L’Oréal is a household name for most beauty enthusiasts, known for its expansive range of skincare and cosmetics that promise a touch of luxury at an accessible price point. While it hardly needs an introduction, some might still be surprised by how many specialized formulas its labs turn out each year. One such creation is Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish Night, a night cream claiming to restore mature, very dry skin with the help of powerful ingredients like Manuka Honey and Calcium B5.
Over the past week, this cream got its time to shine in my nightly skincare routine to see if it truly delivers on promises of providing intense nourishment and boosting the skin’s morning glow. Rest assured, this is not a paid review, and all opinions here are based solely on personal experience. Remember that everyone’s skin is different, so your mileage may vary.
What Is Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish Night?
Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish Night is part of L’Oréal’s range of night creams, formulated to support mature and very dry skin during the hours when it naturally works to repair itself. Night creams in general tend to be richer and heavier than their daytime counterparts, targeting issues like dryness and barrier protection while you sleep, when the skin is more receptive. This particular formula includes Manuka Honey for its nurturing qualities and Calcium B5 for hydration and fortification, aiming to provide a dose of both moisture and revitalization overnight.
Did It Work?
In the name of very scientific testing, my usual night cream went on a brief vacation so that this product could take the stage. I applied it each night on cleansed skin, massaging it in gently. On the first day or two, I noticed a nice surge of moisture, my skin felt a bit softer in the morning, though not impressively plumped. Around the midweek mark, the level of hydration seemed to plateau; I wasn’t getting that extra dewy glow that many overnight creams provide. By the end of the seven-day trial, my skin still felt consistently moisturized, but there wasn’t a remarkable transformation in terms of elasticity or firmness.
It did deliver on its promise to relieve dryness and give decent overnight nourishment, so mature or very dry skin types may still see some benefit. However, it didn’t perform strongly enough to earn a permanent spot on my shelf. It’s not a total miss, just not quite the level of “wow” that would convince me to switch from my go-to night cream.
Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish Night’s Main Ingredients Explained
Central to this formula is Manuka Honey, known for its nourishing and medicinal properties. It works alongside Calcium B5, an ingredient aimed at strengthening the skin barrier and delivering a solid dose of hydration. These two powerhouses pair with a range of emollients and oils (like Shea Butter and Apricot Kernel Oil) intended to keep dryness at bay.
It’s important to note that the presence of Beeswax and Honey means this cream isn’t suitable for vegans. Some vegetarians may also prefer to avoid animal-derived products, so it’s best to check your personal stance on such ingredients. The formula also contains mineral oil (listed as Paraffinum Liquidum), which is sometimes considered comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores under certain conditions, though experiences vary by individual. If you’re acne-prone or sensitive, you might want to patch-test first.
Additionally, the cream includes a variety of plant oils and extracts like Camelina Seed Oil and Royal Jelly Extract, plus added fragrance components. If you’re sensitive to scents or essential oils, it’s worth reviewing the label carefully. Overall, the ingredient blend focuses on smoothing and softening the skin, but it may not be the perfect fit for those strictly avoiding animal by-products or who are especially prone to clogged pores.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
This cream has its share of upsides and a few downsides. Here’s a quick breakdown of both:
What Works Well:
- Effectively hydrates and leaves skin feeling cushiony in the morning
- Includes nurturing ingredients like Manuka Honey and Calcium B5 to support mature and very dry skin
- Feels pleasantly rich without leaving a heavy or overly greasy residue
What to Consider:
- Contains fragrance, so those sensitive to scented products may need a patch test
- Requires consistent use over time to see any substantial anti-aging benefits
- Price may feel a bit steep compared to other drugstore night creams
My Final Thoughts
At the end of the weeklong journey with L’Oréal’s Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish Night, there’s no denying it delivers relief for dryness and a decent amount of overnight comfort. My skin came out of the nightly routine feeling nourished and fairly soft, but with a rating of 6.5/10, I can’t say it blew me away in terms of transformation. As someone who’s tried numerous night creams, this one lands somewhere in the middle: it’s solid in hydration and does what a respectable night cream should, but it doesn’t stand out as a must-have MVP in my book.
In fairness, not every moisturizer is going to be a game-changer for everyone. If mature or very dry skin is your main concern, you might find value in its rich texture and blend of Manuka Honey and Calcium B5. If you’re looking for a dramatic boost in firmness or elasticity, you may want to keep your expectations in check, or look toward more targeted formulations. Overall, I’d recommend it cautiously to a friend in need of a simple dose of extra nourishment at night, but I’d also point out that there are many other options worth exploring in the same price range or slightly higher.
Speaking of alternatives, I’ve personally tested several that might tick more boxes for some people. One I’ve reached for time and again is Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal, a covers-all-bases option that’s surprisingly affordable and suitable for virtually all skin types, making it an excellent go-to if you’re not sure where to start. For a little more luxury, Pro-Collagen Night Cream by ELEMIS offers a lovely texture with marine and plant actives that pamper the skin without feeling overbearing. Meanwhile, Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream by Medik8 is a top choice if you’re curious about the benefits of a gentle retinol infusion; it has helped smooth out the early signs of aging for me without irritation. And for those who value intense hydration, Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream by Eucerin has consistently locked moisture into my skin, especially during colder months.
As with any skincare product, it’s wise to be mindful of a few things before diving in. Patch-testing is always a crucial first step, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. And remember that these results won’t last forever if you stop using the product, so consistency is key to maintaining any benefits. Here’s hoping you find the perfect formula to keep skin nourished, looking radiant, and feeling comfortable each morning.