Susanne Kaufmann may still be a quiet luxury secret outside die-hard skincare circles but insiders know the Austrian brand for its impeccably formulated botanicals and spa-level sensibility. I have long admired its minimalist apothecary vibe so when the Rejuvenating Night Cream landed on my desk I was eager to see if the promise of overnight renewal lived up to the brand’s polished reputation.
The name itself is unabashedly confident, almost as if it expects a standing ovation before the jar is even opened. Susanne Kaufmann describes this cream as a moisture-boosting, elasticity-enhancing treat that tackles fine lines while you sleep, powered by meadowfoam seed oil, ectoin, silk protein and a garden-party of plant extracts. In short, it claims to tuck your skin in with a blanket of hydration, fend off environmental stress and send cell turnover into high gear.
I committed to a full two-week test drive, using the cream nightly on face, neck and décolletage to gauge its real-world performance and decide whether it deserves a spot on your nightstand or just polite applause from afar.
Disclaimer: This review is not paid or sponsored. All observations are my own and drawn from personal use. As always, skincare results can vary depending on individual skin type, routine and life’s unpredictable variables.
What Is Rejuvenating Night Cream?
Rejuvenating Night Cream is Susanne Kaufmann’s entry in the overnight treatment category, a type of product designed to work while skin is at rest and more responsive to active ingredients. Overnight treatments are essentially richer moisturizers or masks that focus on repair and replenishment rather than daytime protection. They create a buffer against moisture loss that can happen as we sleep, helping the skin wake up less dehydrated and better able to handle the next day’s stressors.
This particular formula centers on a blend of plant oils like meadowfoam, rosehip and broccoli seed, backed by ectoin, silk protein and moth bean extract. Together they aim to raise moisture levels, soften fine lines and improve elasticity. A vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 complex is included to support cell renewal, while balloon vine extract is present to calm and guard against environmental aggressors that might still affect the skin overnight, such as indoor heating or residual pollution. In short, the cream positions itself as a multitasker that hydrates, fortifies and nudges the skin toward smoother texture by morning.
Did It Work?
In the name of rigorous skin science I benched my regular overnight treatment four days before starting this test, a move that felt very lab-coat worthy given it involved nothing more than hiding a jar at the back of a shelf. Fourteen nights struck me as a fair window to see meaningful change so I applied two pea-sized scoops after cleansing, pressing the cream into face, neck and the often forgotten collarbone zone.
The texture is plush without veering into heavy; it melts in after about a minute leaving a velvety finish rather than an oil slick. Mornings one through three delivered what I’d call surface satisfaction: skin felt cushioned, hydration lines around my mouth looked faintly blurred and there was a subtle satin sheen that made makeup glide on with less primer.
By the end of week one the cream’s moisture promise held steady. My cheeks stayed calm through two nights of central heating and the usual screen-time fatigue rings under my eyes looked marginally less deflated. Still, the deeper expression lines around my forehead and the stubborn crease between my brows showed little interest in retreating.
Week two told a similar story. The formula kept trans-epidermal water loss in check, my complexion appeared more even and there were no breakouts or congestion despite the richer consistency. Elasticity gains were present but modest; when I did the highly scientific pinch-and-release test my skin pinged back a hair quicker though not enough to make me abandon my trusted peptide serum.
So did it earn its confident name? Partly. Rejuvenating Night Cream is undeniably good at sealing in moisture and lending a rested glow. On fine lines and overall firmness the improvement was polite rather than transformative. I enjoyed the experience yet once the jar is empty I will likely applaud from the sidelines rather than slot it into my permanent rotation.
Main Ingredients Explained
At first glance the formula reads like a farmer’s market roll call. Meadowfoam seed oil is the hydrating workhorse; its long chain fatty acids sit on the skin to slow moisture loss without feeling greasy while its antioxidant profile helps ward off dullness. Ectoin, a molecule discovered in desert micro-organisms, is here for stress protection. It wraps skin cells in a water cocoon so they cope better with heat, pollution and that midnight blast from the radiator. Silk protein lends the cushiony feel you notice on application; it forms a lightweight film that makes skin feel instantly smoother. Moth bean extract is the most intriguing because it behaves a bit like retinol, nudging cell turnover and collagen production but without the stinging side effects common to vitamin A. Pair that with the vitamin E plus coenzyme Q10 complex and you have a decent antioxidant safety net.
