Monday, 19 October 2015

Dr Brandt Glow Overnight Resurfacing Serum


What is it?
'A potent nighttime skin renewal serum with retinol.'

Who is it for?
People looking for the extra boost that retinols give. Vitamin A is a proven ingredient that can help reverse the signs of ageing. Everyone should use one. Well, not kids, obviously - but if you're over 30 I'd get busy. 

What’s in it?
Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Isoamyl Laurate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Shea Butter Esters, Triheptanoin, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Behenyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Retinol, Glyceryl Stearate, Simmonsia Chenesis (Jojoba) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Betaine, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Citrus Nobilis Oil, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic /Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, Glycine Soya Sterols, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Maslinic Acid, Phenylpropanol, Bht, Sodium Phytate, Dimethiconol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Honey, Pectin, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Heliantus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycine Soya Oil.

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
shea butter
essential oils

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
man made with some natural ingredients

Tested on animals/sold in China?
No/Yes

What's not in it?
mineral oil
parabens
sulfates 
phthalates 

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?
'Apply after cleansing, a thin layer all over the face.'
It may not surprise you to know that I used this after acids. I used it directly over my Dennis Gross MD Extra Strength pads and it was absolutely fine. More of that here: Beauty Myth No.9
Use in the PM and obviously mind your SPF if you're in warmer climes to keep the newer skin protected.

What’s good about it?
I have tested a lot of retinols in my time, this one gave me noticeable results overnight. There was visible fading of some spot scars, 'tighter' skin and it was certainly firmer. 
As always, nothing will compare with prescription retinol, but if you're not quite ready for that yet, this is a great way to go in the meantime. It's the best I've used thus far. 

What’s not so good about it?
Well it's not that it's not good exactly, but it says it contains 2% retinol complex. Eagle-eyed readers will notice that the retinol is listed after phenoxyethanol, which immediately should tell us that it is 1% or less. 
So I don't know if the labelling is incorrect, the claim is exaggerated, the retinol is in a complex that somehow pushes it over 2% when it's all added together? I don't know. But in this case, it works, so I'm not overly fussed. (I have asked the question to them directly btw, will keep you posted if I get an answer). It doesn't put me off the product however, as the proof is indeed in the pudding. 

Dr Brandt Glow Overnight Resurfacing Serum is £73.00 from Feelunique.com and $85.00 from Sephora.com 


Similar products?
Paula's Choice Retinol 1%
Kate Somerville Retasphere
Sunday Riley Luna
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM




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64 comments:

  1. Sandra19 October 2015 at 17:16

    Hi, Caroline!! Txs for the recommendation. I have been using PC 1% retinol. I am happy with it, but I will give this one a try!!! And those acid pads you just recommended om IG. I thank you, my wallet doesn't.... 😊😊

    ReplyDelete
  2. Emma19 October 2015 at 18:00

    Hi Caroline, I remember a while ago you said you might do a cheat sheet on retinols. I'd love to see it because I've decided it's time for me to dip my toe in the water, but I've no idea where to start! Keep up the great work :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown19 October 2015 at 19:12

    Hi Caroline, I'm really confused...approaching 40 I thought I needed Retinol (mainly based on your beauty myth article ) however I had a facial last week with a very well known, reputable facialist who suggested I avoid Retinol as it thins the skin...better to build the skin up from within. Now obviously you're a fan of retinol but I'm really interested to know what your thoughts are on this? Oh and she also wasn't keen on me using glycolic (ageing)....Help! A x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown19 October 2015 at 20:57

      Who was it?

      Delete
    2. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:03

      Emma Hardie. ..I really don't intend this as a "she said this and she said that"....just genuinely a bit confused as I value both opinions. X

      Delete
    3. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:39

      Yeah we have very different views. Emma is very into the 'natural' approach but I'm on the side of thinking that retinols and acids strengthen the skin. The idea that they thin is very old fashioned to be honest. Sorry Em. ;)

      Delete
    4. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:47

      I had one dermatologist tell me that it thins skin and so I have to cycle off/on prescription retinol and another tell me to use it every day forever essentially. I'm so confused at this point too!

