Night Repair Serums

Today I have lined up a comparison of three very popular “Night Repair Serums”

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II (ANR), Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule, and Manyo Factory Bifida Ferment Complex. 

All three at various price points and thankfully the alternatives are inexpensive. This post will compare the products on basis of their claims, ingredients, texture, consistency, scent, packaging, price, and overall results and opinion.

In terms of Claims, the underlying commonality in their purpose is exactly the same, possibly with couple of other additional claims, anti aging addressing wrinkles, fine lines, elasticity. In addition, restore and rebuild skin’s elasticity and inject deep moisture.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair claims “reveal a smoother, more radiant, younger look. Wake up to more beautiful skin every day. Tested and proven: Advanced Night Repair dramatically reduces the look of all key signs of aging. It maximizes the power of skin’s natural nighttime renewal with our exclusive ChronoluxCB™ Technology“.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule claims “the complete science behind beautiful skin. Use the essential Activator Ampoule daily in your nighttime routine to get smooth and firm, beautiful skin. It provides your skin with extra nutrients and moisture lacking from your basic skincare. The Ampoule energizes, repairs, and restores elasticity. It also provides wrinkle repairing and whitening benefits“.

Manyo Factory Bifida Ferment Complex claims “this is a multifunctional and highly concentrated ampoule that delivers intensive care to the skin with its special ingredients. Bifida Ferment Complex, its key component, helps rebuild and restore damaged skin cells to make the skin stronger and less prone to damage. It also provides deep moisture to keep the skin moist and radiant. This is also a great solution for aging skin as it is also formulated to improve skin elasticity, therefore gradually eliminating sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines”.

Next up analyzing the ingredients, possibly the boring section for some but this is where you can see if you’re getting bang for your buck. Couple of notes on inci lists below, ingredients highlighted in bold indicates good stuff, red font indicates ingredient similarity between Estee Lauder ANR and Missha Time Revolution serums and finally blue font indicates similarity between Estee Lauder ANR and Manyo Factory serum.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Ingredients: Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-75, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Cola Acuminata (Kola) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Pantethine, Caffeine, Lectithin, Tripeptide-32, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium RNA, Bisabolol, Glycereth-26, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Oleth-3, Oleth-5, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Yeast Extract, Choleth-24, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceteth-24, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Hexylene Glycol, Carbonmer, Triethanolamine, Trisodium EDTA, BHT, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Red 4, Yellow 5.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule Ingredients: Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycereth-26, Juniperus Chinensis Xylem Extract, Sorbus Commixta Extract, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Betaine, Chamomilla Recutita (German Chamomile) Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Silica, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Ceteth-3, Ceteth-5, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Sea Water, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, Ethyl Hexanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Polysorbate 20. Cyclomethicone, Grifola Frondosa (Maitake) Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract, Ophioglossum Vulgatum Extract, Carbomer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Ferment Extract, Yeast Ferment Extract, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Acacia Arabica Stem Bark Extract, Adenosine, Dimethiconol, Xanthan Gum, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Octyldodecanol, Cyclomethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Dextrin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Manilkara Multinervis Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Maltodextrin Crosspolymer, Macadamia Seed Oil, Propylene Glycol, Retinol, Cholesterol, Beta-Sitosterol, Lecithin, Panthenol, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Ceteth-24, Choleth-24, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Ubiquinone, Cetyl Phosphate, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Biotin

 

Manyo Factory Bifida Ferment Complex Ingredients: Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Copper Tripeptide-1, Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glycerin, Physalis Alkekengi Fruit Extract, Caffeine, Hydrolyzed Algin, Red Ginseng Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Methyl Gluceth-20, Epigallocatechin Gallate.

Round up on ingredients: yes yes yes Missha list is incredibly long with a dash of vitamin c, peptides, retinol, fermented ingredients, silicones, and number of preservatives. Come along to Estee Lauder ANR contains 40 ingredients with an extra addition of colours too (although its colorless serum). Finally Manyo Factory appears too good to be true, and here I will bring up an interesting point. The ingredient disclosure requirement between Korea and USA are very different. I would highly highly highly recommend reading Fabserviced-B post on Korean vs. US Cosmetic ingredient list order differences. Please go ahead and read Tracy’s blog, especially if you’re a keen Korean beauty addict.

Next up Texture, Consistency and Scent of these serums:

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is a viscous consistency and absorbs seamlessly in skin. Easy to dispense with the dropper provided. Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule is light peachy brown colour runny gel which absorbs just as beautifully as ANR. In terms of smell, ANR and Missha smell similar however Missha is slightly milder. It is difficult to describe their scent without making it sound gross when in reality it’s quite pleasant. If I tried, I’d say, fermented citrus smell but not pungent at all.

And lastly, Manyo Factory Bifida Ferment Complex is extremely runny, border line like water but slightly denser than water liquid which feels marginally silicony (but don’t see it on inci lists). It is colorless and completely odorless.

Packaging, Pricing & Availability 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II (50ml – $92) packaged in a dark brown (see through) plastic bottle with dropper, available in three sizes. Easily available at Sephora, and department stores in USA. For rest of world, it is easily available online. The Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule (50ml – $49) packaged in an opaque bottle where the 40ml bottle comes with a pump whilst 50ml is packaged with a dropper. In USA it is available directly from Missha US website, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Urban Outfitters. Finally the Manyo Factory Bifida Ferment Complex (50ml – $16 – $32)  packaged in a dark brown glass bottle with dropper, identical shape, structure and sizing to Estee Lauder ANR bottle. This serum is available in USA through Memebox website.

