Simple is often praised for its gentle, no-frills formulas, but it’s also a brand that can sometimes slip under the radar. Their Vital Vitamin Cream Night certainly sounds promising, according to the folks at Simple, it’s meant to cap off your nighttime routine by replenishing your skin while you sleep, all without irritating or overwhelming it. Armed with its “kind to skin” promise, I put this night cream to the test for an entire week to see if it’s really worth anyone’s hard-earned cash.
This review isn’t paid or sponsored in any way, and the opinions shared here are entirely my own. Of course, skincare results can vary from person to person, so this is just my genuine experience with Simple’s Vital Vitamin Cream Night.
What Is Vital Vitamin Cream Night?
Vital Vitamin Cream Night is Simple’s offering in the night cream category, designed to restore skin moisture as you sleep. Night creams typically have a thicker consistency than day creams and are formulated to help support the skin’s natural repair process during the overnight hours. Simple positions this product for those who want something gentle and minimal, without artificial perfumes or harsh chemicals that might irritate sensitive skin.
According to Simple, this cream contains a blend of Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Glycerin, and Bisabolol, all of which aim to deliver soothing hydration. It’s also dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, making it a straightforward option for most skin types. The idea is to apply it after removing makeup and cleansing your skin, giving it the opportunity to replenish dryness before facing the day ahead.
Did It Work?
For the sake of very scientific testing, I shelved my usual go-to night cream for seven days to see if Vital Vitamin Cream Night could stand on its own. Every evening, I applied a dollop after cleansing, nothing else, just to keep things simple and let this cream shine.
On the first couple of nights, it felt pleasantly light. My skin got that immediate hit of moisture, and I woke up to a reasonably refreshed complexion. There was no stinging or tingling, which is great news for anyone with easily irritated skin. Mid-week, however, I started noticing that while my skin felt hydrated right after application, it occasionally leaned a bit tight by morning. I tried adding a bit more product but still felt that it didn’t fully lock in every bit of moisture overnight.
By the end of the week, I’d say that Vital Vitamin Cream Night does live up to its promise of gentleness and basic hydration, but it doesn’t quite deliver that rich, long-lasting nourishment I typically look for. While it didn’t cause any breakouts or irritations, which is a huge plus, my skin didn’t feel as consistently plush as I prefer. It’s decent but not quite convincing enough to replace my regular night cream. I might keep it in mind for the future if I ever need a lightweight, no-frills moisturizer, but for now, it’s not making the cut in my skincare lineup.
Vital Vitamin Cream Night’s Main Ingredients Explained
Let’s dive into the core ingredients that make up this night cream. First off, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E are fairly common in skincare due to their hydrating and soothing properties. Pro-Vitamin B5 helps attract and hold on to moisture, while Vitamin E is an antioxidant hero, which can assist in protecting the skin from daily environmental stress. Together, they’re a nice combo if you want to keep things simple but effective.
Next up is Glycerin, another classic humectant that draws water into the skin. Bisabolol is also in the mix, renowned for its calming qualities. If you’re on the sensitive side, this combination is likely to feel gentle. The product contains no artificial perfumes or colors and is suitable for vegans, so that’s a big plus if you’re mindful of that.
One ingredient worth noting is Squalane, which is often praised for its moisturizing benefits and compatibility with most skin types. It’s generally not known to be comedogenic (meaning it’s unlikely to clog pores or lead to breakouts), so if you’re worried about pimples or congestion, it’s usually a safe bet.
As for anything else to keep in mind, some of the supporting ingredients, like Dimethicone, can help the cream feel smooth and silky, but if you’re prone to very dry or flaky skin, you might want to layer another hydrating serum underneath. Overall, the formula is pretty straightforward, allergic-skin-friendly, and minimal, though it’s not the richest concoction out there, especially for those who prefer a heavier cream.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
Here’s a quick look at the strengths and potential drawbacks of this night cream, based on my experience.
What Works Well:
- Lightweight formula that absorbs without leaving a greasy film
- Gentle and soothing, suitable for most skin types
- No harsh chemicals, making it less likely to cause irritation
What to Consider:
- May not provide deep nourishment for extra dry skin
- Might require a secondary moisturizer if you prefer richer hydration
- Feels basic compared to other options if you need more targeted benefits
My Final Thoughts
There’s no denying that a solid night cream can make a world of difference for tired skin, but is Simple’s Vital Vitamin Cream Night the be-all and end-all? After a week of dedicated use (and having tested more night creams than I can count over the years), I’d say it’s good for those who are looking for a lightweight, gentle hydrator that won’t cause issues for sensitive or combination skin types. However, if you’re on the drier side or crave that ultra-plush, cushiony feeling when you wake up, you may be better served by something a bit heavier in the nourishment department.
In terms of performance, I give it a fair 6.5/10. It’s mild, straightforward, leaves no greasy residue, and upholds its claim of being kind to skin, though it doesn’t necessarily blow my socks off in the moisture-replenishing arena. I would still consider recommending it to a friend who wants something fuss-free and soothing, especially if they’re suspicious of anything too heavily fragranced or stuffed with chemicals. But if you’re hunting for a truly transformative overnight boost, you might find this cream just a tad underwhelming.
If you love the idea of a dependable nighttime companion but want a bit more gusto, here are a few alternatives I’ve personally used and enjoyed. First up, Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is an all-rounder that checks all the boxes, its balanced formula works well for all skin types and comes at a pretty friendly price point. For a more targeted approach, you could explore Advanced Night Restore by Medik8, which offers a slightly richer consistency while still absorbing nicely. Another favorite of mine is the Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE, especially if you’re craving a little extra firming action overnight, plus, it’s great for pampering sessions.
Before jumping onto any new product, consider your skin’s specific needs and test how it reacts. A patch test is always a wise move, and it’s worth remembering that any noticeable improvements often require consistent, long-term use to maintain. Treat your skin well, and it’s more likely to treat you well in return, just don’t expect permanent miracles from a single jar.