Equate Beauty Retinol Night Cream

A sophisticated, fragrance-free night moisturizer combining Retinol, Niacinamide, and Peptides in a silky, silicone-based formula to target signs of aging.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This moisturizer contains a powerhouse combination of evidence-based actives. It features Retinol (Vitamin A), the gold standard for anti-aging, alongside Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for barrier repair and brightening. Furthermore, it includes Peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) which aid in collagen production and skin firmness. The base of Glycerin and Dimethicone ensures excellent hydration and a smooth, silky texture without feeling heavy.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The product appears to be fragrance-free, which is excellent for minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and sensitivity. However, Retinol is a potent active that can cause irritation, redness, and peeling (retinization) in new users or those with sensitive skin, and is generally contraindicated during pregnancy. The preservatives used (Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin) are standard and considered safe.

Final Rating: 4.4

This is an expertly formulated anti-aging moisturizer that effectively bridges the gap between hydration and treatment. The inclusion of the ‘holy trinity’ of skincare—Retinoids, Niacinamide, and Peptides—makes it highly effective for addressing fine lines, texture, and tone. The lack of fragrance and the inclusion of soothing silicones make it a top-tier choice for a night cream.

Verdict

This formulation represents a powerhouse approach to anti-aging skincare, effectively combining the three most scientifically validated ingredient categories into a single product. The star of the show is undeniably the Retinol, which is supported by Retinyl Palmitate. This dual-retinoid approach helps accelerate skin cell turnover, addressing concerns such as fine lines, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation. To mitigate the potential irritation often associated with Vitamin A, the formula includes Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). This is a strategic addition that not only brightens the complexion but also strengthens the skin barrier and soothes inflammation, allowing users to reap the benefits of retinol with fewer side effects. Complementing these actives is the inclusion of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. These messenger peptides work to signal collagen production, adding a firming and structural repair element to the moisturizer that goes beyond simple surface hydration. The texture of this product is heavily defined by its high concentration of Dimethicone and Dimethicone Crosspolymer. These silicones provide a distinctively silky, velvety slip that allows the product to glide effortlessly over the skin. This base creates an occlusive seal that locks in moisture provided by Glycerin and Butylene Glycol, while also offering an immediate cosmetic benefit by blurring the appearance of pores and wrinkles. The addition of Tapioca Starch ensures the finish remains satin or matte rather than greasy. While the formula is impressive, it is potent. The heavy silicone base, while non-comedogenic for most, may feel too substantial or “slippery” for those who prefer water-based gels. Furthermore, because it contains Retinol, it requires a commitment to daily sunscreen use and may cause an initial period of purging or dryness for new users. However, the complete absence of fragrance is a significant positive, making it a well-tolerated option for those with reactive skin looking to introduce serious actives into their routine.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 NIACINAMIDE / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Brightening, barrier repair, anti-inflammatory

Concerns: Can cause flushing in sensitive individuals at high concentrations

Notes: Vitamin B3; helps reduce pore size and improve skin texture.

🧪 RETINOL / 视黄醇

Purpose: Anti-aging, cell turnover stimulation

Concerns: Can cause irritation, redness, and peeling (retinization); photosensitizing

Notes: Potent form of Vitamin A; one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients.

🧪 RETINYL PALMITATE / 视黄醇棕榈酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant, skin conditioning

Concerns: Low concern; generally milder than pure retinol

Notes: A weaker derivative of Vitamin A; often used for stability and mild antioxidant effects.

🧪 PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1 / 棕榈酰三肽-1

Purpose: Anti-aging, skin repairing

Concerns: None notable

Notes: Part of the peptide complex known to stimulate collagen production.

🧪 PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7 / 棕榈酰四肽-7

Purpose: Soothing, anti-inflammatory

Concerns: None notable

Notes: Often used in conjunction with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Matrixyl 3000) to reduce inflammation and skin damage.

📁 Humectants & Moisturizers / 保湿剂与吸湿剂

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant, hydration

Concerns: None

Notes: Classic, highly effective skin-identical ingredient that draws moisture to the skin.

🧪 BUTYLENE GLYCOL / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant, solvent

Concerns: Very low risk of irritation

Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate the skin and improves texture.

📁 Emollients & Silicones / 润肤剂与硅油

🧪 DIMETHICONE / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient, occlusive

Concerns: None notable for health; some prefer silicone-free

Notes: Provides a silky feel and forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.

🧪 DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER / 聚二甲基硅氧烷交联聚合物

Purpose: Texture enhancer, suspending agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a smooth, velvety feel.

🧪 DIMETHICONOL / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Often mixed with other silicones to fill in fine lines and provide slip.

🧪 TRICAPRYLIN / 甘油三辛酸酯

Purpose: Emollient, solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used as a carrier for Retinol to improve stability.

🧪 C13-14 ISOPARAFFIN / C13-14 异链烷烃

Purpose: Emollient, solvent

Concerns: Petroleum derived; safe cosmetic grade

Notes: Part of a thickener/emulsifier blend (often with Polyacrylamide and Laureth-7).

📁 Texture Enhancers & Thickeners / 质地改良剂与增稠剂

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener, gel-forming agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates the gel-like consistency of the moisturizer.

🧪 TAPIOCA STARCH / 木薯淀粉

Purpose: Absorbent, texture enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural starch giving a matte finish or lighter feel.

🧪 POLYACRYLAMIDE / 聚丙烯酰胺

Purpose: Film former, thickener

Concerns: Trace contamination of acrylamide is monitored strictly

Notes: Helps hold ingredients on the skin.

🧪 LAURETH-7 / 月桂醇聚醚-7

Purpose: Emulsifier, surfactant

Concerns: None notable in this formulation

Notes: Helps mix oil and water phases.

🧪 CELLULOSE ACETATE BUTYRATE / 醋酸丁酸纤维素

Purpose: Film former, binding agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Likely part of a delivery system for the Retinol.

🧪 ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30 烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Thickener, stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Versatile thickener commonly found in lotions.

🧪 POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE / 聚甲基硅倍半氧烷

Purpose: Texture enhancer, opacifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Spherical powder that provides a ball-bearing effect for smooth application.

🧪 POLYSORBATE 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier, solubilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps dissolve ingredients into the base.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & Others / 防腐剂、稳定剂及其他

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Safe at cosmetic concentrations; some rare sensitivity

Notes: Standard preservative to prevent bacterial growth.

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster, skin conditioner

Concerns: None

Notes: Often paired with Phenoxyethanol.

🧪 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE / 季戊四醇四(双-叔丁基羟基氢化肉桂酸)酯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects the formula and ingredients (like Retinol) from degradation.

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds metal ions to prevent spoilage.

🧪 AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL / 氨甲基丙醇

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Ensures the product stays at a skin-friendly pH.

🧪 TITANIUM DIOXIDE / 二氧化钛

Purpose: Opacifier, Colorant

Concerns: None

Notes: Likely used to give the cream a white, opaque appearance.

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.