The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer Is the Internet’s Favorite Drugstore Night Cream

Photo credit: Olay
Photo credit: Olay


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Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Problem: My complexion has suffered since sheltering in place. It looks duller and paler than ever, and it desperately needs a pick-me-up.

Solution: The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer completely revitalized my skin with its gentle, high-quality formula at a fraction of the price of other luxury retinol creams.

We've been staying distanced and mostly indoors for just under a year now, and both my mental state and my skin are really feeling the effects of it. Staying inside for days at a time has done a number on my sleep schedule, my exercise routine (or now, lack thereof), and now, my complexion. Though tackling the first two issues will take some time, at least I can help my dull, cadaver-like skin with the right skincare products.

Enter: the Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer, a complete game changer in the world of retinol for its high-quality performance and budget-friendly price tag. This affordable option works just as well — if not better, TBH — as Olay's pricier competitors.

Photo credit: Olay
Photo credit: Olay

As many of you may know, most retinol creams and serums can come with a cost upwards of $100-plus. Why? We're not entirely sure, but one of the biggest (and most disappointing) reasons seems to come down to marketing. Well, Olay decided to wave a big middle finger to luxury price tags and bring affordable retinol to the table, and so far it's gotten over six thousand amazing reviews on Amazon, plus a stamp of approval from Glamour — and now I'm hooked, too.

Clearly, retinol — a vitamin A derivative known for tackling fine lines, wrinkles, acne, dark spots, and dullness — is the star ingredient of this night cream. But it is filled with a few other skincare goodies like:

  • Vitamin B-3: Also known as niacinamide, this skincare ingredient is known for evening the skin tone, plus its anti-aging, pore-refining, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties.

  • Amino acids: This skincare ingredient is praised for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. Olay uses amino-peptide bonds in their formula, which they claim help skin look smoother and firmer.

I also truly love the feel of this cream. Every night, I slather just a small dollop (less than the size of a quarter) of this rich, decadent cream all over my face and it feels like a kiss from a very dewy angel. I can feel it absorb into my pores, and thanks to its gentler retinoid complex and fragrance-free formula, it doesn't leave my skin feeling irritated or sensitive by morning.

I've now been using this night cream for two months every other night, and I can fully attest to its complexion-reviving properties. Since week two of testing out this nightly moisturizer, my skin not only looks brighter and overall healthier, but it actually feels better, too. There's a youthful bounce to my skin again, and it has a softer texture that's similar to Jell-O (in the best way possible, of course).

Closing Argument: If you're looking for a top-notch retinol cream that won't empty your pockets, this is it. It has the rich feel of a luxury cream without the same price tag, and it's gentle enough to help even my complexion without causing irritation or breakouts in the process.

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