If you’re into skin care, you likely know that alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids are two of the best ingredients for maintaining youthful-looking skin.
However, it can be challenging to find the right products with the right concentrations that don’t cause dryness, flaking, and other undesirable side effects.
OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS
| Rank | Brand | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrot & Stick | Review | |||||
| 2 | Formulyst | Review | |||||
| 3 | Skinceuticals | Review | |||||
| - | Alpharet Overnight Cream |
Skinbetter science has solved this problem with their AlphaRet Overnight Cream. It’s formulated with the brand’s patented AlphaRet technology, which successfully combines a retinoid and an AHA for effective and tolerable skin rejuvenation.
Related: Best Night Cream
But is AlphaRet Overnight Cream right for you? To help you decide, we’ll give you all the details on the key ingredients in this formula, as well as the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care.
We’ll also share some AlphaRet Overnight Cream reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.
Is Skinbetter Science Worth The Money?
A common question about this brand is if the products are worth the cost. Skinbetter Science products are expensive, for example, the InterFuse Intensive Treatment LINES 30 ml is $235.
In our opinion, Skinbetter Science products aren’t worth the money, simply because there are other skincare brands that offer similar products that are less expensive.
One brand is Carrot & Stick, a clean skincare brand that perfectly balances the gentle nurturing of plants with the powerful results of innovative science.
Carrot & Stick intro bundles deliver great value for money because you can bundle 3 full-size products worth up to $240 for $88.
What’s Inside AlphaRet Overnight Cream?
In order to determine how well AlphaRet Overnight Cream performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
The AlphaRet Overnight Cream includes two AHAs: glycolic acid and also lactic acid (the lactic acid is joined together with a retinoid to create the AlphaRet Technology).
AHAs exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the stratum corneum) in a process called corneocyte desquamation.
By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, brighter skin and a more even complexion.
Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate
Like we mentioned, the lactic acid in AlphaRet Overnight Cream is joined together with a retinoid, which you’ll find on the ingredient list as ‘ethyl lactyl retinoate’.
We already discussed the benefits you can expect from lactic acid, but what about the retinoid in this formula?
Retinoids are clinically proven to provide numerous benefits to the skin.
According to a publication in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging, retinoids can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, restore skin firmness, and shrink the appearance of enlarged pores. Pretty impressive, right?
Use retinoids at night. We recommend this retinoid oil serum. It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides the same benefits of retinol but without the irritation.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)
The form of vitamin C that’s used in AlphaRet Overnight Cream is called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable oil-soluble vitamin C derivative.
We’ve been hearing for years that Vitamin C is the best anti-aging ingredient. It’s a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
Vitamin C also helps fade dark spots, evens out skin tone, and increases radiance. As if that wasn’t enough, research suggests that when vitamin C is applied to the skin, it significantly reverses aging-related structural changes by influencing collagen and elastin synthesis.
Our favorite antioxidant serum is Carrot & Stick The Concentrate. It contains a multitude of plant and marine antioxidants to help defend against visible aging and free radical damage. Use it every morning.
Antioxidants
In addition to vitamin C, there’s a few more antioxidants in AlphaRet Overnight Cream, including vitamin E, ubiquinone, and superoxide dismutase.
The combiation of vitamins C and E is great because these ingredients are known as “network antioxidants”.
As a publication in the journal Dermatologic Therapy explains, “because vitamin C regenerates oxidized vitamin E, the combination in a cosmeceutical formulation is synergistic — particularly in UV protection.”
Next up is ubiquinone, also known as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). When applied to the skin, CoQ10 functions as an antioxidant that can counteract both short‐term environmental oxidative stress as well as age‐related CoQ10 deficits.
Lastly, superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant that catalyzes the dismutation of the superoxide free radical into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
Topical application of superoxide dismutase has been shown to protect cell membranes and also protect against fragmentation from free radical damage to type I collagen. Ultimately, this helps to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Niacinamide
The next key ingredient that you’ll find in AlphaRet Overnight Cream is niacinamide — the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin) — another ingredient that provides many benefits to the skin.
For instance, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling.
Niacinamide is a true multi-tasker that provides many benefits, and it’s great that AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains a decent amount of this ingredient.
Matrixyl 3000
Another way AlphaRet Overnight Cream tackles lines and wrinkles is with a powerful anti-aging peptide called Matrixyl 3000.
In case you aren’t familiar with this ingredient, it’s the trademarked peptide that’s made up of two matrikines (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7).
Matrikines are peptides that regulate cell activities through cell signaling. The two matrikines in Matrixyl 3000 work synergistically to restore and maintain the skin’s youthful appearance by signaling to cells to produce more collagen.
Hydrating Ingredients
Finally, we wanted to point out that the AlphaRet Overnight Cream is packed with hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, bisabolol, ceramide NP, squalane, shea butter, panthenol, allantoin, and more.
We won’t discuss these ingredients individually, just know that they each work in their own unique way to moisturize and soften skin while also supporting the skin barrier.
What’s Inside AlphaRet Overnight Cream?
In order to determine how well AlphaRet Overnight Cream performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
The AlphaRet Overnight Cream includes two AHAs: glycolic acid and also lactic acid (the lactic acid is joined together with a retinoid to create the AlphaRet Technology).
