ELEMIS is one of those brands that might seem familiar to some yet might have slipped under the radar for others. Then comes something like the “Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Night Genius” with a name that sounds both intriguing and a little over the top. According to the brand, it’s a deeply hydrating cream meant to reveal smoother, more resilient skin by morning, thanks to its cutting-edge moisturiser formula. After using it consistently for an entire week to see if it really lives up to the claims, I’m here to share my honest impressions: no sponsorships or payments involved, just my personal experiences. Of course, everyone’s skin is unique, so what worked (or didn’t) for me may have different results for someone else.
What Is Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Night Genius?
This offering from Elemis falls under the category of night creams, which are typically used before bed to supply the skin with extra hydration and support. As we sleep, the skin goes through restorative processes, so a night cream is formulated to complement those efforts by delivering ingredients that can help strengthen and rejuvenate. According to the brand, Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Night Genius aims to envelop the skin in a “restorative veil of hydration,” promote antioxidant activity, and fight daily environmental aggressors while supporting the skin’s natural renewal cycle. Ultimately, this makes it a straightforward choice for anyone looking to add an extra layer of care to their nightly skincare routine.
Did It Work?
I pressed pause on my usual night cream for a handful of days, very scientific, I know, just to give this one a real shot. Each evening, I applied a dime-sized amount after cleansing, taking a bit of time to massage it in. Right from the first few uses, the formula felt reassuringly rich without being too heavy. By mid-week, it seemed to deliver a nice dose of hydration that left my skin feeling plump when I woke up, so there’s some truth to the “restorative veil of hydration” claim.
After the full seven days, my complexion appeared softer and slightly more resilient, suggesting that it did the job of fortifying the skin barrier. Plus, there was a subtle boost in overall radiance, indicating that the cream was indeed supporting a good renewal process. However, if I’m completely honest, I wasn’t blown away to the point where I’d permanently ditch my go-to for this one. While it mostly lived up to its promises, I’m still on the fence about making it a full-time addition to my skincare arsenal, but I’d happily keep it on the shelf when my skin needs an extra pick-me-up.
Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Night Genius’s Main Ingredients Explained
This night cream is packed with a mix of hydrators, botanical extracts, and marine-based elements designed to nourish and support the skin. Right at the top of the list, you’ll find Glycerin and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, both of which are well-known for helping the skin retain moisture without making it feel greasy. Shea Butter offers a dose of rich hydration and vitamins that strengthen the skin barrier. While it’s highly nourishing, some people find it can be comedogenic, meaning it may clog pores if you’re prone to breakouts. For most, though, it’s relatively gentle and helps keep dryness at bay.
There’s also Squalane, a lightweight oil that mimics the skin’s natural oils to help promote a smooth, plumped finish. Evening Primrose Oil pops up too, bringing essential fatty acids that typically help with skin elasticity. Lavender Oil and Geranium Oil add a subtle floral fragrance, though it’s worth noting that fragrant plant oils can occasionally be irritating for very sensitive skin types. Meanwhile, the presence of Wheat Germ Oil could again pose a small concern for those with acne-prone complexions, but for most, it’s beneficial because of its high vitamin E content.
Regarding vegan and vegetarian suitability, some of the marine-based extracts, like Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract, tend to be algae-derived (which is fine for vegetarians), but Docosahexaenoic Acid and Eicosapentaenoic Acid might come from fish sources unless otherwise specified. Thus, strict vegans may want to confirm the exact sourcing. For anyone who’s simply vegetarian or comfortable with non-fish alternatives, it may still be acceptable, but do check the label or brand site if it’s a dealbreaker.
Finally, one more thing worth noting is that this formula also includes antioxidants like Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and water-binding ingredients such as Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate that can bolster the skin’s repair process. All in all, the ingredient roster supports the product’s claims of hydration and renewal, but if you have specific sensitivities or preferences, it’s a good idea to read the fine print before diving in.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
After using the Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Night Genius for a week, here’s a straightforward breakdown of what stood out and what may not fit everyone’s preferences. Keeping in mind my overall rating is a solid 7 out of 10:
What Works Well:
- Gives a rich, hydrating feel that seems to support a smoother complexion
- Contains marine and botanical ingredients that may help fortify skin overnight
- Works nicely for days when skin needs an extra pick-me-up
- Offers a decent level of antioxidant support
What to Consider:
- The texture, while luxurious, may be too rich for oily or breakout-prone skin
- Includes shea butter and wheat germ oil, which could potentially be pore-clogging for some
- Has fragrance (parfum), so individuals with sensitivity to scents may need to patch-test
- Those on a strict vegan regimen might want to confirm the sources of the marine elements
My Final Thoughts
There’s always a temptation to believe a product’s claims at face value, especially when “night genius” is in the title, but sometimes it’s worth taking those descriptions with a grain of salt. Having tested numerous night creams over the years, I can say this one offered enough deep hydration and overnight replenishment to earn a respectable place on my shelf. It may not have rocked my world, but it’s decent enough that I’d be happy to recommend it, especially for those who crave a richer nighttime formula. If you have particularly oily or blemish-prone skin, it might be a bit much, but drier types or anyone looking for a luxurious bedtime step could find this cream pretty fulfilling. Personally, I’d rate it a solid 7 out of 10. I’m not tossing my old favorites in the bin just yet, but I wouldn’t scoff at adding it into a rotation when my skin needs an extra overnight boost.
For anyone who wants a similar overnight hydrator but might not feel entirely sold on Elemis’s option, there are some alternatives I’ve tried that also offer reliable replenishment. Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is an excellent all-rounder: it hits all the right notes for practically every skin type and comes at a pleasantly affordable price point. Advanced Night Restore by Medik8 is another good one if you’re looking for a potent nighttime partner that focuses on helping the skin recover after a long day, whereas Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream by Kiehl’s leans on fatty acids to give the barrier a little extra love without feeling too heavy. If a more anti-aging-oriented approach appeals, Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep by IT Cosmetics offers a gentle dose of firming ingredients while maintaining a fairly soothing texture.
Before diving in with “Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Night Genius” or any of the alternatives, keep in mind that the best results often show up with consistent use over time, they don’t magically appear (or stay) overnight. If you decide to give this (or any new product) a try, it’s wise to do a patch test first to ensure your skin agrees with the formula. While this cream can help soften, hydrate, and fortify, those effects aren’t permanent; to keep them going, you’ll need to maintain a solid nighttime routine and reapply regularly.