NESCENS isn’t exactly a household name, but it has certainly piqued the curiosity of those who’ve spotted its sleek packaging in high-end stores. With a product called “Cellular Renewal Night Emulsion,” it’s hard not to wonder if it’s purely science fiction or a genuine skincare breakthrough. According to the brand, this emulsion is packed with active ingredients designed to slow signs of ageing and encourage natural skin regeneration, so much so that it claims to speed up cell turnover while keeping the skin hydrated and supported.
I spent a full week using and testing Cellular Renewal Night Emulsion to see if it lives up to its scientific promises, and whether it’s truly worth the investment. Please note: this review isn’t paid or sponsored, and everything shared here is based on my own experiences and opinions. Keep in mind that skincare results vary greatly, so what works for me might not work for everyone.
What Is Cellular Renewal Night Emulsion?
Cellular Renewal Night Emulsion is a targeted night cream from Nescens designed to address signs of ageing by promoting the natural shedding of dead skin cells and encouraging new cell formation. Unlike a basic moisturizer, a night cream like this typically contains active ingredients at concentrations suited to assist in cell renewal and hydration while you rest. The formula is intended to penetrate the outer layers of the skin, helping maintain moisture levels and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin over time.
Those new to the concept of night creams should know they’re often formulated with ingredients that work alongside the body’s natural overnight repair process. By focusing on cell differentiation and boosting collagen production, this emulsion aims to support smoother, healthier-looking skin when used consistently. The brand suggests using it twice daily, but the “night” label simply indicates it’s formulated to be especially beneficial during hours of sleep, when skin repair is most active.
Did It Work?
In a very scientific (albeit slightly impulsive) move, I shelved my usual night cream for a few days before starting with Cellular Renewal Night Emulsion. From the very first evening, I applied it exactly as suggested: a pea-sized amount over my cleansed face before bed, and occasionally again in the morning when my skin felt on the drier side. Within the first few nights, I noticed my skin felt smoother to the touch, almost like a gentle, natural exfoliation was taking place. There wasn’t an overnight transformation, but it did give me a nice, subtle glow.
Fast-forward to the end of the week, and I did appreciate how consistently plump and hydrated my face looked each morning. The formula felt comfortable, no greasiness or irritation even when I decided to layer it under a lightweight serum. That said, while the cream does deliver on its promise of cell renewal and hydration (my skin definitely appeared slightly fresher), I can’t say it wholly revitalized my complexion to the point of abandoning my mainstay go-tos. It was effective enough to pique my interest, but I’m not quite ready to incorporate it into my permanent lineup just yet. Perhaps with more frequent use, I might be convinced, but for now, I’ll stick to my tried-and-tested favorites.
Cellular Renewal Night Emulsion’s Main Ingredients Explained
At the heart of Nescens’ formula is a blend of scientifically backed components that are meant to gently nudge skin into a more youthful state. Retinyl palmitate, a gentler derivative of vitamin A, is key in speeding up cell turnover and supporting the production of collagen. It can occasionally cause mild dryness or flaking for some, but it’s generally not known to be comedogenic (i.e., it’s unlikely to clog your pores).
Lactobionic acid is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) cherished for its ability to exfoliate without being too harsh. It works in tandem with L-fucose, an ingredient sourced from a naturally occurring sugar, to boost hydration while keeping skin feeling soft and calm. Then there’s phytic acid, loved for its brightening and exfoliating benefits, and niacinamide, widely considered a do-it-all powerhouse for evening skin tone and reinforcing the protective barrier. Lastly, ascorbyl tetra-isopalmitate offers a stable yet potent form of vitamin C that helps promote radiance over time.
Nescens hasn’t explicitly labeled the emulsion as suitable for vegans, but it appears to be a vegetarian-friendly product based on these ingredients alone. If you’re on the lookout for any potentially pore-clogging elements, the listed actives don’t typically top the comedogenic charts. Still, bear in mind that everyone’s skin can react differently. Of note, there’s no overwhelming fragrance here, a plus for those sensitive to strong scents, and each ingredient seems aimed at balancing exfoliation with moisturization, rather than tipping the scales to dryness or irritation.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
Here’s a quick rundown of the highs and lows I experienced:
What Works Well:
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture that sinks into the skin easily
- Noticeably smooth and hydrated complexion after regular use
- Gentle exfoliation without causing redness or discomfort
- Ingredients that support skin renewal and collagen production
What to Consider:
- Consistency is key; results could be subtle at first
- May be an investment to incorporate into a long-term routine
- Might not fully replace a well-loved moisturizer or serum just yet
- Some users could experience slight dryness if applied too frequently
My Final Thoughts
Hand on heart, this is a decent night cream that puts science at the forefront, with fleeting promises of magically turning back time while you sleep. After a fair test, it’s clear that Cellular Renewal Night Emulsion does bring some noticeable improvements, like smoother skin and gentle exfoliation, enough to give it a respectable 7/10 in my book. It might not dethrone a favorite moisturizer or serum if you’ve got a tried-and-true regimen, but for those curious about stepping up their night-care routine, it’s worth a second look.
Who exactly is it for? Anyone keen to explore anti-ageing products that won’t overwhelm the skin with heavy or greasy textures. It caters especially well to those who appreciate consistent exfoliation but can’t (or won’t) handle products that feel overly harsh. On the flip side, it may not be the best fit for sensitive folks who find active ingredients irritating. Ultimately, I’d still recommend it to someone who’s cool with a bit of science thrown into their skincare and likes formulas that work gradually over time.
For those on the hunt for other options, Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal tops my list of alternatives. It’s an excellent allrounder that ticks every box, great hydration, broad skin-type suitability, and a friendlier price point. If you’re after a softer, spa-like experience, the Water Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE is a cooling gel-based option that I’ve found refreshingly hydrating overnight. For those wanting a classic, dermatologically backed pick, Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream by Eucerin is always a steady performer. And if you’re craving something a bit luxurious, Pro-Collagen Night Cream by ELEMIS delivers a plush feel and has never let me down in the hydration department.
As with all skincare endeavors, consistency is everything, and with something this active, it’s best to do a patch test first. Keep in mind that no product will deliver permanent results. To maintain any improvements, you’ll need to keep up the routine and nourish your skin nightly. After all, that’s half the fun of the beauty journey: discovering what works, refining your regimen, and finding new potions that spark a bit of joy in the process.