AHAs exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the stratum corneum) in a process called corneocyte desquamation.
By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, brighter skin and a more even complexion.
Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate
Like we mentioned, the lactic acid in AlphaRet Overnight Cream is joined together with a retinoid, which you’ll find on the ingredient list as ‘ethyl lactyl retinoate’.
We already discussed the benefits you can expect from lactic acid, but what about the retinoid in this formula?
Retinoids are clinically proven to provide numerous benefits to the skin.
According to a publication in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging, retinoids can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, restore skin firmness, and shrink the appearance of enlarged pores. Pretty impressive, right?
Use retinoids at night. We recommend this retinoid oil serum. It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides the same benefits of retinol but without the irritation.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)
The form of vitamin C that’s used in AlphaRet Overnight Cream is called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable oil-soluble vitamin C derivative.
We’ve been hearing for years that Vitamin C is the best anti-aging ingredient. It’s a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
Vitamin C also helps fade dark spots, evens out skin tone, and increases radiance. As if that wasn’t enough, research suggests that when vitamin C is applied to the skin, it significantly reverses aging-related structural changes by influencing collagen and elastin synthesis.
But our favorite antioxidant serum is Carrot & Stick The Concentrate. It contains a multitude of plant and marine antioxidants to help defend against visible aging and free radical damage. Use it every morning.
Antioxidants
In addition to vitamin C, there’s a few more antioxidants in AlphaRet Overnight Cream, including vitamin E, ubiquinone, and superoxide dismutase.
The combination of vitamins C and E is great because these ingredients are known as “network antioxidants”.
As a publication in the journal Dermatologic Therapy explains, “because vitamin C regenerates oxidized vitamin E, the combination in a cosmeceutical formulation is synergistic — particularly in UV protection.”
Next up is ubiquinone, also known as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). When applied to the skin, CoQ10 functions as an antioxidant that can counteract both short‐term environmental oxidative stress as well as age‐related CoQ10 deficits.
Lastly, superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant that catalyzes the dismutation of the superoxide free radical into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
Topical application of superoxide dismutase has been shown to protect cell membranes and also protect against fragmentation from free radical damage to type I collagen. Ultimately, this helps to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Niacinamide
The next key ingredient that you’ll find in AlphaRet Overnight Cream is niacinamide — the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin) — another ingredient that provides many benefits to the skin.
For instance, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling.
Niacinamide is a true multi-tasker that provides many benefits, and it’s great that AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains a decent amount of this ingredient.
Matrixyl 3000
Another way AlphaRet Overnight Cream tackles lines and wrinkles is with a powerful anti-aging peptide called Matrixyl 3000.
In case you aren’t familiar with this ingredient, it’s the trademarked peptide that’s made up of two matrikines (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7).
Matrikines are peptides that regulate cell activities through cell signaling. The two matrikines in Matrixyl 3000 work synergistically to restore and maintain the skin’s youthful appearance by signaling to cells to produce more collagen.
Hydrating Ingredients
Finally, we wanted to point out that the AlphaRet Overnight Cream is packed with hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, bisabolol, ceramide NP, squalane, shea butter, panthenol, allantoin, and more.
We won’t discuss these ingredients individually, just know that they each work in their own unique way to moisturize and soften skin while also supporting the skin barrier.
Is AlphaRet Overnight Cream Right For You?
Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not AlphaRet Overnight Cream is right for you.
- Key ingredients? Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Retinoid, Vitamin C, Antioxidants, Niacinamide, Matrixyl 3000
- Skin type? All
- Texture? Lightweight cream
- Fragrance? No
- Cruelty free? Yes
- Cost? $130 USD for 1 fl oz (30 mL)
Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate
Like we mentioned, the lactic acid in AlphaRet Overnight Cream is joined together with a retinoid, which you’ll find on the ingredient list as ‘ethyl lactyl retinoate’.
We already discussed the benefits you can expect from lactic acid, but what about the retinoid in this formula?
Retinoids are clinically proven to provide numerous benefits to the skin.
According to a publication in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging, retinoids can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, restore skin firmness, and shrink the appearance of enlarged pores. Pretty impressive, right?
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)
The form of vitamin C that’s used in AlphaRet Overnight Cream is called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable oil-soluble vitamin C derivative.
One way vitamin C provides benefits to the skin is by functioning as a potent antioxidant. Specifically, vitamin C donates electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as the superoxide ion and peroxide that are generated when the skin is exposed to UV light.
This is important because the harmful effects of ROS occur as direct chemical alterations of the cellular DNA, the cell membrane, and cellular proteins, including collagen. Damaged collagen manifests as signs of premature skin aging, including wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin.
Since vitamin C can protect collagen, the RoC Vitamin C Serum can help prevent signs of aging.
Vitamin C also stimulates the synthesis of new collagen in the skin. By increasing collagen levels, signs of aging will be diminished and the skin will appear more firm.
And just when you thought vitamin C couldn’t get any better, it can: vitamin C also has the ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve uneven skin tone. This is accomplished through inhibition of melanin synthesis.
