Introduction
G.M. Collin may not be the loudest voice on the skincare shelf but those who know the Canadian spa staple often swear by its science led formulas and quietly luxe textures. The brand prides itself on pairing derm level actives with a pampering feel, a combination that has earned it a loyal following in treatment rooms and vanity cabinets alike.
Enter Retinol Advanced+ Night Cream, a mouthful of a name that reads like a late night infomercial yet promises some very daytime credible results. According to G.M. Collin, this velvety treatment is designed to sweep away dull surface cells, soften lines, even tone and leave skin looking newly radiant thanks to a slow release retinol system plus a supporting cast of hydrators and peptides. They advise easing in every other night then building to nightly use, warning that a little warmth and redness can pop up in the early days.
I committed to the full on trial: two weeks of consistent nighttime use, following the brand’s guidelines to a tee, to see if those lofty claims translate to visible change and if the cream is worth the investment.
What is Retinol Advanced+ Night Cream?
Retinol Advanced+ Night Cream is an overnight treatment, meaning it is meant to be applied before bed so active ingredients can work while the skin is naturally in repair mode. Overnight treatments are useful because they avoid daytime light exposure that can degrade retinol and they allow richer textures to sit undisturbed for hours, potentially boosting results.
This particular formula pairs a time release retinol system with hydrating agents, peptides and soothing sugars to tackle multiple signs of aging in one step. The slow drip of retinol aims to remove dead surface cells, soften fine lines and even tone while supporting ingredients help maintain moisture and calm potential irritation. Used as directed every evening after cleansing and misting, it is positioned as a single step meant to improve texture, radiance and the look of wrinkles over time.
Did it work?
In the name of science I benched my regular overnight treatment for a few days before starting Retinol Advanced+ Night Cream, feeling very much like a lab coat was the only thing missing. Fourteen days struck me as a fair window to spot meaningful changes so I stuck to the brand’s every other night approach for week one then ramped up to nightly use for week two.
Night one came with the foretold heat. About ten minutes after application my cheeks felt toasty and looked faintly pink, as if I had taken a brisk walk in January. The sensation faded within the hour and never crossed into stinging territory, which was reassuring. By the third application the warmth dialed down considerably and never returned in force.
Texture wise the cream melted in easily so I did not feel the need to layer a separate moisturizer on top. I woke up that first morning with skin that felt slightly tighter along my jaw yet not dry. Over the first week I noticed a subtle but consistent glow creeping in, the kind where you do a double take in bathroom lighting and wonder if you slept more than you actually did.
The second week is when exfoliation effects became obvious. My forehead looked smoother and the little rough patches around my chin that always sabotage foundation application were largely gone. Fine lines at the corners of my eyes, however, stayed put like stubborn party guests who had missed the hint. Hyperpigmentation also showed little enthusiasm for vacating the premises though the overall tone seemed a touch more even.
I experienced minor flaking on day ten, nothing that a gentle cleanse and a hydrating serum could not handle. No new breakouts cropped up and my combination skin remained balanced which I credit to the built in hydrators.
So did it make good on its promises? Partially. It definitely refined texture and delivered a fresh rested sheen but two weeks was not enough for dramatic wrinkle smoothing or major tone correction. Given the price and the plethora of retinol options already crowding my bathroom shelf I will likely finish the tube then move on, yet I will remember that pleasant overnight glow fondly.
Retinol Advanced+ Night Cream’s main ingredients explained
The star of the formula is a time release retinol system that delivers vitamin A gradually through the night so you get steady cell turnover with less irritation than a single big hit. Retinol is one of the few over the counter ingredients that truly nudges collagen production and fades fine lines but it is also the reason dermatologists tell pregnant people to sit this one out unless their doctor gives an all clear.
Glycine soya extract, essentially soybean oil, shows up for its blend of fatty acids that keep the new skin revealed by retinol from feeling parched. It scores moderately on comedogenic charts, meaning it can clog pores for some acne prone users, so anyone who battles regular breakouts might want to patch test first. Comedogenic simply means an ingredient can get trapped in pores and potentially spark blemishes.
Artemia extract is a type of plankton said to boost cellular energy. While the science is still emerging it often appears in formulas aimed at reinforcing the skin’s daytime defenses which makes sense with a retinol that leaves skin a bit more vulnerable.
Niacinamide, beloved for its versatility, strengthens the moisture barrier, calms redness and can gently brighten discoloration over time. It is a nice counterpoint to the more assertive retinol and helps keep that early tingling from tipping into true irritation.
Matrixyl 3000, a duo of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, encourages the skin to behave as if it were younger by signaling for extra collagen and elastin. Peptides are not the fastest movers on the anti-aging front but they add a supportive layer of firmness and can smooth the look of fine lines with continued use.
Finally biosaccharide gum-1, a plant derived sugar, forms a lightweight film that traps moisture and delivers a soothing feel. It is especially helpful on nights when the retinol warmth flares up because it tempers dryness without heaviness.
None of the listed ingredients are animal derived on paper so the formula appears vegetarian friendly though the brand does not market it as certified vegan and vitamin A sources can vary so strict vegans may want to confirm directly. Fragrance is not disclosed in the hero list but G.M. Collin products typically contain a light scent so those with sensitivities should scan the full INCI before committing.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks these are the standout highs and a few watch outs.
What works well:
- Skin felt smoother and looked subtly brighter after the first week
- Gradual release retinol kept irritation low once the skin adjusted
- Rich yet absorbent texture doubled as overnight moisture so no extra cream was needed
What to consider:
- Fine lines and dark spots changed little in the trial period
- Early warmth and light peeling may not suit very reactive skin
- Cost is on the premium end for a retinol night cream
My final thoughts
After a fortnight of diligent use I land on a solid 7/10 for Retinol Advanced+ Night Cream. It does a fine job of smoothing rough spots and lending that healthy morning sheen without tipping my combination skin into chaos. If your primary concern is texture or you are a retinol newcomer who wants a gentler entry point this could be a comfortable fit. Those chasing rapid wrinkle ironing or ambitious pigment correction might find the progress too measured to justify the premium price, particularly if they already use a prescription or stronger over the counter retinoid.
I have rotated through more overnight treatments than I care to admit and would happily recommend this one to friends who are willing to be patient, enjoy a plush night cream feel and do not mind a little first week flush. For budget conscious shoppers or anyone craving a faster acting formula there are alternatives that might scratch the same itch more decisively.
One standout is Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal, an excellent all-rounder that folds exfoliation, hydration and barrier support into a single step and manages to suit every skin type I have tried it on, all at a very reasonable price. Other worthy substitutes I have had good results with include Superstar Retinol Night Oil by Pestle & Mortar for those who prefer an oil format with a punchier retinoid blend, Intensive Reshaping Night Cream by Avène which pairs retinaldehyde with soothing thermal water for sensitive skins and Overnight Glow Serum by Pixi, a lightweight option that combines retinol with gentle acids for visible brightness in record time.
Before you rush to night-time experimentation a quick reality check: any retinol needs consistent, long-term use to keep results ticking along and discontinuing will let time reclaim its territory. Please patch test first (yes, I know I sound like a helicopter parent) and remember that transient redness or flaking is normal in the early phase but persistent irritation is your cue to dial back or consult a professional. Good skin is a marathon not a sprint, so pace yourself accordingly.