Retinol serums have become ubiquitous in skin care aisles and medicine cabinets thanks to their powerful anti-aging and acne-fighting properties. However, not all retinol products are created equal. In this in-depth review, I‘ll take a critical look at one of the most raved-about options on the market: Fig.1‘s Retinol Night Cream system.
Who is Fig.1?
Before diving into the specifics of the Retinol Night Cream, it‘s helpful to understand the background of Fig.1 as a company. Founded in 2021 by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Courtney Rubin and e-commerce expert Kimmy Scotti, Fig.1 aims to make effective, dermatologist-approved skin care accessible and affordable.
Dr. Rubin‘s expertise ensures the formulations take the latest skin science into account, while Scotti oversees streamlining production and distribution to keep costs low. Together, they‘ve created a line centered around gold-standard ingredients like retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, ceramides, and niacinamide.
Fig.1 sets themselves apart not only through competitive pricing, but also through a commitment to sustainability. Their refillable packaging means less plastic waste, while their vegan, cruelty-free formulas appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
The Science Behind Retinol
Before assessing whether the specific night cream lives up to its promises, it‘s important to understand precisely how retinol works and what it can (and can‘t) achieve.
Retinol is simply another name for Vitamin A. When applied to skin, it works in several ways:
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Increases Cell Turnover: Retinol speeds up the rate at which skin sheds dead cells and produces new ones. This makes retinol a powerful exfoliant. Faster cell turnover leads to fewer clogged pores, reduced discoloration, and smoother texture.
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Boosts Collagen Production: By increasing cell turnover in the deeper layers of skin, retinol boosts collagen synthesis. Collagen provides structure and suppleness; more collagen means firmer skin and reduced wrinkles.
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Clears Acne: In addition to physical exfoliation, retinol helps prevent pores from becoming clogged by regulating oil production. This makes it helpful for treating whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory acne.
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Evens Pigmentation: By accelerating cell turnover, retinol helps clear away discolored skin cells and reduces the production of melanin (pigment). Over time, this leads to a brighter, more even complexion.
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Minimizes Appearance of Pores: As mentioned, retinol decreases oil production and keeps pores clear. The boosted cell turnover also literally shrinks pore size by thickening the skin.
Of course, as a vitamin A derivative, retinol can cause irritation, redness, peeling, and increased sun sensitivity until skin adjusts. Most experts recommend starting slow with lower percentages around 0.025% to 0.05% and using only a few times per week.
Inside Fig.1‘s Retinol Night Cream
Fig.1‘s system centers around not just retinol, but also time-released encapsulated retinol. The retinol molecules are wrapped in tiny biodegradable capsules that slowly dissolve throughout the night, delivering a sustained 0.15-0.6% dose.
This encapsulation limits irritation and allows the retinol to penetrate deeper. Alongside the retinol, the night creams contain hydrators like shea butter, squalane, and algae extract to counteract dryness. Bioactive peptides provide additional anti-aging benefits.
Rather than jump right to a high dose, Fig.1 eases users into treatment via a "Retinol Level-Up System" with three tiers:
- Level 1: 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Cream
- Level 2: 0.3% Encapsulated Retinol Night Cream
- Level 3: 0.6% Encapsulated Retinol Night Cream
The idea is to use Level 1 for 4-6 weeks until skin builds tolerance, then graduate to Level 2 for another 4-6 weeks before moving to the highest potency in Level 3. This slow acclimation minimizes irritation so users ultimately work up to fairly high doses.
The Pros of Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream
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Dermatologist-Developed Formula: With a board-certified dermatologist at the helm of Fig.1, I feel confident the Retinol Night Cream contains efficacious percentages of retinol.
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Encapsulation Reduces Irritation: Multiple customer reviews mention successfully using higher retinol doses thanks to the time-released encapsulated delivery. This makes the cream accessible even to those with sensitive skin.
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Level-Up System Is Beginner-Friendly: The tiered levels pave an easy path even for first-time retinol users to work up to fairly potent 0.6% concentration. This maximizes anti-aging benefits without shocking skin.
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Gentle Yet Effective: Despite being gentle enough for nightly use, the Retinol Night Cream still yielded noticeable improvements in wrinkles, tone, texture, breakouts, and radiance according to reviews.
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Straightforward Ingredients List: With retinol as the headliner alongside skin-nourishing peptides and moisturizers, the formula doesn‘t contain any irritating fillers or fragrances.
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Refillable Packaging: The ability to purchase discounted ($5 savings) refills reduces waste while saving customers money. This sets Fig.1 apart as an eco-friendly brand.
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Vegan and Cruelty-Free: From formula to packaging, Fig.1 has worked to create a sustainably-minded product that aligns with many consumers‘ ethical preferences.
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Positive Reviews: With nearly perfect five-star ratings across the board, the Retinol Night Creams consistently impress customers with visible anti-aging results despite the gentle formulas.
The Cons of Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream
No product is perfect, so here are a few potential downsides to consider regarding Fig.1‘s system:
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Requires Consistent Use: Like most anti-agers, retinol works gradually and best with consistent use. Sporadic application likely won‘t yield the same benefits. Make sure you can commit to nightly usage.
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Higher Cost Upfront: While the refill pricing helps in the long run, the upfront $42-$62 price tags make Fig.1 more expensive than drugstore brands like RoC and Neutrogena. The boost in quality shows in the results, however.
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Must Scale Up Slowly: It takes discipline to stick with the lower levels for 4-6 weeks before graduating up. Jumping ahead too quickly can irritate skin. Prepare for the level-up process to take 3+ months.