Melanin is a pigment that gives our skin color, but too much of this pigment can lead to undesirable dark spots called hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C decreases melanin formation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that is required for melanin synthesis. The result is skin that appears brighter with less dark spots and a more even skin tone.
Antioxidants
In addition to vitamin C, there’s a few more antioxidants in AlphaRet Overnight Cream, including vitamin E, ubiquinone, and superoxide dismutase.
The combination of vitamins C and E is great because these ingredients are known as “network antioxidants”.
As a publication in the journal Dermatologic Therapy explains, “because vitamin C regenerates oxidized vitamin E, the combination in a cosmeceutical formulation is synergistic — particularly in UV protection.”
Next up is ubiquinone, also known as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). When applied to the skin, CoQ10 functions as an antioxidant that can counteract both short‐term environmental oxidative stress as well as age‐related CoQ10 deficits.
Lastly, superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant that catalyzes the dismutation of the superoxide free radical into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
Topical application of superoxide dismutase has been shown to protect cell membranes and also protect against fragmentation from free radical damage to type I collagen. Ultimately, this helps to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Niacinamide
The next key ingredient that you’ll find in AlphaRet Overnight Cream is niacinamide — the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin) — another ingredient that provides many benefits to the skin.
For instance, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling.
Niacinamide is a true multi-tasker that provides many benefits, and it’s great that AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains a decent amount of this ingredient.
Matrixyl 3000
Another way AlphaRet Overnight Cream tackles lines and wrinkles is with a powerful anti-aging called Matrixyl 3000.
In case you aren’t familiar with this ingredient, it’s the trademarked peptide that’s made up of two matrikines (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7).
Matrikines are peptides that regulate cell activities through cell signaling. The two matrikines in Matrixyl 3000 work synergistically to restore and maintain the skin’s youthful appearance by signaling to cells to produce more collagen.
Hydrating Ingredients
Finally, we wanted to point out that the AlphaRet Overnight Cream is packed with hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, bisabolol, ceramide NP, squalane, shea butter, panthenol, allantoin, and more.
We won’t discuss these ingredients individually, just know that they each work in their own unique way to moisturize and soften skin while also supporting the skin barrier.
How to Use AlphaRet Overnight Cream?
Use AlphaRet Overnight Cream as part of your evening skincare regimen. Apply a thin layer to a clean, dry face. Can be applied all over the face, avoiding the eye area.
Where to Buy AlphaRet Overnight Cream?
AlphaRet Overnight Cream and other skinbetter science products can only be purchased by the company’s authorized physicians. Once a customer has purchased products from an authorized physician, they can register to buy additional products directly from the website.
How Much is AlphaRet Overnight Cream?
AlphaRet Overnight Cream costs $130 USD for 1 fl oz (30 mL).
What is The skinbetter science Return Policy?
The skinbetter science return policy states, “We strive to exceed the expectations of our customers with our products and dedicated service. We stand behind our products and are committed to providing customers with the most effective and highest quality professional skin care products on the market. If the product you purchased at skinbetter.com did not meet your expectations, please feel free to contact our Account Concierge Team.”
Is skinbetter science Cruelty Free?
Yes, skinbetter science is cruelty free.
AlphaRet Overnight Cream Reviews
Unfortunately, skinbetter science does not display AlphaRet Overnight Cream Reviews on their website, so we went over to Influenster.com to evaluate customer reviews.
After 21 reviews, AlphaRet Overnight Cream has earned an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
There are many 5-star reviews for AlphaRet Overnight Cream from customers who love that it reduces signs of aging, improves skin texture, and rejuvenates skin — all without causing irritation or dryness.
For example, one review says, “I’ve been using this product now for a few months and have noticed a huge difference in the appearance and texture of my skin. Other retinol products have caused me to peel and this does not. Works like a dream. Even though it’s a bit pricey, I’ve found that a little goes a very long way! So glad I was recommended to try this!”
And another 5-star review says, “There are not enough good things to say about this product. I originally got samples and got hooked and bought the larger bottle. Expensive but absolutely worth it. Repeat user and love how my skin feels rejuvenated when I wake up.”
There are a few 4-star AlphaRet Overnight Cream reviews, and no 1-, 2-, or 3-star reviews.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that AlphaRet Overnight Cream is a very well-formulated anti-aging moisturizer that combines some of the best skincare ingredients into one formula.
Pros
- Formula contains a very good blend of anti-aging ingredients (AHAs, retinoid, niacinamide, vitamin C, antioxidants, Matrixyl 3000, and hydrating ingredients)
- Formula is fragrance free
- Many positive AlphaRet Overnight Cream reviews
- skinbetter science is cruelty free
Cons
- The brand does not display AlphaRet Overnight Cream reviews on their website
What Are Some Alternatives to AlphaRet Overnight Cream?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin. We recommend this cream.
References:
Clin Interv Aging. 2006 Dec; 1(4): 327–348.
September 2007 Dermatologic Therapy 20(5):314-21
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
Nicole Garrard-Black Original review: Oct 11, 2023.
I just started using but everything I’ve researched on this product says it takes at least 8-12 weeks I believe to see results. I always do much research on a product before using.