The Age Perfect collection of products from L’Oréal has a new shining star. Housed in a chic custom-etched glass bottle, L’Oréal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum ($33) is here to make your beauty sleep a whole lot more luxurious—and efficient.
“The concept of beauty sleep began as more of an anecdotal thing, but it truly does have a basis in science,” explains New York dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD. “During the day, our skin is so busy being in defense mode, but at night, it switches into repair mode and millions of cells repair themselves to undo the damage done during the day.”
The face of the launch is none other than the iconic Viola Davis, who happens to call this serum her current favorite. “We wanted someone as iconic as Viola to represent this launch,” says Dr. Rocio Rivera, vice president of scientific communications for L’Oréal Paris. “She’s someone who resonates with everyone in our audience, regardless of their skin types or tones.” Similarly, the brand notes the serum was formulated for everyone.
The potion might be named Midnight Serum, but experts suggest using it morning and night. To maximize this “reversal” stage while we sleep, Dr. Idriss says introducing antioxidants into your nighttime routine (Midnight Serum boasts a patented one) is especially important to reverse the damage created throughout the day. “Then, when you use antioxidants again in the morning, they will work to shield your skin and make your sunscreen work harder for you,” says the doctor. It’s a win-win.
Aside from the top-notch ingredients and serious attention to detail, it’s the clinical results that make the serum a winner. In an eight-week independent clinical study of 78 women aged 40–75, 100-percent of women had visibly improved skin. In a separate four-week independent consumer study of 106 women, 95-percent perceived healthier-looking skin, 95-percent saw softer skin, 93-percent noticed renewed and refreshed skin, and 90-percent reported more radiant skin.
Upon trying the serum, skin-care enthusiasts might notice it resembles another luxury night serum with similar claims, a likeness the brand embraces—and challenges. “At L’Oréal, we hold ourselves to the highest standard in terms of efficacy and science,” says Dr. Rivera, noting the brand is not afraid of testing their formulas against competitors. “We put Midnight Serum to the test against the number-one luxury night serum—we’re happy to report [the Midnight Serum] won.”
Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum is available exclusively at Walmart and walmart.com and will roll out at additional retailers in September.