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Can‘t Use With Certain Ingredients: Retinol doesn‘t play well with acids like glycolic or strong vitamic C. Doing so can cause excess irritation. You‘ll need to adjust your existing routine accordingly.
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Sun Sensitivity: Like any vitamin A product, retinol breaks down collagen faster with sun exposure. Be diligent about daily SPF use.
Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream vs. The Competition
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Vs. RoC Retinol Correxion Line: RoC‘s offerings contain pure retinol without encapsulation or added moisturizers. This makes their formulas stronger but harsher. RoC also doesn‘t allow for gradual acclimation like Fig.1. However, RoC costs nearly half as much.
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Vs. Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Line: Like RoC, Neutrogena uses pure retinol without barrier-strengthening ingredients to counter dryness. Percentages max out at 0.3% vs. Fig.1‘s 0.6% as well. But Neutrogena does offer a night cream, serum, and eye cream for comprehensive treatment.
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Vs. Differin Adapalene Gel: Adapalene is a retinoid, which means it delivers vitamin A more efficiently than OTC retinol. However, it‘s harsher and sold exclusively as an acne treatment rather than anti-ager. Pricewise, Differin is cheaper.
For those unwilling to get a prescription tretinoin cream, Fig.1 offers stronger OTC options compared to drugstore brands. Encapsulation makes higher percentages tolerable, earning it an advantage over Neutrogena and RoC. Complete my comparison chart for additional competing products.
| Product | Key Ingredients | % | Benefits | Drawbacks | Price |
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| Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream | Encapsulated Retinol | 0.15-0.6% | Less irritation; higher potency | Slower results; requires gradual increase | $42-62 |
| RoC Retinol Correxion | Pure Retinol | 0.3-1% | Faster results; lower cost | Much harsher; no encapsulation | $17-26 |
| Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair | Pure Retinol | 0.2-0.3% | Additional products available | Lower percentages; no encapsulation | $21-35 |
How To Use Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream
Since the Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream comes with different dosage levels, usage will vary depending on which tier you start with. Here are some best practices:
- Cleanse & Tone: Cleanse and tone skin to remove makeup, oil, and debris so the retinol can absorb optimally. Use gentle, non-drying cleansers.
- Apply Sparingly & Avoid Eyes/Lips: Dot a few drops of the cream across your face and gently smooth over skin. Avoid applying directly on delicate eye and lip areas.
- Wait For Absorption: Give the retinol a few minutes to completely absorb before applying additional products like moisturizer. There‘s no need to "lock it in."
- Use PM Only: Only apply your Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream before bed, not in the morning. Daytime application can degrade retinol and increase sun sensitivity.
- Start Slow: When moving up to a higher potency level, begin by applying every other evening. Monitor for increased irritation. If all goes well after 1-2 weeks, work up to nightly use.
- Use SPF AM: Retinol breaks down collagen faster with UV exposure, so diligent SPF use is crucial when using any retinoid. Aim for SPF 30 at minimum.
Note that with any retinol, irritation and flaking are normal in the first few weeks as skin adjusts. This is especially true when graduating up in potency. Combat dryness and sensitivity by mixing in your favorite hydrating serum or rich moisturizer with your PM retinol application. Over time, skin builds tolerance and these side effects resolve.
Product Reviews & Testimonials
Don‘t just take my word for it that Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream delivers impressive anti-aging results. Here‘s what real customers have experienced:
"I’m 50 now and have zero lines on my forehead thanks to using this product for the past year…I get asked all the time what face creams I use."*
"My skin texture has never been better and the discoloration on my cheeks has drastically faded after 2 months use. I‘m OBSESSED."*
"I’m 63 but people still think I’m in my 40’s! I 100% credit thisEncapsulated Retinol System for erasing my wrinkles."*
"I had deep wrinkles under my eyes in my late 30‘s until I started using the Level 3 cream nightly a year ago. Now they are SO much smoother and tighter."
*"My adult acne and scarring has cleared thanks to using Level 2 for 6 months. I still get the occasional breakout during my period but they heal so much faster with no marks left behind."
“After developing melasma in my early 50s, I didn’t have much hope of correcting those dark patches on my cheeks and forehead. The Level 3 cream has truly performed miracles. My skin looks SO radiant now just 6 months later."
The consistency of these rave reviews indicates that when used properly, Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream delivers transformative results. Many customers found their skin concerns—whether wrinkles, acne, dark spots, or dullness—improved permanently within just weeks and months of use.
Before & After Photos
In addition to overwhelmingly positive testimonials, Fig.1 also shares inspiring before and after photos from Retinol Night Cream users:
54-year-old after 12 weeks use of Level 3 cream
42-year-old after 24 weeks use of Level 1 & 2 creams
The visible reduction of wrinkles, crepiness, and hyperpigmentation seen in these images matches the enthusiastic written reviews. While individual results depend on factors like age and consistency of use, these pictures speak to the transformative potential of incorporating encapsulated retinol.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, I can confidently recommend Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream thanks to the thoughtfully formulated non-irritating encapsulated delivery system, sustainability initiatives like refill packaging, and—most importantly—the dramatic anti-aging results noted across countless satisfied customer reviews.
While the gradual level-up process requires some patience compared to harsher one-step formulas, the payoff of working up to fairly high 0.6% retinol potency yields lasting improvements to wrinkles, firmness, acne, radiance, and beyond. Plus the competitive pricing with refill options provides serious value for money.
So if you‘re considering adding an OTC retinol into your routine to target signs of aging or clogged pores, Fig.1‘s smart system truly bridges the gap between entry level beginner options and prescription strength. Prepare for compliments on your smooth, glowing, youthful-looking skin!