The supporting cast is equally thoughtful. Squalane derived from olives mimics our natural sebum so it slips in easily to replenish lipids. Rosehip and broccoli seed oils deliver omega fatty acids that help reinforce the barrier while echium seed oil supplies rare stearidonic acid, a fatty acid prized for its calming benefits. Balloon vine and magnolia bark extracts bring anti inflammatory talent which explains why I saw no redness even on nights my skin was feeling temperamental.
Is it vegan? Unfortunately no. The presence of beeswax and silk protein makes it unsuitable for strict vegans though vegetarians who are comfortable with bee-derived ingredients may still use it. On the comedogenic front most of the oils rate low to medium so acne-prone users should patch test. A comedogenic ingredient is one that can clog pores leading to blackheads or breakouts so knowing your skin’s tolerance is key.
Pregnancy safety is a greyer area. While the cream does not contain prescription retinoids the retinol-like action of moth bean extract plus the inclusion of essential oil components means I would advise expectant or nursing mothers to consult a healthcare professional before adding it to a nightly routine.
Other quick notes: the formula is alcohol-denat heavy in the first third of the INCI list which may be a red flag for very dry or sensitive skin types although the ample oils offset potential dryness. Fragrance sits at the tail end but the scent is subtle herbal rather than perfume counter strong. Overall the ingredient deck is well balanced with a clear emphasis on barrier support and gentle renewal yet it is not the minimalist dream some purists might hope for.
What I Liked/Didn’t Like
After two weeks here is the straightforward rundown of highs and hiccups.
What Works Well:
- Soft, cushiony texture sinks in quickly leaving no greasy residue so side sleepers will not wake up with product on the pillow
- Noticeable overnight hydration boost keeps skin plump and calm even under aggressive indoor heating
- Thoughtful mix of antioxidants and barrier friendly oils provides gentle support without triggering congestion
What to Consider:
- Improvement in firmness and deeper lines is present but modest so those chasing dramatic anti-ageing results may want a stronger active
- Contains alcohol denat high on the list which may not suit very dry or easily sensitised skin
- Luxury pricing positions it closer to a treat than an everyday staple for many budgets
My Final Thoughts
Night creams are a peculiar breed: we slather them on at our most unglamorous hour then trust the bathroom mirror to deliver a verdict come dawn. After two weeks with Susanne Kaufmann’s Rejuvenating Night Cream I can confirm it delivers a reliable hydration cushion and a fresher morning complexion, yet it stops just short of the skin-reinventing fanfare its classical jar suggests. That is why it lands a solid 7/10 in my book, respectable but not the standing ovation the name hints at.
I have tangoed with more overnight treatments than I care to admit and I felt I gave this one every chance to wow me: clear schedule, controlled routine, even sacrificing my go-to peptide powerhouse for the duration. Its silky texture and no-grease dry-down are a pleasure, and I appreciate the measured nod to barrier support rather than a kitchen-sink approach of actives that can irritate. Still, the firming claim flirted more than it committed, and I would not bank on it alone to tackle etched-in lines.
Who will love it? Normal to slightly dry skins that crave comfort, appreciate botanical ingredients and do not flinch at luxury pricing. Who might pass? Anyone hoping for a dramatic collagen reboot, strict vegans, or those whose complexions bristle at a whiff of alcohol denat. As for recommending it to a friend, I would but with caveats: think of it as an elegant hydrating finale to an already robust anti-age routine rather than a single-handed age-defier.
If you want to cast a wider nocturnal net, a few tried-and-tested alternatives have impressed me recently. Nocturnal Revive Cream by Deascal is a great value all-rounder that somehow balances rich nourishment with a surprisingly featherlight finish, making it a crowd-pleaser across skin types. For a similar sensorial hug but with a dash more bounce I rate Pro-Collagen Night Cream by ELEMIS which leaves my cheeks feeling springy by morning. If barrier recovery is top priority Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue by BIOSSANCE is a minimalist gem that calms and cocoons without fragrance. And for those seeking a wallet-friendlier retinol kick Retinol24 Night Cream by Olay quietly does the work while sparing you the usual flake-fest. I have rotated through all of these and each earns a spot depending on mood and budget.
Before you dive in, a quick reality check: no cream, however opulent, can freeze time without consistent use and a supportive daytime routine. Patch test any newcomer on a discreet patch of skin first to dodge unwanted drama, apologies for sounding like an over-protective parent. Results will soften if you abandon ship so keep expectations grounded and your nightly ritual steady.