Overall Results and Opinions

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II, I’ve always referred to this as ‘good skin in a bottle’. Next morning my skin is guaranteed to look calm, smooth, and basically ‘normal’ (such a relative term). Skin is surely plump, hydrated and bouncy. As for lines and wrinkles like I’ve said before, I’m not the right candidate to assess that. Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule is very similar to ANR in results and experience BUT….and yes there is a BUT, it particularly helps inflamed skin. All in all, I think Missha is wonderful inexpensive dupe for ANR. It doesn’t compromise on ingredients, packaging, efficacy and bang for your buck! 

On the other hand Manyo Factory Bifida Ferment Complex is serious hydration and plumpness. Lets say its a notch higher than ANR. Although with respect to its texture and feel, I’m not crazy about it. I tend to use it after an acid tone and then follow by denser consistency serum. Results are undeniably lovely, but the confused oily/silicony texture throws me a little. Sometimes mixing it with ANR or Missha also delivers wonderful results but no one needs to buy it separately solely for that purpose. ANR and Missha stand alone are quite capable of pulling their weight.

Have you tried either of these serums, what are your thoughts?

HHW.com

xx

Advertisement

Skin Saviours

Recently, my not so wise mind decided to change the brand of milk I consume, which resulted in mayhem on my skin. Congestion, breakout and my jaw was a complete bloomin mess. Once I narrowed down the cause, I had to cleanse my system and help my skin recover from some intense Salicylic Acid Peels, Azelaic Acid Serum, Effacer Duo Spot Treatment and Zinc mist. My skin needed rebuilding, nourishment, hydration, and even tone. These needs translated to consistently incorporating Just Herbs Indian Ginseng Gotukola Elixir (repair and rebuild skin barrier), and Kimsukadi Glow Oil (hydration and nourishment) and Manyo Factory Galactomyces – Niacin (even tone and help with scarring).

Gotukola or Indian Ginseng or Ashwagandha is a  fast-absorbing, light-textured skin potion which is a potent antioxidant and immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory properties. In synergy with other plant nutrients it helps boost collagen-synthesis, cell renewal & tissue repair thus diminishing fine lines, spots and signs of photo-aging. Cold pressed oils of Rosehips, Wheatgerm, Safflower and Moringa seeds are natural sources of Vitamins C, E and A while extracts of Indian Senna are a botanical alternative to Hyaluronic Acid (for fine-line filling and intense  moisturisation).

Long story short, I friggin LOVE this! Ok, on a serious note and review point: packaged in tiny 15ml bottle with a pump (earned brownie points with a pump),  this serum is light gel consistency, seamlessly absorbed, But smells very authentically ginseng. If you’ve ever smelled ginseng in its true form you know its majorly herbally and strong. Not for the faint hearted. Even though this serum’s smell could put off some people, for the sake of skin’s goodness I can tolerate any smell. From inci list perspective, nothing stands out negatively or comes with cautionary warning. Its all fabulous. My only gripe with this product is WHY oh WHY its only 15ml! Greedy, hungry people like me, need a lil more.

Moving onto its counter part responsible for hydrating, moisturizing the skin! The Kimsukadi     Glow Tail aka Glow Oil. Stands true to its name.

Classic oil packaging with a pipette, rich burnt orange colour oil enriched with some seriously unusual but wonderful ingredients and also attributed to saffron, turmeric. These ingredients are typical of Ayurvedic ingredients. Formulated without parabena and mineral oil (tick and tick).

My last step to the skincare routine, absorbs nicely. To me this smells wonderful (masked the indian ginseng elixir smell) however to many the herbal smell may be a major downer. The directions recommend massaging this in, however I prefer to pat it in, sometimes even spritzing hydrating toner on top of oil makes patting easier thereby forming a hydro lipid layer. The next morning skin was always well balanced, not oily, not dry, not tight, just perfectly glowing normal.

 

Galactomyces Niacin extra essence in 97% consists of yeast rice fungus Galactomyces extract, Niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate. The essence effectively restores the skin’s vitality, evens skin tone, fights pigmentation of various kinds, moisturizes, soothes irritated skin, minimizes pore size and prevents inflammation.

Ingredients: Fermented filtrate of yeasts fungus (Galactomyces), Niacinamide, fruit extract, Japanese pepper extract, Korean pine extract, usnei borodulino extract, witch hazel extract, sodium hyaluronate.

The consistency of water, texture feels somewhere in between oily and silicony (still not able to figure out) but absorbs nicely in the skin. I usually use this straight after my acid tone (in place of hydration tone). Followed by serum and oils/balms/creams. The bottle will last a while even if used daily and within days you would be able to see results. Perseverance and consistency is key with this product. For me this is a repurchase and will be expanding my horizons with Manyo Factory as a whole.

It has certainly helped with improving skin tone, texture and overall brightening. Stands true to its promise.

Below is my skincare routine for 5 evenings, and my skin looked spectacular. I rotated cleanser, acid exfoliation and hydrating toners however remained consistent with Manyo Factory Galactomyces, Just Herbs Gotukola Indian Ginseng Elixir and Just Herbs Kimsukadi Glow Oil.

To summarize this is my plan for stressed, irritated, agitated skin – Phase 1 includes major Salicylic peels to address the breakouts and Phase 2 includes nourishment, hydration and address uneven skin tone and texture. How do you manage such situations?

HHW.com

xx