delivers a steady flow of nutrients throughout the night. According to the brand, it helps refine the skin’s texture, ease the look of expression lines, and improve elasticity. It’s said to be powered by Acyl-Glutathione, which targets wrinkles, and a Vitamin F Blend meant to restore suppleness. The cream is intended to address dryness, tightness, or any creases you might notice when you wake up, aiming to leave the skin softer and smoother by morning.
Did It Work?
In an effort to give it a fair shot, I actually paused my regular night cream for a few days (quite scientific, I know) and switched over to the Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Intensive Overnight Moisturiser. On the first two nights, I noticed a slight difference in how my skin felt right before bed, it was definitely more moisturised, and a little of this cream seemed to go a long way. By the third night, I started to see some subtle smoothing along my cheeks and forehead, though not dramatically so.
For all seven nights, I massaged it onto a clean face, focusing on drier areas around my mouth. The cream absorbed quickly without leaving me feeling greasy, and I woke up each morning to skin that felt plumper and less tight. By the end of the week, my complexion did look a bit more luminous and refined overall. As for the deeper expression lines… they seemed slightly less noticeable, but I wouldn’t say they disappeared.
So did it deliver on its promises of firmer, deeply hydrated skin? Mostly, yes. My face felt soft, slightly firmer, and definitely more nourished than usual. But if I’m being honest, I wasn’t so wowed that I’d consider replacing my go-to routine. While it works well enough to justify the hype if you’re seeking a gradual boost in hydration, I’m not quite convinced it’s a must-have for my personal lineup.
Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Intensive Overnight Moisturiser’s Main Ingredients Explained
This night cream features a blend of standout components like Acyl-Glutathione, known for helping to soften the look of wrinkles, and a Vitamin F blend that includes linseed, macadamia, and chia oils. These ingredients work together to boost elasticity and keep skin hydrated throughout the night. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is also present here, and it’s widely appreciated for brightening dull skin and supporting a strong moisture barrier.
Shea butter supplies that deeply nourishing feel, but it can be comedogenic for some, meaning it might clog pores or contribute to breakouts if you’re prone to congestion. Most people, however, tend to find it beneficial for softening rough patches. This formula also contains rosemary leaf extract, which offers antioxidant properties and adds a subtle herbal scent to the mix.
As far as lifestyle considerations go, the brand hasn’t explicitly confirmed if all the ingredients are derived solely from plants, but there’s nothing immediately suggesting animal-based components. Those who follow a vegetarian lifestyle should be fine, though strict vegans may want to double-check with the company if they have any concerns about hidden animal byproducts. It’s also worth noting that certain fragrance compounds (like limonene and linalool) can occasionally irritate sensitive skin types, so a patch test is a good idea if you’re easily reactive.
Overall, the ingredients lean heavily on moisturizing oils and cutting-edge compounds that try to address signs of aging without sacrificing comfort. Anyone searching for a night cream with a focus on smoothing and firming will likely appreciate the careful balance of science-backed actives and hydrating oils found here.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
Here’s a quick rundown of the standout positives and a few drawbacks I noticed during my week of use.
- Liked: Rich yet lightweight formula that absorbed easily.
- Liked: Significant improvement in overall hydration and a subtle boost in firmness.
- Liked: Noticeably smoother texture in areas prone to dryness, with no greasy residue by morning.
- Didn’t Like: It isn’t the most budget-friendly option, which might give some pause.
- Didn’t Like: The added fragrance could be a concern for those with sensitive skin.
- Didn’t Like: Visible changes in deeper wrinkles were modest and might not fully meet high expectations.
My Final Thoughts
There’s no denying that night creams are a vital part of any skincare regimen, especially if you’re looking to wake up with that elusive “just came back from a luxury spa” glow. With Perricone MD’s lofty claims of elasticity improvements and expression line reduction, I was admittedly intrigued from day one. After a solid week of switching to the Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Intensive Overnight Moisturiser each night, I found it to be a generally solid choice, moisturising and smoothing, with subtle (but not miraculous) improvements in those areas the brand highlights. Overall, I’d rate it a respectable 7/10. It didn’t blow my mind exactly, but it did deliver mild firming benefits and leave my skin feeling hydrated and comfortable.
In terms of who might love this product, it leans toward those with dryness or early signs of aging who appreciate a richer, science-centric night cream. I’d say skip it if your biggest focus is aggressive line-fighting, but if you’re looking for a visible moisture boost and a bit of firmer texture, this could be a good fit. Would I tell a friend to try it? If they’re open to spending a bit more on a dependable, velvet-textured night cream, then yes. If you simply want the faintest whisper of hydration on a tight budget, this probably won’t top your list.
For anyone still browsing, I’ve also used a few great alternatives over the years. The Deascal Nocturnal Revive Cream is an excellent all-rounder, offering balanced hydration without any heaviness, and it’s surprisingly wallet-friendly, so it’s a fantastic option for most skin types. For those craving a bit more oomph in the active-ingredient department, consider Medik8’s Advanced Night Restore, which has always offered me next-level hydration without overwhelming my skin. ELEMIS Superfood Midnight Facial also ranks highly in my book, thanks to its nourishing feel and gentle botanical ingredients that leave you feeling like you just spent the day at a spa.
Before signing off, a couple of final thoughts. If you decide to try any new product, do a patch test first to ensure your skin approves. And don’t forget that visible results typically require consistent use, meaning you won’t solidify those improvements with just a single week’s application. As always, your mileage may vary, but hopefully this review clarifies if this particular Perricone MD offering deserves a spot on your skincare shelf.