Introduction
The Elements sits in that sweet spot where skincare devotees nod knowingly yet casual shoppers might still need a gentle nudge of recognition. For those who have followed the brand, its science led formulations and understated confidence are part of the charm; for newcomers, consider this a quick orientation to a label that rarely chases trends but quietly refines them.
Enter the appropriately titled Renewing Overnight Serum. The name all but promises a face that wakes up fresher than it went to bed, which is a bold claim even by industry standards. According to The Elements it is meant to amp up moisture, bolster elasticity and generally leave skin looking more supple thanks to a restorative duo of ceramides and squalane. Sensitive skin gets a nod too, with dermatological testing meant to ease any trepidation.
Armed with those promises I devoted a full two weeks to nightly applications, following the brand’s advice to pat in a few drops before my usual cream or in place of it. The goal was simple: decide whether this serum delivers enough visible renewal to justify its place on a crowded nightstand, and more importantly, your budget.
What is Renewing Overnight Serum?
Renewing Overnight Serum from The Elements is classified as an overnight treatment, a category designed for use during the skin’s natural repair window while you sleep. Unlike day serums that often prioritise antioxidants or sun protection companions, overnight treatments focus on moisture replenishment and barrier support when the skin is not battling UV exposure or environmental stressors.
This particular formula centres on ceramides and squalane, ingredients known to reinforce the lipid layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. By pairing those with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, the serum aims to draw water into the skin and then lock it there, encouraging a plumper feel by morning. The brand highlights its dermatological testing on sensitive skin, signalling a gentle approach that skips common irritants like added fragrance. In short, it is a hydration focused night step meant to supplement or temporarily replace your evening moisturiser rather than serve as an active heavy resurfacer.
Did it work?
In the interest of what I like to call “kitchen counter dermatology” I benched my usual overnight treatment for three nights before starting this test run, which felt very scientific indeed. From there it was a nightly routine of three drops pressed over damp skin, occasionally subbing out my moisturiser to see how the serum performed solo. Fourteen days felt like a fair window to judge claims of elasticity and moisture since any quicker turnaround would have stretched credibility.
The first morning I noticed the classic squalane payoff: a silkier texture and a soft sheen that hung around until midday. By night three my skin felt cushioned enough that I dared skip my cream entirely. No redness or stinging surfaced, a small victory for my reactive cheeks that usually complain at new additions. Still, the effect was more on the side of comfort than visible bounce; fine lines did not look softened so much as lightly blurred.
Around the one week mark hydration settled into a steady rhythm. Skin stayed calm through a cold snap that normally leaves me flaky, suggesting the ceramides were pitching in. I kept sniffing the mirror for that elusive “wow you look rested” moment but the transformation stayed subtle. My partner did comment that my forehead looked less taut and shiny which I will chalk up as progress.
By day fourteen results had largely plateaued. Texture felt smoother and there was a gentle plumpness at the apples of my cheeks yet elasticity, at least to the touch, remained unchanged. The serum certainly succeeded at boosting moisture and maintaining a happy barrier however it stopped short of delivering the suppleness promised in the marketing copy.
Will I slot it into my permanent rotation? Probably not. I will gladly use up the remainder on nights when my skin is crying out for an uncomplicated drink though, and I would recommend it for anyone prioritising comfort over dramatic change. In other words it works, just not quite hard enough to earn a long term lease in my cabinet.
Renewing overnight serum’s main ingredients explained
Ceramide NG and Ceramide NP anchor the formula, both biomimetic lipids that slot into the skin’s barrier like missing tiles on a roof. By replenishing what natural aging and over cleansing strip away, they help reduce transepidermal water loss so the complexion wakes up feeling less parched. Think of them as mortar that keeps moisture-capturing bricks in place rather than a flashy surface coat.
Squalane steps in next as the slip agent and secondary barrier booster. Derived here from plants, it is lightweight, highly stable and prized for mimicking skin’s own sebum without the greasy residue. Because its molecular structure is so familiar to our lipid layer, it absorbs quickly and leaves behind that silky cushion noted earlier. Bonus point for vegans and vegetarians: all listed ingredients are animal-free so the serum fits into cruelty-conscious routines without compromise.
Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate form the hydration duo. Glycerin, a time-tested humectant, draws water from both the environment and deeper skin layers, while low-molecular sodium hyaluronate dives further into the epidermis to plump from within. Pairing the two offers an immediate surface quench plus a slow-release reserve, which explains the sustained comfort during that unexpected cold snap.
Supporting players deserve a quick nod. Caprylic/capric triglyceride provides an emollient glide though it sits around a mid-range 2 on the comedogenic scale, meaning those highly prone to clogged pores may wish to patch test. (Comedogenic simply means an ingredient can block pores and potentially trigger breakouts.) Isoamyl laurate and the gentle emulsifier blend keep oil and water phases friendly while magnesium sulfate subtly thickens the texture. Honeysuckle flower extracts contribute a touch of antioxidant support plus act as part of the preservation system alongside phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin.
As for safety considerations, the serum skips added fragrance, essential oils and known retinoids which makes it generally pregnancy friendly, but phenoxyethanol levels in leave-on products are capped for expectant users in many regions. Out of an abundance of caution anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or navigating fertility treatments should still run the ingredient list past their healthcare provider before nightly use.
No glaring red flags jump out for sensitive skin and with a pH adjusted by citric acid it plays nicely under most moisturisers. If you are hunting for actives that blitz hyperpigmentation or deep wrinkles you will not find them here, yet as a straightforward barrier rebuild with minimal irritants the ingredient roster mostly delivers on the brand’s quiet promise of “comfort first.”
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the straight take after two weeks of nightly use.
What works well:
- Reliable overnight hydration that keeps dry patches at bay without leaving a heavy film
- Gentle, fragrance free formula that stayed calm on reactive skin and pairs smoothly with other products
- Vegan friendly ingredient list featuring ceramides and squalane for barrier support
What to consider:
- Results lean subtle so those chasing dramatic firmness or wrinkle reduction may be underwhelmed
- Contains a mid-range comedogenic emollient which may not suit very clog-prone complexions
- Priced on the premium side for a serum focused mainly on comfort and moisture
My final thoughts
Renewing Overnight Serum did most of what it promised, just a little quieter than I hoped. Two weeks of nightly use left my skin calmer, more hydrated and generally content yet not dramatically firmer or springier. Given my track record with overnight treatments that push the envelope on actives, I feel confident I gave this formula a fair trial. I would hand it to anyone whose primary concern is keeping dryness and irritation at bay, particularly sensitive types looking for a low drama night step. If your ambitions run to visible wrinkle softening or a big bounce factor you may end up wanting more. On balance I land at 7/10 and I would recommend it to a friend who values comfort over transformation, though I would attach the caveat that patience and realistic expectations are a must.
For readers weighing options, a few alternatives I have rotated through might help narrow the field. Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is an excellent all-rounder: one jar, no extra steps and it covers hydration, barrier support and gentle brightening at a price that feels refreshingly sensible. Pixi’s Overnight Glow Serum leans harder into gentle exfoliation so it suits dullness or uneven tone while still being kind to combination skin. If you prefer a sophisticated cocktail of lipids and retinoid derivatives, Marie Veronique’s Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion offers a refined glide and more noticeable firmness after a month of use, though it sits at the higher end of the budget scale.
Before wrapping up I have to slip into responsible editor mode and remind everyone to patch test any new product, including this one, on a discreet area first; sorry for sounding like an over-protective parent. Remember that the gains you see from an overnight treatment are tied to consistent use so expect to keep it in rotation if you want the comfort to stick around.