Super Facialist has quietly gathered a devoted following for its clever blend of science-backed formulas and purse-friendly price points, so any new launch from the brand tends to raise an eyebrow or two in the beauty world. The latest arrival, Retinol Overnight Resync Night Cream, certainly wins the prize for most tongue-twisting name on my shelf yet promises to reward the effort of saying it with smoother, brighter skin by sunrise.
According to Super Facialist, this night treatment marries a retinol boost with a circadian rhythm-tuned SleepSmart complex that is supposed to maximise skin renewal while you snooze. In theory, that means fewer fine lines, more even tone and a comfortable hit of hydration that plays nicely with every skin type.
I put those claims to the test for a solid two weeks, working the cream in as the final step of my evening routine to see if the results justify that confident name.
Disclaimer: This review is not paid or sponsored. All opinions are entirely my own based on personal experience and individual results can vary from person to person.
What Is Retinol Overnight Resync Night Cream?
Classed as an overnight treatment, this cream is designed to be the final layer you apply before bed so the formula can get to work while your skin is naturally in repair mode. Overnight treatments differ from regular moisturisers because they rely on ingredients that need a longer contact time and darkness to minimise irritation and maximise results.
Here the headline ingredient is retinol, a vitamin A derivative long used to encourage cell turnover, soften fine lines, fade uneven texture and generally nudge skin toward a smoother surface. Super Facialist pairs it with what the brand calls a Resync SleepSmart Complex, a blend intended to align with the skin’s circadian rhythm so those repair processes happen more efficiently during the night. A handful of emollients and humectants round out the formula to prevent the dryness often associated with retinol.
The brand positions the cream as suitable for all skin types, claiming gentle delivery of the active plus enough hydration to avoid flaking. In short, it is a multitasking night cream that tries to marry proven retinol benefits with a timing strategy meant to make the most of your natural overnight recovery window.
Did It Work?
In the name of hard-hitting skincare journalism I shelved my usual overnight serum for three days before starting this test, which felt very scientific given the lab coat was swapped for pyjamas. Fourteen nights felt like a fair window to judge if the Resync magic would show up so I committed to one pea-sized layer on clean skin at 10 p.m. sharp, followed by strictly no extra oils or balms.
First impressions were positive. The cream sank in quickly and left a satin finish rather than a greasy film. On nights one and two I noticed a faint tingle around my nose but no redness by morning. Hydration levels were good enough that I skipped my usual hyaluronic serum without feeling tight. From night three to seven my skin looked a little smoother when I caught the bathroom mirror under harsh lighting and the fine dehydration lines on my forehead seemed less obvious. Nothing earth-shattering yet a nice incremental improvement.
The second week told the fuller story. I woke up with a subtle glow most mornings but by day ten a few flaky patches appeared on the bridge of my nose and chin. A light enzyme mask fixed them though it suggested the retinol was finally kicking up a gear. Texture did feel more refined at this point and a lingering post-blemish mark on my cheek faded about 20 percent, still visible but less shouty. What I never experienced was the claimed wow-factor synchronised look; my skin looked rested yet not markedly more even or firm than with my regular mid-strength retinol.
So did it work? Yes in the sense that it delivered gentle overnight exfoliation, a bit of brightness and no irritation. It just did so at a steady jog rather than a sprint. Because I already own a retinol that performs at a similar speed while costing the same, I will finish this jar but won’t repurchase. For beginners seeking a mild entry point it could be a solid option, for seasoned retinol users it is pleasant not essential.
Retinol Overnight Resync Night Cream’s Main Ingredients Explained
At the heart of the formula sits retinol, a vitamin A derivative that encourages cell turnover so new skin comes to the surface faster. Super Facialist does not disclose the exact percentage, but judging by the mild tingle and delayed flaking it is likely mid-strength, making it approachable for first-timers and still useful for regular retinol users seeking maintenance rather than aggressive resurfacing. Because topical vitamin A is classed as a category C ingredient during pregnancy you should skip this cream unless your doctor gives you a clear green light.
