UpCircle might not be on everyone’s radar just yet, but it’s a brand that has managed to build a loyal following thanks to its eco-conscious values and clever use of repurposed ingredients. Their latest release, the Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide, claims to help replenish the skin’s natural barrier, boost hydration, and minimize signs of aging, all while remaining unscented and gentle. Over the course of a week, I put this night cream through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype, and whether it’s worth investing in.
This review is not paid or sponsored in any way, and all opinions are entirely my own. Results can vary depending on individual skin type and concerns, so bear in mind that your experience might differ from mine.
What Is Night Cream With Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide?
This product from UpCircle is a night cream, which essentially means it’s formulated to be used as the final step in your evening skincare routine, after cleansing and any serums. Night creams are generally richer than daytime moisturizers because they’re designed to support the skin’s natural renewal process while you sleep. In this case, the formula focuses on combining hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration levels and niacinamide to help even out skin tone and support the skin’s protective barrier.
According to the product description, it also contains naturally occurring pro-retinol from repurposed blueberries, which can assist in reducing the look of fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Because it’s unscented and dermatologically approved, it’s presented as a gentle option for those seeking a boost of moisture and a little help with common signs of aging. The idea is that by concentrating these ingredients into a specialized nighttime formula, it gives skin a protective and nourishing environment to take advantage of the skin’s overnight repair cycle.
Did It Work?
I took a break from my usual night cream (very scientific of me, I know!) to evaluate how UpCircle’s formula would fare on its own over a week. I used it every night after cleansing, sometimes following a hydrating serum, sometimes not, just to see how it performed either way. My first impression was that it felt luxuriously thick, but it spread easily and absorbed faster than I expected for a richer product.
Over the next few days, I noticed my skin staying soft and calm, with no signs of redness or dryness in the morning. However, while I appreciated the extra hydration, I didn’t see any particularly dramatic changes in pore size or the fine lines around my eyes. By the end of the week, my complexion looked decently nourished but not necessarily more radiant than it did before. I have combination skin that can sometimes break out when products are too heavy, but I didn’t experience any flare-ups here, so it gets points for being gentle.
In terms of meeting its claims, I’d say it generally delivers on the hydration front and stays kind to more sensitive areas. The promise of reducing fine lines might need more time than a week to fully gauge, but I wouldn’t say I saw a compelling improvement to make me swap out my current go-to. The niacinamide and hyaluronic acid did what they do best, maintaining moisture levels and keeping everything from feeling congested. While I can see how this would be a solid pick for someone looking for a gentle nighttime hydrator, I’m personally not planning on adding it to my permanent lineup. It was a decent introduction to UpCircle, though, and I’d still recommend it for those who value a good balance of moisture and mildness.
Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide’s Main Ingredients Explained
There’s a lot going on beneath the surface of this night cream, which is packed with both familiar skincare heroes and some lesser-known but equally beneficial players. Formulated with repurposed blueberries, the cream harnesses naturally occurring pro-retinol from fruit extracts that can help minimize signs of aging, like fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide, one of the main actives, is well-loved for its ability to support the skin’s barrier, even out tone, and reduce pore appearance, ideal if you’re on a mission to balance combination or slightly oily skin. Coupled with hyaluronic acid, the cream also aims to deliver a strong hydration punch, keeping moisture locked in overnight.
In the base, you’ll find shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) along with rosehip and jojoba oils, these are all nourishing ingredients that can help maintain softness and elasticity. Shea butter in particular has a reputation for being on the heavier side, and it can sometimes be comedogenic, meaning it has a higher likelihood of clogging pores for those prone to breakouts or congestion. That said, my own combination skin didn’t show any issues during testing. For anyone curious about the product’s suitability, it’s worth noting it’s vegan-friendly, which is welcome news for those who avoid animal-derived ingredients.
Other noteworthy elements include vanilla fruit extract and cocoa extract, which contribute to the formula’s antioxidant profile, and calendula flower extract for its soothing qualities. On top of that, there’s no added perfume here, so if you’re sensitive to fragrances, it’s a bonus that the cream remains unscented. If you’re someone who thrives on a naturally derived, eco-conscious approach, the inclusion of upcycled ingredients (like the blueberry extract) adds an extra feel-good factor. Overall, this blend focuses on barrier support, hydration, and mild exfoliation (courtesy of a touch of salicylic acid) without sacrificing a gentle formula.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
There are a few standout strengths to this night cream, alongside a couple of points that may not suit every skincare routine.
What Works Well:
- Delivers noticeable hydration without feeling overly greasy
- Formulated with gentle, skin-friendly ingredients that kept my complexion calm
- Packs in antioxidant-rich oils and naturally occurring pro-retinol for an extra boost
What to Consider:
- Offers only a subtle improvement in visible signs of aging after short-term use
- Consistency might feel too thick for those who prefer a lighter night cream
- Price may be a concern if you’re on a budget
My Final Thoughts
After a week of nightly use, it’s safe to say that Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide doesn’t disappoint on the core promise of hydrating and soothing the skin. But does it fulfill all its lofty claims? It certainly works well as a gentle support act for skin needing a bit of extra plumping in the PM, but (tongue firmly in cheek here) I wouldn’t rely on it to single-handedly eradicate every fine line and pore with a dramatic flourish. If you’re already used to high-performance night creams, this might feel a little less like a game-changer and more like a comfortable staple. In short, it’s the kind of product that won’t rock your world, yet it’s definitely a reliable contender.
Who is it best for? Anyone hunting for a calming, fragrance-free formula that won’t weigh down combination, normal, or slightly dry skin. If your skin is super oily, you might find this a bit on the heavier side; conversely, those with very dry skin might want something more intensely nourishing. I’ve tested my fair share of night creams over the years, so I feel confident giving this a 7/10. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, especially if they want gentle hydration and a brand with a sustainable edge. However, if anti-aging is your primary concern, you might consider a more targeted product for maximum results.
That said, there are a few other options I’ve tried that might suit you better, depending on your needs. Deascal’s Nocturnal Revive Cream is an excellent all-rounder I’ve used often; it manages to cover all the bases of hydration, barrier support, and gentle rejuvenation in one tub, plus it comes at a friendlier price point. If you’re craving something a little more focused on wrinkles, the Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix by ELEMIS is another standout for me; it packs a punch in the hydration department while promoting elasticity. Those who prefer a slightly lighter but still cushiony texture might love the Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE, it’s a fun one that keeps skin looking awake by morning. And if you want something fuss-free yet still nourishing, the Rich Night Cream by Cetaphil never fails me for a basic but effective nighttime routine.
A word to the wise: always make sure a product’s ingredients fit your skin’s preferences, and consider a patch test to avoid any surprise reactions. Remember that night creams (and skincare in general) need consistent use to maintain results, they’re not a one-and-done miracle cure, but they can be a great nightly companion. Choose wisely, and happy experimenting!