      Delete
    5. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:52

      I know a LOT of derms personally and all of them have a completely different point of view. Seriously. They're worse than bloggers. ;) xx

      Delete
    6. Unknown20 October 2015 at 19:07

      Thanks for the reply Caroline. X

      Delete
  4. anon19 October 2015 at 19:54

    Hi Caroline, I may have just posted this question... Anyhow, how often should one use a retinol?
    Thanks so much, love your blog! You rock.
    K

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown19 October 2015 at 20:57

      Depends on your skin and what retinol. A few times a week as a general. x

      Delete
  5. Unknown19 October 2015 at 21:08

    Guessing this isn't the best for a 23 year old...? I want to try everything 😆

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:40

      If you smoke and party go for it. If you're healthy you can afford to relax! :)

      Delete
    2. Unknown19 October 2015 at 23:09

      Thanks, if I doesn't work out I'll just give it to my mum! :) love your work!

      Delete
  6. Unknown19 October 2015 at 21:09

    Hi Caroline

    Can you use retinol while pregnant?

    Thanks
    Leonie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:41

      Depends on the product. Prescription strength absolutely not, some over the counters yes.

      Delete
  7. Unknown19 October 2015 at 21:13

    Lady H -- Rosacea + retinol? If it's a big fat no, what else would you recommend for similar results, please?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:42

      I would use it everywhere except the rosacea. Is it everywhere? Or just cheeks?

      Delete
    2. Unknown20 October 2015 at 01:43

      Just cheeks!

      Delete
    3. Unknown20 October 2015 at 07:58

      Crack on everywhere else. X

      Delete
    4. Unknown20 October 2015 at 17:57

      Thank you for taking the time! I saw you when you were doing private appointments -- and since following your advice, my skin has never looked, or felt, better. You are the absolute bomb! xx

      Delete
    5. S.J.V.Jeffery-Swailes.25 October 2015 at 22:45

      Ooooh, this all applies to me too....really grateful for this advice. Thank you.

      Delete
  8. The Third Place19 October 2015 at 21:13

    But as retinol's benefits are long-term, how are any overnight effects indicative of the product's success? Prescription retin-a has no overnight results, yet long-term, are clearly the most effective.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:47

      They definitely work in a different way. OTC will never be as strong, but they will have added ingredients to give instant gratification. PrX is no frills. It doesn't care about your feelings or problems, you have to wait for it to 'show up'. In all honesty, that's why I mix it up. I got great results from this on my pigmentation on my forehead, it almost got rid of it completely.

      Delete
    2. The Third Place19 October 2015 at 23:46

      I guess what bugs me about this product is that the overnight results are likely not due to the retinol, which is what this product is touted as.

      Delete
    3. Unknown20 October 2015 at 07:59

      I politely disagree. All products and ingredients have some immediate effect on the skin - this one - even if it's surface retexturising - definitely makes a difference. It's why I used it for a while to make sure it wasn't anything else.

      Delete
    4. Unknown20 October 2015 at 21:25

      I think Third Place meant that it must not have been the retinol in the product making the difference; it must have been the effects of a different ingredient- not that it wasn't the product that you saw working.

      Delete
  9. Unknown19 October 2015 at 21:25

    Hi, I used the pixi glow tonic for a few weeks and it completely broke me out, my skin reacted badly to it. Is this product harsh?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:49

      No and it's retinols not glycolic so you should be ok but if you're prone to sensitivity, patch test on your lower cheek.

