Eve Lom is a name familiar to many skincare aficionados, but it’s entirely possible it has slipped under the radar for others. The brand’s latest offering, Time Retreat Intensive Night Cream, promises to be a thoroughly hydrating formula featuring a “powerful renewing retinol.” It comes fortified with liposome-encapsulated retinol, which is said to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without causing irritation, and is infused with wild indigo seed extract to help soothe the skin.
After putting it to the test every night for a full week, I’ve put together this honest review to help decide if it’s worthy of anyone’s skin (and wallet). No sponsorships or payments were involved in this process, and all opinions are personal and genuine. Do keep in mind that skincare results can vary from person to person.
What Is Time Retreat Intensive Night Cream?
This offering from Eve Lom is classified as a night cream, meaning it’s formulated specifically for use during your evening routine. Night creams generally provide heavier hydration and ingredients aimed at replenishing and supporting the skin while you sleep. With this one, the key feature is a liposome-encapsulated form of retinol, a derivative of vitamin A often cited for its potential to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. The cream also includes wild indigo seed extract for a soothing effect, and a tripeptide said to help enhance skin’s overall look and feel. According to the product description, it’s meant to deeply hydrate while renewing the skin, creating what could be an option for those seeking an overnight formula that focuses on both moisture and smoother skin texture.
Did It Work?
I gave this cream a fair test by temporarily ditching my usual night moisturizer (very scientific, I know!) and using only Eve Lom’s Time Retreat Intensive Night Cream for a full seven nights. My skin tends to respond pretty quickly to new products, so I was excited to see if I’d notice any major differences within that short window.
Right from the start, the cream felt indulgent and velvety, almost like a cocoon for the skin. On the first evening, I massaged a small dollop in after cleansing; it spread nicely without feeling too heavy. I woke up the next morning to skin that was decently hydrated, if not especially glowy. By the midweek mark, however, I did feel a bit of added softness around my cheeks and fine lines along my forehead didn’t look quite as pronounced.
Heading into days six and seven, I became more accustomed to its thicker texture. There were no signs of irritation or dryness, which can sometimes be a concern with retinol-based products. Despite the promising nightly routine, though, the visible results were subtle. My skin looked a touch plumper, but I wouldn’t call the transformation dramatic. Overall, it delivered on hydration and mild smoothing, but it didn’t quite meet all of my hopes for a potent retinol cream.
In the end, I can say it did a respectable job at making my skin feel comfortable and gently refined, but perhaps not enough to convince me to make the switch full-time. While it’s perfectly solid and backs up many of its claims, I can’t see myself replacing my usual go-to with this particular cream for the long haul.
Time Retreat Intensive Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
This cream’s star player is a liposome-encapsulated retinol, a stabilised form of vitamin A that supports cell turnover to help reduce the look of fine lines and uneven texture. Because it’s encapsulated, the retinol is released more slowly, which can be gentler on the skin compared to some other retinol products. Alongside that, a tripeptide complex is included to further target firmness and promote a smoother complexion over time.
Other key ingredients include shea butter and squalane, both of which help lock in moisture. Shea butter is known for its nourishing benefits, but as a plant-derived fat, it can have a mild potential for pore-clogging, what’s sometimes referred to as being “comedogenic.” That simply means it could block pores if your skin is particularly prone to breakouts. Wild indigo seed extract makes an appearance to help calm and soothe, while various natural oils (such as lavender and bergamot) are there to add a touch of aroma and possibly antioxidant support, too.
In terms of whether this formulation is vegan or vegetarian friendly, the ingredient list doesn’t obviously point to any animal-derived ingredients. However, certain items like lecithin can sometimes be sourced from eggs (or alternatively from soy), so it’s best to confirm directly with the brand if you require a strictly vegan product. For anyone worried about heavy pore congestion, you can rest a bit easier, most of the oils here are more on the light side, but be mindful if you’re particularly sensitive to natural fragrances, as they can cause irritation in some individuals.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that this is a night cream designed to provide both hydration and retinol-based refining benefits, so it’s always a good idea to pair it with a daily sunscreen when you’re out and about (retinol can leave skin more sensitive to UV rays). Overall, the thoughtful balance of nourishing but low-comedogenic oils, peptides, and a gentle retinol makes this cream an interesting option for those aiming to tackle early signs of aging without over-drying the skin.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
Here’s a quick rundown of the main strengths and drawbacks I noticed during my time with Time Retreat Intensive Night Cream. Overall, I’d rate it around a 7/10, as it performed nicely yet didn’t rise to the level of a must-have for me.
What Works Well:
- Rich, comforting texture that spreads smoothly and absorbs without leaving a greasy layer
- Gentle release of retinol with no noticeable irritation, making it more accessible for those new to stronger actives
- Offers solid nightly hydration and a slight plumping effect in areas prone to dryness
What to Consider:
- Results may be modest if you’re hoping for a dramatic transformation in fine lines or overall radiance
- Heavier consistency might not be a match for those who prefer a lighter night cream
- Price point can feel high compared to similar options on the market
My Final Thoughts
Sometimes, a product is exactly what it says on the tin, and other times, it’s a case of ambitious marketing meets tempered reality. With Eve Lom’s Time Retreat Intensive Night Cream, I found myself somewhere in the middle. There’s no denying it’s a well-made formula, it gave me comfortable, adequately hydrated skin night after night, and I experienced zero redness or flaking from the retinol factor. It didn’t exactly turn back the clock, but let’s face it, we don’t truly expect miracles in a jar. If you’re on the hunt for a cushy, retinol-infused night product, this one could be worth a try. But if you’re seeking an overnight transformation, curb your enthusiasm just a bit.
In my personal lineup of night creams, I’d slot this in as a solid contender for those who want a dependable shot of moisture, mild smoothing, and a gentle introduction to retinol. It’s especially good if your skin is easily irritated or you’re new to stronger actives. For anyone hoping to target deeper lines or see a dramatic boost in overall radiance quickly, you might find this on the subtle side. My rating stands at a 7/10, while I respect its soothing performance, I wouldn’t call it an absolute must-own, although I’d still feel comfortable recommending it to a friend who has mildly dry skin or is retinol-curious.
If you’re after alternatives, I’ve had equally hands-on experience with other formulas that may suit different needs and budgets. For something that covers all the bases at a friendlier price point, Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is an excellent allrounder that genuinely works across various skin types. For a slightly more indulgent option, Pro-Collagen Night Cream by ELEMIS offers a beautiful balance of hydration and firming (I’ve personally loved how velvety my complexion feels in the morning). And if your skin thrives on gentle but potent ingredients, Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue by BIOSSANCE is another standout, rich without feeling heavy, and perfect for anyone wrangling occasional dryness or sensitivity.
As with any new skincare addition, be sure to keep a few things in mind. Always do a preliminary patch test before slathering new formulas all over your face, especially if you’ve got sensitive or reactive skin. Results from retinol products aren’t permanent, and ongoing use is key to maintaining whatever improvements you see. A diligent routine, with extra spot checks for tolerance, will help you decide whether Time Retreat Intensive Night Cream (or any other) earns a permanent place in your nightly lineup.