No7 is one of those brands that seems to have a devoted following in the skincare world, yet it can still slip below the radar for some. Their Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream has one of those impressively long (and slightly intimidating) names that promises the world, 24-hour moisturization, next-gen age-defying technology, a soothing pre-sleep fragrance, and results in as little as one night. After a full week of incorporating this night cream into my evening routine, I feel I’ve put these claims to the test to see how much of that promise it delivers on, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Before going further, a quick note: this is not a paid or sponsored review. All thoughts here are my own, based on my personal experience. Of course, everyone’s skin reacts differently, so your mileage may vary with any skincare product. With that out of the way, let’s dive into what this cream is all about.
What Is Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream?
This is a night-time moisturizer from No7, formulated to hydrate skin continuously and support its natural repair process as you sleep. It’s classified as a night cream, which typically means a richer texture with added ingredients designed for overnight skin rejuvenation. Many people find night creams beneficial because they can help address concerns like dryness, fine lines, and overall dullness while you get your rest.
In this particular formula, No7 includes their Matrixyl 3000 PLUS™ complex for age-defying benefits, vitamins for added skin protection, and a scent intended to help you relax before bed. The product highlights its 24-hour moisturization claim and is noted as being suitable for sensitive skin. All of this is meant to work while you sleep, when your skin is most receptive to repair and hydration.
Did It Work?
I decided to play scientist and discontinue my usual night cream for a few days before starting this one, nothing says “dedicated to the cause” like throwing your skin off the rails in the name of testing out a new product! After cleansing each evening, I applied a small amount of Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream across my face and neck, gently massaging it in.
The first night, I noticed a slight soothing feel and a very subtle scent that wasn’t cloying or overpowering, it did make me feel a little more relaxed. By morning, my skin felt comfortably hydrated, albeit not dramatically different from my usual routine. Nights two and three felt much the same: it went on easily, absorbed well, and I woke up without any dryness or tightness around my cheeks and forehead.
As I continued through the rest of the week, the hydration benefits were consistent, and my skin looked a bit brighter and less fatigued overall. However, I wouldn’t say I experienced the dramatic transformation promised. Fine lines remained about the same, although they did seem slightly softer after day four or five. That might have been a hydration boost talking, or it could just be the placebo effect, but either way my skin was never irritated or dried out, certainly a good sign for sensitive types.
In the end, while Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream offered respectable moisturizing and a comfortable application experience, it never quite hit the “must-have” mark for me over the course of the week. If you’re looking for a solid, dependable night cream, it could still be worth a try. Personally, I’m returning to my usual regimen, but I can see how this might find its home in the routines of those who need a gentle, no-fuss option.
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
At the heart of this cream is No7’s Matrixyl 3000 PLUS™ complex, essentially a blend of collagen-stimulating peptides that help reduce the visibility of fine lines over time. Alongside that, vitamins A, C, and E are included to support skin elasticity, fend off environmental stress, and give a balanced, refreshed look in the morning. You’ll also find hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to draw moisture into the skin, which can help keep everything plump and supple.
One standout ingredient is shea butter, a rich, nourishing element that’s great for adding hydration. It sometimes appears on comedogenic ingredient lists, meaning it may clog pores for certain individuals. However, in this formula, it’s balanced out with lighter hydrators like glycerin and butylene glycol, so most people shouldn’t notice congestion.
This product isn’t officially labeled vegan, and while it doesn’t include obvious animal by-products, certain ingredients like retinyl palmitate can sometimes be sourced in ways that aren’t strictly vegan-friendly. If you’re a dedicated vegan, it might be worth checking with No7 or looking for certification just to be on the safe side. For vegetarians, it appears suitable since it doesn’t contain common animal-derived components like collagen or lanolin.
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, the formula includes several non-irritating elements such as dimethicone and sodium hyaluronate, but keep in mind the mild fragrance might be something to watch if you’re deeply sensitive to scented products. Overall, it’s a pretty safe profile in terms of widespread irritants, and the inclusion of vitamins and peptides can be beneficial for those looking for a gentle boost in their nightly regimen.
Worth noting is the presence of preservatives like methylparaben and ethylparaben, which some people avoid, but they do play a role in keeping the product stable and free from bacterial growth. If you’re cautious around parabens, be aware of their inclusion here. Otherwise, you’ll likely find most of these ingredients straightforward and targeted toward providing a decent dose of overnight moisture and protection.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
After incorporating this into my nightly routine for a week, a few key points stood out, both good and not-so-great. Here’s the quick rundown:
What Works Well:
- Consistently hydrates overnight and leaves skin feeling comfortable by morning
- Includes proven ingredients like Matrixyl 3000 PLUS™ and hyaluronic acid to support smoother-looking skin
- Gentle formula that may suit those prone to sensitivity
What to Consider:
- A subtle fragrance is present, so those who are fragrance-sensitive may want to take note
- Fine lines don’t appear dramatically reduced in the short term
- May feel more like an incremental improvement rather than a game-changing product
My Final Thoughts
This night cream promises a lot, a more youthful complexion, 24-hour moisturization, and a gentle formula that plays well with sensitive skin. In many ways, it delivers a respectable performance, especially when it comes to keeping dryness at bay and creating a smooth, refreshed feel by morning. However, the dramatic overnight transformation that some might expect isn’t quite there, my skin looked marginally brighter and softer, but not miraculously wrinkle-free. Having used similar products in the past, I gave it a fair shake all week, and while it definitely provides a decent dose of overnight nourishment, it might not be the groundbreaking solution if you’re chasing major anti-aging effects.
Skincare is highly subjective, and finding the right night cream is a bit like searching for the perfect pair of jeans: it’s partly about ingredients, but also about how it fits into your lifestyle and routine. Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream suits those who need a gentle, dependable moisturizer that won’t irritate sensitive skin and who appreciate a subtle pre-sleep fragrance. On the flip side, if you crave an intense, fast-acting wrinkle-buster or dislike any kind of added scent, you might find this underwhelming. Since it sat comfortably on my skin, absorbed nicely, and never triggered breakouts or redness, I can see recommending it to people who want a straightforward, fuss-free product. Personally, I consider it a middle-of-the-road experience, reliable, but not necessarily one I’d call an essential. For me, it earns a 6.5 out of 10. I’d recommend it to a friend who leans toward milder formulas and prefers gradual skin improvements over dramatic changes.
When it comes to alternatives, one standout I’d suggest is the Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal, an excellent all-rounder that covers all the essential bases at a very reasonable price. It’s one of those creams I’ve returned to more than once when I need balanced, consistent results without much compromise. I’ve also tried the Superfood Midnight Facial by ELEMIS, which offers a nourishing blend of plant actives and feels especially comforting if you’re prone to dryness. The Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE is another go-to, delivering a noticeable hydration boost that helps keep the skin looking plumped by morning. And for those seeking an added wrinkle-fighting step, the Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream by Eucerin is a solid option that focuses on firming and replenishing the skin’s moisture barrier without feeling overly heavy.
All in all, as with any skincare product, it’s wise to be mindful of possible sensitivities. A quick patch test can help you dodge any unwelcome surprises, and remember that no pot of cream offers permanent fixes, maintaining results means consistent use, patience, and a well-rounded skincare approach. If you do decide to give this No7 night cream a shot, do so with realistic expectations, and you’ll likely find it a helpful if not world-shattering addition to your evening routine.