      Delete
  10. Unknown19 October 2015 at 21:42

    Hi Caroline, thank you for this post. My skin has never looked better since following your routine. I will certainly be purchasing this when my Luna finishes. Is it ok to use after PTR unwrinkle pads or Pixi glow pads? Many thanks. xx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:02

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown19 October 2015 at 22:50

      Yes it does. But it would be hard to say what caused your bumps without seeing them. Have you been to a derm/doc?

      Delete
    2. Unknown27 January 2016 at 02:51

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  12. Jess19 October 2015 at 22:42

    For future reference, how does one get a hold of prescribed retinol? You just head on to the doc office and ask for something to smooth the lines? very curious.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Unknown19 October 2015 at 23:19

    Do you think this product would be okay for an oily/combination skin that's spot-prone? I tend not to have issues with essential oils but I'm wondering about your thoughts on how the shea butter would fare on my skin type. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  14. MBear19 October 2015 at 23:21

    Hi Caroline,

    I have been using Differin about 3-4 times a week to help with recent pink acne scars on 22yr old skin.
    It is helping, but would there be other stronger retinoids/retinols that would be more effective?
    I am very curious about Luna, but unsure whether it would be worth the splurge.

    Thanks! x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Unknown20 October 2015 at 00:07

    Saving this for future reference. I have used both PTR Fusion and Luna and had good results with both. So if you're saying this one is even better....well, how could I possibly not give it a go?
    The Beauty Bloss

    ReplyDelete
  16. Melissa Zol20 October 2015 at 05:18

    Hi Caroline. First of all, sorry if this has posted multiple times (first time commenting).
    Just a quick question about reitinols and acids. I've just started using Dr. Lewinn's 12% Glycolic Cleanser (literally used it for the first time last night). I was wondering if I can still use Luna in the same night or just on nights I don't use the cleanser? I'm thinking of only using the cleanser 1-2 nights a week if I'm really oily/broken out.
    Not sure if you've heard of it, but I think Dr. Lewinn's is Australian (like me).
    I'm 29 with oily acne (mild) prone skin.

    These are the products I use on rotation:

    Skin Cleansers -
    Tata Harper Regenerating & the senstive skin one (we don't have the other 2 here).
    Omorovicza balm (just used for the first time..love!!)
    Su-Man cleansing gel oil
    Dr Lewinns 12% glycolic cleanser

    Make up removal Cleansers -
    Bioderma for my eyes
    Natio Gentle Cleansing Milk and the Pure & Gentle Cleansing Cream
    Cetaphil
    I tried TTDO balm but it didn't take my day off..


    Acid Tone -
    Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix pads
    First Aid Beauty Blemish Pads (we don't have the radiance ones dammit!)
    Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion

    Spray Tone -
    Kate Somerville Nourish spray
    Clinique Moisture Surge spray
    SKII mid day essence

    Oils & Serums-
    Sanctuary Spa therapists secret oil
    Odacite hydration and the one for oily/acne skin
    Trilogy Rosehip Oil
    Sunday Riley Luna and Artemis
    Tata Harper Replenish Nutrient Complex
    SKII Facial Treatment Essence

    Moisturiser -
    Kate Somerville Hydrating Acne Gel
    Kate Somerville Nourish/Goat Milk/Oil Free

    I've recently done a big clean up of my products. I was using Dermalogica and Neutrogena cleansers until very recently. I discovered most of the stuff I was using had SLS.

    P.S Sorry for the very long post!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Unknown20 October 2015 at 07:11

    Hi Caroline. I was wondering how/if this product compared to Alpha H Liquid Gold?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Doctor Anne20 October 2015 at 11:06

    I haven't used Retinols, but plan on introducing them into my routine after I am finished being pregnant this time.

    ReplyDelete
  19. riley20 October 2015 at 14:41

    Did you perhaps mean that it's Sunday Riley Good Genes that is similar (rather than Luna)?

    Thank you for clarifying.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Unknown20 October 2015 at 20:25

    Hi Caroline

    Can I use this along side Pixi Glow and alternating it with alpha h liquid gold (using this every other night)?