The brand’s SleepSmart complex is more marketing catchphrase than INCI name, yet you can spot its likely members. Lespedeza capitata leaf extract has emerging data suggesting it helps regulate the skin’s circadian clock for a better overnight repair rhythm. Albizia julibrissin bark and lupinus albus seed extracts serve as antioxidants that mop up free radicals created during daytime UV exposure, while tocopherol (vitamin E) supports lipid integrity so the fresh cells produced by retinol stay strong.
Hydration and texture come from classic emollients and humectants. Glycerin and betaine bind water to keep skin bouncy, cetearyl alcohol and caprylic/capric triglyceride soften rough patches, and sweet almond plus sunflower seed oils provide a light occlusive seal. Cetearyl glucoside acts as a gentle plant-derived emulsifier so the cream feels silky not waxy. All of these are friendly to sensitive complexions as long as nut oils are tolerated.
A quick caveat for the breakout-prone: cetearyl alcohol, sweet almond oil and caprylic/capric triglyceride score medium on the comedogenic scale, meaning they can clog pores in skin that already produces plenty of sebum. If your T-zone erupts easily patch test first. Comedogenic simply describes an ingredient’s tendency to block pores which can lead to blackheads or pimples.
No animal-derived ingredients appear on the label so the formula looks vegan and vegetarian friendly, though the brand does not carry a formal certification. Fragrance sits mid-list with potential irritants such as limonene and citral, so anyone with fragrance sensitivities should tread carefully. Preservation relies on phenoxyethanol backed by sodium benzoate and ethylhexylglycerin which are widely accepted in leave-on skincare.
All in all the ingredient roster balances a respectable yet gentle dose of retinol with hydrators, antioxidants and a sprinkle of botanical tech. The blend should satisfy most skin types looking for overnight renewal provided pregnancy, fragrance reactivity or a high risk of clogged pores is not an issue.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
After two weeks of nightly use here is the straight-up balance sheet.
What Works Well:
- Silky texture absorbs fast and leaves a comfortable satin finish that layers easily over serums
- Retinol strength feels beginner friendly with minimal tingling yet still delivers smoother texture and a modest brightening boost
- Hydrating base means most skin types can skip an extra night moisturiser without waking up tight or flaky
- Vegan friendly formula with antioxidants and humectants that support overall skin resilience
What to Consider:
- Seasoned retinol users may find the results milder than their usual treatment
- Parfum sits mid-list so reactive or fragrance-averse skin may prefer a scent-free option
- Cetearyl alcohol and nourishing oils could feel too rich for very oily or acne-prone complexions
My Final Thoughts
After two weeks my complexion does look a touch smoother and the post-blemish souvenir on my cheek has faded enough that I need less concealer in harsh daylight. Still, Retinol Overnight Resync Night Cream never quite delivered the big cinematic reveal promised by its SleepSmart storyline. It plays out more like a reliable weeknight drama than a must-stream blockbuster. If you are new to retinol, prefer a gentle build and want a moisturiser that feels like silk rather than sticky pyjama glue, this jar is worth a spin. Those already on the advanced-strength vitamin A train may find the pace too leisurely and the finish a little rich for oily zones.
I would hand it a solid 7/10 stars – respectable, enjoyable, not life-altering. I would recommend it to a curious friend with normal to slightly dry skin who flinches at the thought of peeling but still wants to dip a toe into retinol territory. I would not push it on my oil-slicked pals or anyone chasing rapid resurfacing because they have a reunion in three weeks.
If you try it and decide the overnight rhythm still feels a bit off, a few alternatives I have used and loved might strike the right chord. Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is an excellent all-rounder that hydrates, firms and keeps irritation at bay for nearly every skin type without asking your wallet to do gymnastics. For something a little weightier the Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue by BIOSSANCE bathes skin in cushiony moisture while offering impressive redness control. Retinol fans wanting a clearer strength signpost could look at Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream by Medik8 which nudges cell turnover faster yet still keeps flakes minimal. If hydration is the main event Water Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE layers like a cool glass of water and leaves even tight morning skin feeling bouncy.
Before you slather on anything new remember the boring but vital housekeeping: patch test along the jawline for a couple of nights first, especially if fragrance or nut oils have annoyed you before. Sorry to sound like an over-protective parent. Keep in mind results rely on consistent use, so once nightly cream alone will not freeze time. Your skin will stay in a long-term relationship with whatever you give it, not a one-night stand.