The Body Shop is one of those brands that seems iconic to some and a hidden gem to others, known for its ethically sourced ingredients and environmentally conscious approach. Their Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream has quite the mouthful of a name, but it promises intense hydration for up to 72 hours, enough to pique anyone’s curiosity. I spent a full week putting this cream to the test to see if it lives up to the hype and whether it’s truly worth investing in.
Note: This is not a paid or sponsored review. All opinions here reflect my genuine experience, and what works (or doesn’t work) for me may differ for you.
What Is Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream?
This product is a night cream, which generally means it’s formulated to work while you’re sleeping, the time your skin does much of its natural repair and regeneration. According to The Body Shop, the cream offers up to 72 hours of intense hydration by helping your skin retain moisture and protecting it from overnight water loss. Key components like natural-origin hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and raspberry seed oil are included to boost hydration and keep skin feeling soft.
Night creams often have a richer texture than daytime moisturizers to support skin that can become drier in the evening. This one is described as suitable for all skin types, including very dry skin, and is dermatologically tested. In essence, it’s marketed as a richer bedtime moisturizer aimed at delivering a long-lasting, comforting layer of hydration while you sleep.
Did It Work?
I decided to put my usual night cream on hold for a few days, very scientific of me, I know, to give this one a fair test. Over the course of a week, I applied a small amount every night after cleansing, focusing on areas I know tend to get especially dry. At first, I noticed it felt comfortably rich but not suffocating. The cream had a slightly velvety texture that spread easily without leaving a sticky residue.
By the second or third evening, I started paying closer attention to how my skin felt each morning. It did seem a bit softer, and I didn’t see any flakiness or dry patches. Despite its thick consistency in the jar, it actually sank in nicely and didn’t cause breakouts or extra shine on my T-zone. However, around day five, I didn’t feel like the hydration was building up or offering any dramatic changes. My skin felt okay, pleasant, even, but not dramatically different from when I use my usual moisturizer.
After the full week, I can say it does a respectable job of keeping moisture locked in overnight, and it lives up to the claim that it won’t leave skin greasy. Still, it didn’t wow me with transformative results. While it’s definitely good at delivering that comforting, protective layer for bedtime, I don’t see myself rushing out to replace my go-to product with this one. It mostly does what it promises, just not in a way that surpasses other creams I’ve tried.
Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
This night cream features a blend of hydrating heavy-hitters and skin-friendly botanicals. First up is the natural-origin hyaluronic acid, a moisture magnet that helps retain water beneath the skin’s surface, lending a plumped, dewy look by morning. Vitamin E is well-known for its antioxidant properties, protecting skin from environmental stressors and aiding in overall skin health. Raspberry seed oil adds another layer of moisturization, while also contributing a subtle, fresh fragrance.
Cocoa butter is on the list too, providing a rich and emollient base that’s especially comforting on drier complexions. Some sources consider cocoa butter and isopropyl palmitate to be potential comedogenic ingredients, basically, they can clog pores and lead to breakouts if you’re prone to acne. Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so it’s good to do a patch test before fully committing.
Looking at everything that’s packed into the formula, it seems that The Body Shop hasn’t officially labeled this particular product as vegan, but it is suitable for vegetarians. If you’re someone who prefers fragrance-free products, note that there are fragrance components toward the end of the ingredient list, which might be worth keeping in mind if your skin is on the sensitive side. Overall, the blend feels carefully curated to deliver a comforting dose of overnight hydration, with only a few ingredients, like fragrance and comedogenics, you may want to be cautious about if your skin tends to be reactive.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
There are some notable benefits to this night cream, but also a few points that may or may not meet everyone’s preferences.
What Works Well:
- Comfortably rich texture that doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy
- Helps maintain hydration overnight, reducing signs of dryness by morning
- Gentle formula, which didn’t lead to irritation or breakouts during testing
What to Consider:
- Has fragrance in the ingredient list, which may not suit those who prefer unscented products
- Contains potentially comedogenic ingredients that could be a concern for acne-prone skin
- Doesn’t offer a dramatic difference from standard night creams
My Final Thoughts
One week was long enough to see what this product could do, and it stayed true to its promise of lightweight hydration with a rich, velvety feel. It’s a respectable option for anyone looking to maintain soft, nourished skin throughout the night, though I can’t help being slightly cheeky about its 72-hour claim, at 6.5/10, it’s good but hasn’t toppled some night creams I’ve tried before. If you’re seeking a gentle bedtime cream that tends not to irritate or clog pores, this is worth a shot. But if you’re hunting for a major skin-changer, you might not be completely captivated here.
I see this night cream suiting those who want a reliable, no-fuss formula that helps prevent dryness by morning. It’s ideal if you’re not after intense anti-aging or specialized treatments, and don’t mind a gently fragranced product. For those who crave products boasting more active or dramatic formulations, you may find this night cream a bit tame. As for recommending it to a friend, I’d do so if their skin goals align with a soothing, mid-range hydration experience, just don’t expect miraculous overnight transformations.
In my nighttime routine, I’ve also had the chance to test out other formulas that might be worth considering if you’re exploring alternatives to The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream. First, Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is an excellent all-rounder at a great price, covering all bases without overwhelming any one particular skin type. If you need something that taps into the power of targeted hydration, Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream by Eucerin has been a go-to of mine, offering a noticeable plumping effect by morning. Finally, a more soothing option for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin is the gentle Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream by La Roche-Posay, which I’ve found leaves my skin calm and balanced.
Before slathering on any new product, it’s wise to keep a few things in mind. Always do a quick patch test to check for any adverse reactions, especially when trying scented or slightly richer formulas. And remember, no cream’s benefits will last forever if you stop using it, consistent application is key if you want to maintain those results over time.