Delfanti Milano Retinol Night Cream Review

Delfanti Milano Retinol Night Cream is a £31.65 retinol product reviewed by Giorgia Guazzarotti on Beautiful With Brains. The cream is positioned as a gentle option for those new to retinol, aiming to improve skin texture and fine lines without severe irritation.

Key Ingredients and Efficacy

The formula's active is retinol, a vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid in skin. According to the review, retinol can soften fine lines, smooth texture, and fade dark spots by boosting collagen and speeding cell turnover. The source cites a clinical study where 0.1% retinol reduced crow's-feet fine lines by 44% and mottled pigmentation by 84% after one year. Another trial found 0.4% retinol improved fine wrinkles after 24 weeks. The review notes that higher retinol concentrations yield faster results but also increase the risk of dryness, peeling, and redness.

Shea butter is included for moisturization to counteract retinol's potential drying effects. The review references a clinical study showing a moisturizer with shea butter improved hydration and skin-barrier function, though it states anti-inflammatory claims for topical shea butter are not firmly proven in human skin.

Ascorbyl palmitate, a form of vitamin C, is present as an antioxidant. The review states most robust vitamin C research focuses on L-ascorbic acid and cites a human skin study where applying ascorbyl palmitate did not increase skin vitamin C levels. It concludes the ingredient may offer some antioxidant protection but, given its low concentration in this cream, should not be expected to deliver significant brightening or spot-fading benefits. For more on ingredient interactions, see our fixtures page.

Texture, Scent, and Packaging

The cream has a smooth, moisturizing texture that spreads easily without feeling overly thick or greasy. It is fragranced with a noticeable scent, which the reviewer considers a drawback as fragrance can irritate sensitive skin and is deemed unnecessary alongside potentially irritating retinol.

The product comes in an opaque jar. The review criticizes this packaging, stating retinol degrades when exposed to air and light, and repeated opening of a jar accelerates this breakdown. It advises keeping the lid tightly closed and away from sunlight.

Usage and Performance

The reviewer recommends using the cream at night after cleansing, starting with application two nights a week for retinol beginners and gradually increasing frequency if no irritation occurs. Daily sunscreen use is emphasized to protect retinol-treated skin.

In performance, Delfanti Milano Retinol Night Cream is described as a slow-and-steady product. It leaves skin feeling softer, smoother, and well-moisturized. The reviewer expects small improvements in texture, fine lines, and uneven tone with continued use rather than a dramatic transformation. It is deemed unsuitable for tackling deeper wrinkles or stubborn pigmentation quickly. For data on how different skin types respond to actives, check our stats.

Suitability and Value

The cream is recommended for those new to retinol who want a gentle, moisturizing introduction. It is not recommended for users already tolerating stronger retinoids or those seeking aggressive results for firmness, wrinkles, or dark spots.

The reviewer's final assessment is that the cream is worth it for beginners wanting to try retinol without severe side effects, managing expectations that it will not magically erase wrinkles or spots. The full ingredient list includes water, glycerin, shea butter, grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, rice bran oil, retinol, ascorbyl palmitate, and fragrance.