    Thx

    ReplyDelete
  21. Amy Rueda20 October 2015 at 21:44

    Dear Lady H.,
    Please help! I have so much product but no clue how to set up a nightly schedule to use it effectively. I'm 44, good health, sandpaper forehead, slick nose and chin, normal cheecks. I think I have a good grasp on the process, cleanse, tone,..but after cleaning is where I muck it up. Start with an acid, then retinol, then serums finished by moisturizer, everynight? I have a PMD machine, when should I throw that in the mix along with my NuFace. Oh, and masks, when/how often?
    Love from L.A.!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Luca20 October 2015 at 22:13

    I'm 37 and still have acne so I'm on tretinoid (a retinol cream). Am I all set in terms of anti-aging? I'm a skincare junkie so I use serums and moisturizers but nothing else with rentinol in it. Thank you. Love your blog and videos Caroline! :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Amy Rueda20 October 2015 at 22:17

    How do I develop a rotation system of all of my products in order to maximize the effectiveness of each product?
    It confusing to know which night to use which products.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Mrs. Sho Nuff20 October 2015 at 22:45

    Thank you once again Lady Hirons for a great review. I've got extremely sensitive skin, mostly healthy but will use products like this in the near future as I inch closer to 40 and stop getting ID'd for alcohol lol.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Crystalia21 October 2015 at 02:14

    Hi Lady H, I'm a 15 year old girl with moderate acne that can worsen during that time of the month... The acne is on my cheeks (the worst), forehead (average, and jaw (minor). My skin is combination and picky. Can you suggest a routine? Maybe trying out Retin-A? I'm fed up and it's lowering my self esteem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown22 October 2015 at 19:15

      You might want to check the sidebar, I think Mrs H once made a post about skincare routine for teenage but I forgot which.

      Delete
  26. Noa198421 October 2015 at 15:11

    Hi Caroline - Dr. Brandt isn't cruelty free.... sold in China through Sephora :-(

    ReplyDelete
  27. Unknown24 October 2015 at 03:12

    This was my gateway into retinols and it was fab; visible results and no sensitivity for me (I am 25). I have currently switched over to Differin to tackle my acne and it is taking a while for my sensitivity and redness to decrease. I can't even begin to imagine how much worse Retin-A would be!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Unknown24 October 2015 at 10:40

    good morning... just a quick comment - I love your blog - always so informative and interesting, witty and a pleasure to read... but Dr. Brandt DOES actually sell in China - as on SEPHORA Chinese website it is listed... is there another retinol you can recommend that does no animal testing that is easily available in Europe ?? thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown24 October 2015 at 11:30

      You need Paula's Choice.

      Delete
    2. Unknown24 October 2015 at 12:46

      thank you... I will check out their website...

      Delete
    3. S.J.V.Jeffery-Swailes.27 October 2015 at 17:19

      I have looked at their website & find it difficult to decide which might be best for my skin. After reading the reviews about the items it is even more difficult to know what to buy !! I will have to move house if I make many more mistakes because I'm getting squeezed out due to lack of space!!! I must check to see if Mrs.Hirons has written a review......

      Delete
  29. Unknown24 October 2015 at 12:35

    Hello, I heard that over the counter retinol products can be good for active acne when you suffer from relatively severe acne, I was wondering what your opinion was on this?
    Thank you in advance! I really love your blog, great content!

    Theskindiary.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous27 October 2015 at 11:02

    Hello Caroline

    Thank you for the review, I see it is sold pout at feelunique, would you normally trust amazon or shall I better order from Sephora? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Unknown27 October 2015 at 11:02

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Micha 1 December 2015 at 06:09

    Hopefully someone sees this. At lookfantastic they have 20% off DR. BRANDT and an extra 20% off with the code LFCYBER which makes the OVERNIGHT RESURFACING SERUM only 43.80!!!!

    ReplyDelete

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