Vitaskin is Holland & Barrett’s in-house skincare brand, devoted to nature-inspired formulas. Their latest offering, the Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Cream, promises to harness the power of Retinoids and Carrot Seed Oil to tackle everything from dullness to fine lines. The name itself sounds like a tall order, yet Vitaskin is confident this product can address multiple skin concerns in one go.
Over the past week, this cream has been the sole night treatment in my skincare routine. The intent was to figure out just how effectively it brightens, smooths, and beeswaxes (so to speak) the skin, and whether it truly justifies its price tag. This review is not paid or sponsored in any way, and all opinions are based on my personal experience, though keep in mind that skincare results can vary immensely from person to person.
What Is Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Cream?
This product is classified as a night cream, which means it’s specifically designed to be applied before bed so it can work on the skin overnight. Night creams are generally richer formulations that aim to deliver intensive moisture and support skin renewal during sleep, a time when the body naturally repairs itself. Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Cream uses Retinoids and Carrot Seed Oil, both known for their high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E, to help brighten and even out skin tone, while also targeting fine lines and wrinkles. By combining these active ingredients into a nighttime formula, the cream can focus on revitalizing the skin without any interference from daytime stressors like UV exposure.
Did It Work?
In the name of “research,” I temporarily shelved my usual night cream so I could use this one exclusively for a full week, very scientific, I know. Each evening, I took a pea-sized dollop and massaged it gently into clean, slightly damp skin. My first impression was that the texture struck a nice balance: rich enough to feel luxurious, but not so heavy that it felt suffocating.
For the first few days, my skin seemed generally content, showing a bit of that early “glow” we all keep our fingers crossed for. There was a slight tingle on the second night, which I took as a sign the retinoids were doing their thing. By mid-week, I did notice my complexion looking a tad brighter in the morning, though stubborn patches still required a little extra TLC.
Rolling into day seven, my skin was reasonably smooth, and those fine lines around my eyes appeared marginally softer, nothing dramatic, but definitely a small improvement. Still, whether it fully delivered on the brand’s lofty promises is debatable. Though I did appreciate the gentle hydration and subtle brightening, I can’t see myself swapping out my go-to night cream permanently. It worked decently, just not enough to claim a coveted spot on my top-shelf lineup.
Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
The standout feature of this formula is clearly the Retinyl Palmitate, a mild, yet effective derivative of Vitamin A that can help refine skin texture and target fine lines over time. Another key component is Carrot Seed Oil (listed here as Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil), which not only provides additional Vitamin A but also brings natural antioxidant benefits. Both ingredients work synergistically to promote a firmer, brighter look.
Alongside these actives, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) offers extra antioxidant support and moisture retention, while Glycerin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice help maintain hydration levels throughout the night. The cream also incorporates botanical oils such as Geranium and Lavender, which can soothe, though those with sensitivities to fragrant extracts might want to patch-test first.
In terms of suitability, the ingredient list looks free of obvious animal-derived components, suggesting it could be a good option for both vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, none of the main emollients here, like Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Shea Butter, are typically considered comedogenic (which means they generally won’t clog pores). However, everyone’s skin chemistry can react differently, so it’s always wise to keep an eye out for any signs of congestion. One other point worth noting is the presence of essential oils, which may be irritating for ultra-sensitive skin types; patch-testing is a straightforward way to see if they agree with you.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
The cream certainly has its moments, but there are a few points to keep in mind if you’re considering it for your nighttime routine.
What Works Well:
- Lightweight yet nourishing texture that applies smoothly
- Subtle brightening effect after a few nights of consistent use
- Includes ingredients like Retinyl Palmitate to target fine lines
What to Consider:
- Results may be modest compared to stronger retinol products
- May not offer sufficient hydration for very dry skin
- Cost could be a factor given the blend of active ingredients
My Final Thoughts
The claims surrounding Vitaskin’s Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Cream might sound like the skincare equivalent of a fairy godmother, but in reality, the results I experienced were more akin to a reliable, if slightly underwhelming, sidekick. It excelled in providing decent hydration, gave a subtle brightening boost, and softened a few of my fine lines. However, the transformation wasn’t exactly the “before and after” miracle one might hope for, especially given the price point. For me, it landed solidly at a 6.5/10, good enough to credit it for improvements but lacking that wow factor that would push it into the upper echelon of night creams.
I’ve tried many overnight creams in my time, and I approached this with an open mind, having given it a fair shake for a full week without layering on anything else. From that standpoint, I can say that if your skin is relatively normal to slightly dry, and if you’re looking for a gentler night cream featuring a mild retinoid, this could be your new staple. Those with very dry or highly sensitive skin, on the other hand, might find it either insufficiently hydrating or a touch irritating, thanks to a handful of essential oils in the formula.
If you find that Vitaskin’s version doesn’t quite check all your boxes, there are some alternatives worth considering. One that’s proven to be a massive all-rounder for me is Deascal’s Nocturnal Revive Cream, which manages to deliver a balanced dose of hydration and active ingredients at a more budget-friendly price. I also love Sephora’s Firming Night Cream for a no-fuss nightly rejuvenation, it sinks in effortlessly and leaves the skin feeling bouncy come morning. Meanwhile, those craving a luxurious feel might appreciate the Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix by ELEMIS, which I’ve personally found to be wonderfully hydrating and supportive of smoother-looking skin.
As with any skincare product, keep in mind that everything is subjective. While this cream might not dethrone my personal favorite night treatment, it’s still a viable option for those seeking a mid-range product that leans more on the gentle side. Before introducing something new into your routine, it’s always best to perform a patch test, especially if you have reactive skin, and remember that any changes achieved by a product require consistent use to maintain. Happy slathering!