No7 Men is one of those brands that might have flown under the radar for some, but it has a solid reputation for quality and innovation. Their Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Moisturiser has a name that promises big things, everything from reducing deep lines and wrinkles to keeping skin moisturised for a full 24 hours. Over the course of a full week, it was put to the test to see if it could live up to the hype and earn a spot in a daily routine without breaking the bank.
This review is not paid or sponsored, every bit of feedback and observation comes from an unbiased perspective. Keep in mind that skincare experiences can vary, so what works (or doesn’t work) for one person may differ for another.
What Is Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Moisturiser?
This is a night cream designed to offer advanced protection and visible improvements in deep lines and wrinkles, particularly during the skin’s natural overnight repair process. Night creams in general are formulated to work when the body is resting, optimal time for skin to absorb ingredients and rebuild its barrier. With this particular formula, there’s added emphasis on delivering moisture for up to 24 hours, along with environmental stress protection to help the skin feel refreshed and look healthier by morning.
It incorporates Matrixyl 3000 plus™, a key component from No7 Men’s Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum, claiming to reduce lines and wrinkles effectively. The product is also hypo-allergenic, suggesting it may be suitable for a range of skin types, including those prone to sensitivity. Applying it nightly is straightforward: simply smooth it into the face and neck after any serum step, and as with most moisturisers, focus on especially dry areas.
Did It Work?
In the interest of fairness, I set aside my usual night cream for a few days, very scientific of me, I know, to give Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Moisturiser a proper test drive. From day one, it felt lightweight on the skin and absorbed quickly, which is great if you’re not a fan of heavy creams. My skin felt smoother to the touch overnight, though I can’t say I woke up feeling super-hydrated those first few mornings.
By mid-week, there was a mild improvement in texture. The drier areas around my cheeks seemed a bit less flaky, and I didn’t have any issues like redness or irritation. However, the promised “refreshed” look was subtle; there wasn’t a dramatic overnight transformation in fine lines or deeper wrinkles. Granted, seven days is a relatively short timeframe for more profound results, but I was hoping for a bit more of that “Wow!” factor, especially given the marketing claims.
After a full week, I came away thinking it does some of what it claims: my skin felt decently moisturised, and it seemed gentle enough for daily use. Still, it didn’t blow me away or convince me to swap it in permanently. If you’re after a solid mid-range night cream, it’s worth a look, but personally, I’ll be sticking with my current favourite for now.
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Moisturiser’s Main Ingredients Explained
Starting with the foundation of this formula, Aqua (water) and Glycerin help lock in hydration, ensuring your skin feels softer and smoother. Dimethicone gives that silky texture and helps the cream glide on easily, while Cetearyl Alcohol works as a stabilizer and also adds a bit of emollience (that soft, moisturizing feel). Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a key standout here, known for its rich hydrating properties, but it can be comedogenic if your skin tends to get clogged easily, “comedogenic” means it may increase the risk of blocked pores leading to breakouts, so keep that in mind if you’re especially acne-prone.
Matrixyl 3000 plus™ is highlighted on the label, and in everyday terms, it’s basically a complex of peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in this list) touted to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time. Another noteworthy mention is Retinyl Palmitate, often linked to boosting skin cell turnover and improving texture, although results can vary and might require consistent use over a few weeks. Meanwhile, Sodium Hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) works to hold water in the skin, promoting a plumper look.
As for skin sensitivity, the formula is stated to be hypo-allergenic, which is good news for those who easily react to new products. The fragrance (listed as Parfum) is relatively low on the ingredient list, but if you’re extra sensitive to scents, be aware it’s still in there. In terms of whether it’s suitable for vegans and vegetarians, there are no obvious by-products from animals in the ingredient lineup, though “vegan-friendly” depends on whether the brand as a whole adheres to vegan standards, there’s no clear indication here, so it’s something to confirm if it’s a priority for you.
Finally, it’s worth noting the parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben) in the formulation, which some people prefer to avoid, but they do serve as preservatives to keep the cream fresh. Overall, each ingredient here serves a function, whether it’s hydrating, protecting, or smoothing, and though none stand out as overly harsh, always perform a patch test if you have concerns.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
Overall, it’s a decent product, but a few things stood out on both ends of the spectrum. Here’s a quick rundown of the highs and lows:
What Works Well:
- Provides moderate hydration without a heavy feel
- Includes peptides that support long-term skin goals
- Hypo-allergenic formula may reduce the chances of irritation
What to Consider:
- Might not deliver dramatic overnight results on deeper lines
- Contains fragrance (Parfum), which could be an issue for those highly sensitive
- Those with very dry skin may need an extra boost of moisture
My Final Thoughts
After giving Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Moisturiser a fair shot, especially having tried my share of night creams in the past, there’s no denying it gets some things right. It offers a respectable level of hydration, feels gentle on the skin, and leans into anti-aging claims with peptides and retinyl palmitate that could prove beneficial over time. Still, it didn’t knock my socks off in terms of immediate results, and that promise of deeply reduced wrinkles might be a touch optimistic (though not necessarily out of reach if you keep using it consistently). Overall, it’s a solid option if you’re seeking a middle-ground cream that won’t weigh your skin down. Personally, I’m not quite ready to ditch my current favorite for it, but it’d be decent for someone who wants a no-fuss, slightly-higher-end drugstore find. The final verdict for me is a 6/10, and I’d maybe recommend it to a friend who wants a gentle, mid-price range option but isn’t expecting miracles by morning.
For anyone eyeing alternatives, there are a few that I’ve genuinely enjoyed. The Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is an all-around unisex champion that checks every box: it’s rich enough for dry skin, light enough for oily types, and surprisingly cost-friendly. Another top pick is the Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE, which has a unique texture that locks in moisture without feeling heavy. And for those who appreciate a luxurious touch, the Pro-Collagen Night Cream by ELEMIS is delightful, it has a smooth application, and I’ve personally seen more noticeable plumping effects after a few weeks of use.
Ultimately, choosing the right night cream is all about finding one that aligns with your skin’s quirks and your long-term goals. Whichever route you take, remember to do a patch test first to ensure compatibility and be prepared for the fact that results aren’t permanent, regular application is key if you want to keep reaping the benefits.