Since the launch of Pestle & Mortar back in 2015, I’ve been a huge fan. Not only is it an Irish company but one that bloody knows it’s stuff when it comes to skincare. You can read some previous reviews I have of their Hydrate Moisturiser & Hyaluronic Serum. They don’t have a huge line of products promising the sun, moon and stars, but a 4 products ( hopefully more to come!!) that have had the been put through their paces well before going to market. With their sublime and minimal packaging, they not only look great on your bathroom shelf, but I can hand on heart say, I’ve never been disappointed.

Before Christmas, I was very kindly sent the Superstar Retinol Night Oil to try. At the time I was debating whether to buy the Sunday Riley Luna Night Oil, but upon reading the ingredients I was glad this Superstar (get it!!) product landed on my doorstep.

So what’s the deal with Retinol?

Retinol – (not to be confused with Retinoids such as Tretinoin which is prescription only) is used to help slow the effects of ageing that are shown in the skin, help to resurface and rejuvenate the skin, leaving skin that is more clear and youthful. It can also help control acne, keratosis pilaris and stimulate the production of new collagen. Good stuff eh?

Another good thing about Retinol is that it has an extremely small molecular structure. This tiny structure is what enables retinol to penetrate deep into skin and not just sit on top to do nothing. It goes straight to work smoothing wrinkles and improving skin texture – all while you sleep. I have to stress that you should only use this at night ( hence the product name ) and use an spf during the day – but sure you’re doing that alright, right?

Product Ingredients

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate represents a new generation of Retinoid. It is an aesthetic ester of all-trans retinoic acid that works similarly to prescriptive Tretinoin (Retin-A) but without the irritation – Pestle & Mortar website

I have found no irritation while using this product and I use every 2nd night. The beauty is also the skin-loving natural oils that they have packed into this tube. You have Grape Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil (also rich in Vitamin A), Black Currant Oil, Calendula Flower Oil & Jojoba Oil ( this gets to work on reducing scarring). It is also 100% free of animal-derived raw materials and organic solvent remnants, paraben-free, propylene glycol free, fragrance free and not tested on animals.

Packaging

As with this type of skincare, the less light and air that gets to it the better. This is housed in a black pump bottle which dispenses enough for 2 applications, so easy on the pump as just half is needed. The only downside is that you cannot see how much product you have left but we can live with that!

Fragrance:

Fragrance-free apart from a very slight organic oil-like smell if that make’s sense? But ever so slight.

How to use:

This is to be used at night, I tend to use this every other night and it fits in perfectly with the current skincare routine I have. Apply to cleansed skin and leave as it is or apply a moisturiser on top. As the oils included are so nourishing, I just use the oil on it’s own.

Price and where to buy

This is priced at €76 for 30ml which is up there with other products that are similar. By using every other night you will get longer out of the product but still see results. You can purchase directly from the Pestle & Mortar website here. They also have a list of stockists that are around the country.

Did I see a difference? Would I re-purchase?

You are not going to see results overnight, although you will feel your skin a lot softer from the first use. I have been using now for 10 weeks and skin clarity had vastly improved, acne scars have diminished and I get much fewer breakouts than before. Also remember that this is preventative skincare so it stopping any lines and wrinkles from getting any more pronounced and helping to reduce any sun damage. When this runs out I will definitely re-purchase – no doubt about that. You are getting what you pay for and it’s a great addition to your skincare especially if you are 30+.

IMPORTANT – This is NOT suitable for pregnant women due to Vitamin A. An SPF of 30+ is recommended during the day as your skin will be more sensitive to sun damage.

Have you tried this product? I’d love to know your thoughts!

This post is not sponsored and contained no affiliate links

PR sample was sent for consideration and did not guarantee a positive review