Goldfaden MD may not sit on every beauty lover’s vanity yet but dermatologists and ingredient nerds have been quietly praising the brand for its no-nonsense, science-forward formulas. Its latest overnight treatment answers to the lively name Wake Up Call, a title that practically dares tired skin to hit the snooze button. According to the brand, this creamy bedtime companion promises a fresher, firmer complexion by sunrise thanks to a cocktail of CoQ10, DMAE, Retinol and lush plant oils.
I spent two full weeks putting Wake Up Call through its paces, applying it nightly to face, neck and décolleté to see whether it delivers enough radiance to justify the price tag.
Disclaimer: this is not a paid or sponsored review. All opinions are entirely my own and results can differ based on individual skin type, concerns and routine.
What Is Wake Up Call?
Wake Up Call is an overnight treatment, a category of products designed to support the skin’s repair cycle while you sleep. Because they do not need to layer under SPF or makeup, overnight creams are often richer and carry a higher concentration of actives, giving them several uninterrupted hours to do their job.
This particular formula from Goldfaden MD pairs well studied ingredients such as retinol, DMAE and CoQ10 with hydrating oils like avocado and grapeseed. The goal is to soften fine lines, improve elasticity and restore moisture in one step, mainly targeting normal to dry skin types that wake up feeling tight or dull.
Used as the last step of a nighttime routine, it is meant to be applied to the face, neck and décolleté after cleansing. There are no complicated protocols or timers involved, you simply let the cream sit overnight and rinse or cleanse as usual in the morning.
Did It Work?
In the name of very serious skincare science I benched my trusty overnight treatment for a three-day washout period before starting Wake Up Call, because what is life without a little controlled experiment. Fourteen nights felt like a fair window to judge performance, so I slathered two pumps over face, neck and chest after cleansing and left everything else in my routine untouched.
Night one impressed me with texture alone: plush but not greasy, it melted in within a minute and never pilled under my silk pillowcase. I woke up less blotchy than usual yet not exactly glowing. By night four the hydration factor had become the star. My cheeks, which flirt with dryness, stayed comfortably cushioned through morning workouts, something my usual cream occasionally fails to manage. The formula’s light citrus scent disappeared quickly so even fragrance-sensitive noses should cope.
The retinol kick was gentler than I anticipated. I saw no flaking or redness, only a slight uptick in brightness after the first week. Fine lines around my mouth looked softer in certain lighting but deeper forehead creases remained unchanged. Firmness claims delivered a mixed bag: my jawline felt a touch tighter when I pinched the skin, yet selfies did not reveal a visible lift.
By day fourteen my verdict was clear. Wake Up Call excelled at overnight moisture and gave my complexion a subtle refreshed vibe, but it stopped short of the transformative result suggested by its ingredient list and price point. It worked, just not spectacularly. I will finish the jar with pleasure though I will likely return to my old standby rather than make permanent shelf space for this one.
Wake Up Call’s Main Ingredients Explained
The backbone of this formula is a triad of proven actives. CoQ10, a potent antioxidant naturally found in our cells, helps neutralize free radicals that accelerate aging while also supporting energy production for repair. DMAE is included for its reputation as a quick firming agent; it lightly tightens the surface of the skin and can lend a short term “snap back” feel. Retinol, present here in a mid strength amount, encourages faster cell turnover which gradually softens fine lines and refines tone though results typically need several weeks to fully reveal themselves.
Alpha Lipoic Acid joins the antioxidant party, working in both oil and water phases so it can mop up various reactive species other antioxidants miss. Vitamin E not only feeds the skin lipid relief but also stabilizes the more delicate actives. Hyaluronic Acid provides an immediate cushion by drawing water into the upper layers, which is why dryness prones will likely feel comfortable through to morning.
The cream leans on Avocado and Grapeseed Oils for emollience. Avocado Oil scores around a 3 on the comedogenic scale meaning those prone to clogged pores might see issues if they are already susceptible; Grapeseed sits closer to 1 so it is considered low risk. A comedogenic ingredient can block pores and potentially trigger breakouts in people who are acne prone or have very oily skin, though context and overall formulation matter.
Organic Red Tea extract (Rooibos) brings calming polyphenols which reduce signs of irritation. A whisper of Grapefruit Oil provides the light citrus aroma that vanishes after application. Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin form the preservative system, keeping the jar free of microbial party crashers without the use of parabens.
With only plant derived or lab synthesized inputs and no honey beeswax or other animal by products, Wake Up Call reads as vegan friendly and vegetarian safe, although the brand does not carry a formal certification. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should note the inclusion of retinol; dermatologists typically advise avoiding vitamin A derivatives during this period unless expressly cleared by a doctor.
Extra credit for what is absent: you will not find mineral oil, drying alcohols or silicones, which makes the texture feel breathable and easy to rinse off in the morning. The formula is lightly scented but free of added perfumes so most sensitive noses should stay at peace.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
After two weeks of nightly use here is the straightforward rundown.
What Works Well:
- Rich cushioned hydration that keeps skin comfortable until the alarm rings
- Velvety texture sinks in quickly so pillows stay clean and there is no greasy film
- Retinol concentration feels gentle yet still delivers a mild overnight brightness boost
- Antioxidant blend offers a tidy all-in-one step for those who dislike layering multiple serums
What to Consider:
- Price sits in the premium lane and may not justify the incremental benefits for every budget
- Jar packaging means frequent finger dipping which some hygiene-minded users might avoid
- Avocado oil could feel heavy for acne prone or very oily skin types
My Final Thoughts
Wake Up Call proved itself a solid bedside companion, just not the miracle worker its name implies. It excelled at cocooning my normal-to-dry skin in comfort, offered a polite dose of brightness and let me wake up looking slightly more rested than I felt. After two weeks of faithful use I am awarding it a respectable 7/10: good enough that I will finish every last scoop but not so spectacular that I am rushing to text my entire group chat about it. I would recommend it to friends who crave plush overnight moisture, have a tolerance for mid-strength retinol and prefer creams that feel luxurious yet non greasy. If you battle oiliness, are on a tight budget or want hard-hitting wrinkle reduction, this jar may leave you raising an eyebrow at the price tag.
For anyone curious yet not fully convinced, there are a few night-time overachievers I have rotated through that deserve a mention. Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is the dependable all-rounder I hand to both dry and combination friends; it covers hydration, barrier support and gentle resurfacing at a price point that feels downright friendly. Water Sleeping Mask by LANEIGE remains my favourite lightweight quencher for hot months, delivering bouncy skin without a trace of oil. Murad’s Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream packs a punchier vitamin A blend and has helped me chase away stubborn fine lines faster. When my face begs for a richer blanket in winter I reach for Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream by First Aid Beauty, which calms redness while sealing in moisture like a cozy scarf.
Before you slather anything new all over your face a quick patch test is worth the 24 hours, sorry to sound like an overprotective parent. Remember that any glow you gain will fade if you stop using the product, so consistency is key and so is realistic expectation setting.